This thought provoking novel handles an adolescent’s struggle with loosing a father with grace and finesse. Scattered throughout the book are bits of advice and gems of wisdom that Melissa remembers from her father and that are contained in his journal. Melissa decides that since her father’s journal means so much to her that she will begin writing one of her own. As she learns to deal with the pain of loss she shares family stories that mean a lot to her. Along the way Melissa finds herself dealing with the tests that all adolescents find themselves facing. She learns to follow her true heart and find joy in an unexpected place. This is an excellent read that a lot of teens will relate to.
Review by Michelle Asay, Granger High School Media Center
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 10-12
The Life of Glass
Written by Jillian Cantor
HarperTeen
352 pages
Release Date: March 1, 2010
ISBN: 9780061686511 (hardcover)
