In my opinion, this is a coming of age story. Colie had gone through a physical metamorphosis, but she was still that friendless, overweight girl. After shedding the weight, she wrapped herself in black, pierced her lip, and immersed herself in angry music. In Colby, she grew and changed. Again, the changes began as physical changes. Isobel changed her hair, plucked her brows, put some makeup on Colie, but over time, her mindset began to change as well. She was able to see the girl who had been there the whole time, and Colie finally was inspired enough to come to the surface.
This girl who stared back at me, with her lip ring and her half smile - not quite earned- knew she wasn't like the others. She knew a secret. And she'd clicked her heels three times to find her way home.
As always, Dessen gave us a story that was balanced with drama, fun, romance, and lots and lots of friendship. There were some great characters too. From the very abrasive, but totally loving Isobel to the wacky but well adjusted Aunt Mira, I found all the characters contributed an important part in Colie's story. The friendship between Morgan and Isobel was very honest. It wasn't perfect, but the friendship was still very strong. Isobel was brutal in her honesty, and although it hurt her to reveal certain truths to Morgan, she did it out of love. They also accepted each other, imperfections and all, and were there for each other with just the right CD and an impromptu dance party.
I've always known who I am. I might not work perfectly, or be like them, but that's okay. I know I work in my own way.
As with most contemporaries, it just has that sort of fade out ending. There is no peek at what the future holds for any of the characters, and that always makes me nuts. I guess I have come to accept this from contemporaries, and I will continue to write my own endings in my head.
Another solid Dessen book with lots of great lessons about loving and believing in yourself.