The Face on the Milk Carton

by Caroline B. Coonet

[Whitney @ First Impressions Reviews]

Like all books or movies that have a tragic ending the story begins with Janie Johnson having a perfect life, loving friends and family, good grades and a crush on the boy next door. All around Janie comes off as the average "girl next door". But her world comes crashing down when lactose intolerant Janie sees a missing girl on a milk carton, she is convinced that the three year old is her and becomes obsessed with the prospect.

I have recently gotten into watching the ID Chanel (Investigation Discovery) Almost all the shows focus on A) the Manson family or B) missing persons and women in peril. The latter fits the subject matter of The Face on the Milk Carton. It is a fast pace thriller filled with a plot that grows into one thinking -- this is screwed up!

Despite having read this several times before and after reaching the age of 13 and was therefore fully aware of Janie's outcome, but that still didn't stop me from reading at the speed of lightning and hoping for a happy ending. Of course that just can't be, even though both respected parties seem loving and well rounded, the girl on the milk carton is thrust between a rock and a hard place. I think part of the reason why I like this book so much is because it was one of my favorites growing up but is also extremely original. Besides, what adolescent hasn't wished they were adopted at one point or another?