Oh Jackie

By Maudy Benz

Book Overview

North Wagoner is fifteen and full of fire. This summer on Glass Lake with her cousin is going to be her best -- full of fast cars, cute boys, and maybe even a first kiss. But she is soon beset by doubts when her cousin's romantic adventures bring dire consequences, and Aunt Joan swallows pills that keep her oddly distant. Worst of all, her uncle cajoles and coerces her to do things she doesn't want to do. If this is womanhood, she fears she may never acquire the grace and assurance -- a degree of dignity worthy of Jackie herself -- that it will take to handle the pain...With a unique blend of lyricism, starkness, and period nostalgia, Oh, Jackie reminds us of the magic and charm of Camelot, the popular songs on the radio, the excitement of first love and fast cars, and the fear behind boundaries that should never be crossed.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425170446
• ISBN13: 9780425170441
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: Berkley
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.8" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

good story

I read this book because I took a class with the teacher at Duke last fall. Like other examples of fiction I have read recently, the storyline had a unique way of keeping me interested and intrigued, and in such a different way from non-fiction, biographies, or other genres. Fiction has a way of keeping me captivated when reading. I also like the work of Reynolds Price and I find some similarities between these two writers whom both work at the same school.

A beautiful book.

OH, JACKIE by Maudy Benz is one of the most intelligent and touching books I've read in a long time. Using references to the Camelot presidency and popular songs of the time North's story is told in a convincing and frank manner. The reader can feel her confusion and dilemma when faced with her uncle's roaming hands. And we can all feel her pain when she tries to open up to her parents and they just shut her out. I highly recommend this book.

This was the best book I've ever read!

OH, JACKIE is a beautifully written book about a young girl coming of age and having all these different things to deal with. While she has issues with her body and issues with boys, she also has to deal with her uncle's unwelcome advances and her parents' lack of interest in her life. I laughed, I cried, and I certainly got angry. Maudy Benz's debut novel comes to life with her poetic writing style and her vivid characters. I also love the cover of the paperback--the colors are simply beautiful and the picture of Jackie O (to whom the girl writes letters asking for advice) is perfect. A wonderful book in every way possible. I can't wait for Benz's next book.

Wonderful! I laughed; I cried; I read it again!

This book brings back so many memories. Read it on a rainy afternoon, and you'll be swept away to another time and place.