Book Review: Diary of a Teenage Girl

I have written four Christian young adult novels.  When you are interested in breaking into the publishing world, they say you should immerse yourself in the competition to know what's out there, what's been done and what works well.  In light of that advice, I sought out a book by one of the most prominent names in Christian young adult fiction: Melody Carlson.  She's written numerous books and has quite a following among teenagers.

This was the first Melody Carlson novel I tried and I can completely understand her popularity with teens.  In Diary of a Teenage Girl, Carlson nails the voice of a typical teenager so well.  I appreciated that she didn't shy away from clearly dealing with the spiritual questions teens are asking.  I felt drawn into the story and cared about the characters.

Caitlin O'Connor has never been popular, but lately she's been hanging around with a crowd of the more popular kids and she can't believe her good fortune.  Of course, she's sad to have left behind her best friend, Beanie, but surely Beanie can understand that you don't pass up such opportunities.  Unfortunately, the popular kids are a complicated lot and knowing what to say and do requires careful thought.  It can't be good when you start falling for the boyfriend of your new best friend though.

Throughout the struggles, Caitlin shares honestly with her diary her perspective on living life, finding love, and seeking God's will.  She is authentic and down-to-earth, often pointing out her own weaknesses and failings.  Of course, the teens and grown-ups around her are flawed, as well, and Caitlin must find a way to navigate in this fallen world.

This character-driven novel offers a glimpse at one teenager's attempts to know God and to follow His will.  I loved the diary format.  I am anxious to read the sequels, as I've discovered there are 5 books in the Caitlin series.