Review: Girl Unmoored by Jennifer Gooch Hummer

Girl Unmoored by Jennifer Gooch Hummer
Published: January 1st, 2012 (Fiction Studio)
Pages: 328
Source: for review
Series: NA
Buy the book: Bookdepository
Rating: ★★★☆☆


Apron Bramhall has come unmoored. Fortunately, she's about to be saved by Jesus. Not that Jesus-the actor who plays him in Jesus Christ Superstar. Apron is desperate to avoid the look-alike Mike, who's suddenly everywhere, until she's stuck in church with him one day. Then something happens-Apron's broken teenage heart blinks on for the first time since she's been adrift. Mike and his boyfriend, Chad, offer her a summer job in their flower store, and Apron's world seems to calm. But when she uncovers Chad's secret, stormy seas return. Apron starts to see things the adults around her fail to-like what love really means, and who is paying too much for it. Apron has come unmoored, but now she'll need to take the helm if she's to get herself and those she loves to safe harbor.

Don't let yourself be fooled by the fluffy looking cover: this book takes place in the eighties and deals with immigration problems, selfharming, unwanted pregnancy, homosexuality and AIDS. Hidden behind the cutesy cover is a story that deals with some serious issues and does it well.

Our main character, Apron, is a teenage girl who is wise beyond her years, especially when you consider the setting of this book. She's a lovely character, open and honest, caring and with her heart in the right place. When she realises how the people around her react to Mike and Chad's relationship, she is baffled. How can they be disgusted by their relationship, especially when it's made entirely out of love? She's not afraid to speak her mind and I thought that was admirable.

I quite enjoyed reading this book. It managed to surprise me with some touching scenes and I particularly enjoyed the balance of deep and thoughtful things combined with the humour at the right moments. It wasn't a heavy read, but it deals with some heavy subjects. I applaud the author for being able to do that.

Even though I enjoyed it, I wasn't exactly wow'ed, hence the 3 star rating. I will say that I do want to check out more of Hummer's work, seeing that this book pleasantly surprised me.