“From the start of this thoughtful novel it’s clear that the girl who 14-year-old Presley Moran wants to be is her vivacious, daring and alcoholic aunt, Betsi.” Publishers Weekly
Description
As a lowly freshman, Presley Moran walks high school corridors paved with the stuff of family legend. Her cousin, Barry, a senior heartthrob and brainy varsity letterman, insists that looking good on paper is the key to success. But Presley’s young aunt Betsi, a former homecoming queen, has her own ideas about good looks and how to use them.
“Can you keep a secret?” Betsi asks Presley, who, at age fourteen, is eager to enter the adult world of beauty, attraction, and romance. But as Presley is about to discover, some secrets should never be revealed. Will the illicit thrill of being a trusted confidante be worth the consequences of guilt by association?
Propelled by the crash of falling idols, The Girl I Wanted to Be is a timeless and true portrait of passion, loss, and hard-won wisdom.
Praise
“From the start of this thoughtful novel it’s clear that the girl who 14-year-old Presley Moran wants to be is her vivacious, daring and alcoholic aunt, Betsi.” Publishers Weekly
“Gavin reads slowly, allowing the story to unfold from the young protagonist’s perspective...McCandless emphasizes the crises in a teenager’s life as she learns about life, friends, and family loyalty.” AudioFile
“McCandless’ coming-of-age-story is recounted by seasoned narrator Gavin, who breathes life into the characters, especially teenage protagonist Presley Moran…Through changes in vocal intensity and tone, Gavin displays appropriate emotion, enabling listeners to feel the characters’ sorrow and joy.” Booklist
“Presley’s voice comes through with a believable mixture of confusion, innocence, and growing wisdom.” Library Journal
Details
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Release Day | Dec 31, 2005 |
| Release Date | January 1, 2006 |
| Release Date Machine | 1136073600 |
| Imprint | Blackstone Publishing |
| Provider | Blackstone Publishing |
| Categories | Children's Books, Children 8-12 |
Author Bio
Sarah Grace McCandless, a graduate of Michigan State, resides in Washington D.C. where she is a freelance writer contributing to several publications including Venus, Mudsugar, and Daily Candy.
Narrator Bio
Marguerite Gavin is a seasoned theater veteran, a five-time nominee for the prestigious Audie Award, and the winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones and Publishers Weekly awards. She has been an actor, director, and audiobook narrator for her entire professional career. With over four hundred titles to her credit, her narration spans nearly every genre, from nonfiction to mystery, science fiction, fantasy, romance, and children’s fiction. AudioFile magazine says, “Marguerite Gavin…has a sonorous voice, rich and full of emotion.”
Overview
As a lowly freshman, Presley Moran walks high school corridors paved with the stuff of family legend. Her cousin, Barry, a senior heartthrob and brainy varsity letterman, insists that looking good on paper is the key to success. But Presley’s young aunt Betsi, a former homecoming queen, has her own ideas about good looks and how to use them.
“Can you keep a secret?” Betsi asks Presley, who, at age fourteen, is eager to enter the adult world of beauty, attraction, and romance. But as Presley is about to discover, some secrets should never be revealed. Will the illicit thrill of being a trusted confidante be worth the consequences of guilt by association?
Propelled by the crash of falling idols, The Girl I Wanted to Be is a timeless and true portrait of passion, loss, and hard-won wisdom.
Reviews
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