Reviewer: Amy Lignor
Title: Not-So-Simple Life - Diary of a Teenage Girl Series – Maya No. 1
Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: Multomah Books
ISBN-13: 9781601421173
Release Date: July 2008
Genre/Sub-genre: Young Adult
Year/Setting: Present, Beverly Hills
Overall Rating: 4.0
Sexual Content Rating: None
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content Rating: None/Mild
Violent Content Rating: None
Diary of a Teenage Girl Series Website:
www.doatg.com
Dear Readers:
This series, as most of you know, has been going on for some time now. And as far as I’m concerned, it should go on for some time more. This series has reached out to young women and, I believe, has not only helped them through some serious issues, but Ms. Carlson’s wonderful, familiar characters have also become "friends" for the teenagers who have gotten involved with the lives of Caitlin O’Connor, Chloe Miller, Kim Peterson…and, now, Maya Stark.
Maya is a fifteen-year-old whose home many of us cannot identify with. She lives in the lap of luxury in Beverly Hills. She lives around fame, fortune and even has an eighties pop-icon for a father. He’s been off the scene for a while, but now he’s making a big comeback. Good for his career, lousy for Maya.
You see, her parents are divorced. Her mother goes ‘berserk’ more times than not and exits the house dramatically for days at a time. When she comes dragging home, Maya must put up with the severe downsides of an addict. To support the addiction, her mother has literally depleted all the funds, leaving hardly a dime for Maya to buy groceries with.
The strong young girl decides to embark on a career. She’s home-schooling so she has plenty of time. Walking into a boutique off Rodeo Drive, Maya lands the job and begins selling high-designer fashions. Now, Maya is an earth-girl. In fact, one of the best parts of this book comes at the end of each chapter where Maya offers her ‘Green Tip for the Day.’ It’s nice to see a teenager talking about saving the environment and perhaps the popularity of these books will help others jump on board.
I believe that any young adult will love being a part of Maya’s life. Ms. Carlson has definitely created another character that will appeal to teenage girls.
Until Next Time...Amy
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