The Monster in Me by Mette Ivie Harrison

Title: The Monster in Me
Author: Mette Ivie Harrison
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: YA Fiction
Rating: Like
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: In a small town near Salt Lake City, Utah, a caring foster family and her love of running help thirteen-year-old Natalie Wills feel that she can be part of normal life, despite having been raised by a drug addicted mother. (King County Library System)
Opinions: The Monster in Me is a story about the emotional struggles of a teenage girl in the foster system and the struggles she deals with emotionally and psychologically through cross country running. This was a easy, fast read that lets you get into the head of Natalie to learn why she feels it difficult to trust anyone, including herself and how her struggles with her mom's addictions and getting to know a new foster family impact her.

This book was Mette's first YA novel. I was impressed how she could write so clearly about a young woman's struggle and yet show the character's willingness not to focus on her anger at what her mom has done, but to try and actually deal with her emotions about the situation. I also liked the imagery of how running helped her connect to others and herself (though personally I am no fan of running - too much effort). I did find the ending a bit abrupt, but overall I enjoyed this book.

The first week of our giveaway is almost over. One week left to enter for an autographed copy of the Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison. Don't forget to join as a follower, if you have not already, and post a comment to any of the posts this week or next. The winner will be announced a week from Saturday. Good Luck!!!