Love, Jacaranda

by Alex Flinn

[Sam@WLABB]

Jacaranda loved to sing, and she was doing just that, as she bagged groceries at Publix. Little did she know, a recording of her would go viral and attract the attention of a generous anonymous benefactor, who wanted to send her to the Midwestern Arts Academy. Jacaranda knew this was the chance of lifetime, but wondered if she had the talent to make the cut at MAA.

Jacaranda had not had it easy. Her mother was an addict who would bring dangerous men into their lives. After her mother was imprisoned for attempted murder, while protecting them, Jacaranda was bounced around several foster homes. No, Jacaranda had not had it easy, but she kept her head up and held on her dreams. I had so much space in my heart for this sweet and charming young woman, and I was happy to cheer her on as she embarked on her next chapter at the school of the arts.

This was an epistolary novel, and therefore, I spent a whole lot of time in Jacaranda's head which I rather enjoyed. Most of her letters related to her daily ins and outs, while she shared her past and her emotions in others. It was wonderful watching her life change from letter to letter. She made friends, learned new skills, and even fell in love. And each detail was conveyed via a voice that was clear and honest.

It broke my heart that Jacaranda felt like she had to hide pieces of herself. She worried that coming from an economically disadvantaged background and having a mother who was incarcerated would bring the wrong kind of attention. She struggled with the guilt of not being herself, with not being honest, throughout the book, and it hampered her friendships. Yet, it didn't dampen my love for her, because Jacaranda was so sweet and endearing, and I just wanted everything to go her way.

The story may be a bit predictable, but I think people will delight in meeting Jacaranda and watching her dreams come true. I know I did, and I was also really proud of all the ways she grew. Overall, I appreciated this story about a girl, who when given an opportunity, she grabbed on with two hands and worked and worked to get closer to achieving her dreams.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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