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When She Was Good
When She Was Good
Author: Norma Fox Mazer
Em spent the first fourteen years of her life suffering her father's alcoholic rages and her mothr's silent depression, and the next three trapped with her abusive older sister Pamela. Now Pamela is dead and Em is alone at last. But will she be able to survive?
ISBN-13: 9780590135061
ISBN-10: 0590135066
Publication Date: 9/1997
Pages: 228
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating:
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 3

4.5 stars, based on 3 ratings
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed When She Was Good on + 105 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book in just a few hours. The main character (Em) just grabbed me and I couldn't help but keep reading. The book is written in a rather spontaneous way, bouncing between Em's inner thoughts, dialogue, and narration. Though a bit hard to follow, at times, this writing style allows the reader to really feel for Em.

This book is depressing and sad right from the first page. I found myself actually hoping the main character would give up. It was almost painful to read about Em's endless string of dissapointments. Day after day Em goes through the same routine. Where she finds hope is a mystery, but she finds it and she holds onto it.

What I like about this book is the 'realness' of it. Em is a believeable and pitiful character. Her situations are as likely as the sun rising. This is the story of someone who never had anything and never really finds anything. Again, I was almost hoping to read about how Em gave up or was killed or killed herself or was somehow taken out of her miserable life. But Em just keeps on living, her reasons known only to her.

I would certainly recommend this book, it is gripping. But be warned that this is not a happy story, not at the beginning and not at the end.
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NJSurferGirl avatar reviewed When She Was Good on
This was a really interesting read for anyone looking for something a little offbeat. It was written in a stream of consciousness style and I breezed right through it.


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