Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Miranda has always been in the shadow of her best friend, Syd. Syd's the one with the plan to get out of New Mexico by doing every extracurricular activity and being number one in their class; Miranda just goes along with it. Neither girl's mother is on the scene, but Miranda has a supportive, involved father, whereas Syd's dad is a mean drunk. Syd's on course for Stanford when, suddenly, she takes off. No messages, no texts, no nothing, and just one note-for the guy who broke Miranda's heart by standing her up when they were juniors. Grieving and confused, Miranda eventually learns more about her crush, about Syd and her many secrets, and, perhaps most importantly, about herself and her capabilities. In her debut novel, Fountain not only delivers a plot twist that resonates in the #MeToo era but also a sweet and convincing love story complete with a charmingly dorky heroine in half-Latina Miranda-who, in Syd's absence, ultimately finds out who she can be when she's not following in someone's wake. Ages 13-18. (July) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 10 Up-Miranda Black admires her best friend Syd, who always had her life mapped out, ever since their mothers left them; but when Syd disappears, leaving behind only cryptic messages, Miranda discovers how little she knew about her friend. Following Syd's directive not to look for her, Miranda attempts to resume her life, including reconciling with the boy she loves, and learns that moving on requires finding Syd and getting some answers. Readers looking for a mystery would be better served by John Green's Paper Towns or Meg Rosoff's Picture Me Gone. While the mystery of Syd's disappearance unfolds predictably, what really shines in this novel is Miranda's attempts at getting her life back after Syd's disappearance. There are plenty of sweet moments between Miranda and Nick as they progress from former enemies to lovers. Miranda's relationship with her father is also well crafted and a sharp contrast to her relationship with Syd, which may make readers wonder why Miranda was drawn to her best friend in the first place. VERDICT An additional purchase for libraries seeking contemporary romance with a bit of a twist.-Mimi Powell, Library Systems and Services, Kissimmee, FL © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Bold Syd and sensitive Miranda are best friends who share an unfortunate bond: each has suffered the trauma of losing her mother. Mirandas mom left the family and Las Cruces to join a cult years ago. Miranda still feels her absence--especially the loss of her connection to her Mexican heritage--but finds solace in close relationships with Syd and her supportive NASA-scientist father. Syds alcoholic mom skipped town right before Syds freshman year of high school, leading Syd to embark on a relentless mission to get the heck out of Las Cruces; shes aiming for a full ride to Stanford. This contemporary drama begins in the girls senior year, when Syd, too, disappears, leaving Miranda to navigate yet another loss. Miranda is an appealing, perceptive narrator whose cavalcade of often-conflicting emotions is deftly portrayed. Her worry, confusion, and loneliness eventually give way to anger when she learns Syd has been keeping important secrets. At the same time, stepping out from under her domineering friends shadow allows Miranda to pursue an earnest first love with a longtime crush, and she begins to do the hard work of determining and pursuing her own desires. This thoughtful coming-of-age tale tenderly explores the great pain and power of forging ones own identity as well as the inescapable influence of loved ones, even those who choose to be lost. jessica tackett macdonald (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
In the process of searching for important people who have disappeared from her life, Miranda finds herself.Ever since her Latina mother left to join a religious cult, biracial Miranda has been raised by her caring white dad who works for NASA in New Mexico. Coincidentally, her best friend, Sydney, had an alcoholic mother who also abandoned the family. Even though Syd hasn't had it as easy as Mir, she's always been supportive of her, especially after the "Nick Allison Event," when Mir's date bailed on prom night. But then Syd vanishes too, leaving only a note: "I'm gone. I'm not missing." As Mir starts to piece together clues about Syd in this debut novel, the light thriller turns to romance la John Green, with impeccable realism and spot-on dialogue. Mir also learns the truth about her longtime crush, Nick, and what really happened on prom night. Mir's an endearing teen who chants the Gettysburg Address in place of religious mantras in times of stress, feels safe asking her dad tough questions about first love, and takes control of her body (and pleasure) when it comes to sex. While Mir and Nick's relationship builds, the author never lets the mystery falter as she keeps readers guessing about Syd's secrets and whereabouts. The ending is really a beginning as Mir finds both support and inner resilience.A beautiful new voice to watch. (Fiction. 14-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
