Unraveling

By Lynn Biederman and Michelle Baldini

Book Overview

THE SMART THING Is to Prepare for the Unexpected.So reads the fortune cookie fortune that Amanda receives at the beginning of her family's vacation to Florida. Amanda knows all about preparing for the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385735405
• ISBN13: 9780385735407
• Release Date: July 2008
• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.9" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Perfect for book clubs

Amanda Himmelfarb is one of the most endearing characters I've read about in a long time. There were times I wanted to jump into the novel and grab her and stop her, but she is so real and funny and truthful (as are the authors). My daughter is leaving for college next week and I so wish I'd had this book several months ago, when I was trying to figure out a way to talk to her about her life in high school. Very highly recommended!

A book for our times

If you ever wanted to know what your 15 year old daughter is thinking and feeling, this book is a MUST read! Written with a witty, modern voice, Unraveling is more than just a story of teenage angst and a mother/daughter relationship, it is a story of love, friendship, and forgiveness. A wonderful read for all ages.

Unfold, untangle, unwind and be engaged

Women, girls, mothers, daughters will laugh, weep and find themselves in the vivid characters in Unraveling by Michele Baldini and Lynn Biederman. The main character, Amanda Himmelfarb and her mother fondly known as The Captain, capture the love-hate relationship of teenage mothers and daughters. Amanda's desire to be popular and her immaturity lead her to poor choices in her quest to gain status among her peers. Believing that having a boyfriend will make her popular, she agrees to loose her virginity in exchange for a date to a dance. The Captain's love for Amanda and fear that Amanda will repeat the poor decisions the Captain made as a teenager create an atmosphere of distrust. The struggle between these two characters and the love and respect that they gain for each other is heartwarming. This is a must read for teenage girls beginning high school. Mothers, read this book, discuss it with your daughter, and build the bond of trust that The Captain and Amanda eventually secure. This short volume is an honest look at issues facing young women today. I am anxious to read the next book by these two authors.

Unraveling

This book was so much more than I expected. The depth of honesty, and the voice of Amanda will stay with you long after you read the book. Perfect for young adults, perfect for mothers and daughters, and perfect to read and confront your own choices in life while remembering every heart-breaking mishap of the teenage years. After reading the book, I found myself sitting with a bunch of women friends reliving the horrors of the high school "A" list, first loves and moments too embarassing too mention. I can't wait for another book from these two talented authors.

Funny and heartbreaking at the same time - for "girls" of all ages!

For Amanda Himmelfarb, everything's a battle - her frizzy hair, a humiliating nickname, her goody-two-shoes disease of a sister ("Malady"), and most of all, her demanding and critical mother, "The Captain". Desperate for love and acceptance, Amanda sets her sights on Rick Hayes, not coincidentally, the boyfriend of her arch-nemesis Courtney Flakey ("Himmelfart's" original architect). But Rick's affection is far too conditional: he's willing to be Amanda's date to the high school dance, although only in exchange for her virginity, a price so high that its aftermath causes Amanda to completely unravel, and forces her to confront the truth about her mother--and herself. This compelling, and original novel is laugh out-loud funny, but no one will close it without shedding a tear or two. NOT just for young adults, by any means--this book is highly recommended for girls of all ages who've ever had a mother, a daughter, or both.