THE LIFE OF GLASS

High-school freshman Melissa’s beloved father has recently died of cancer, leaving her struggling to find her way without his advice and learning how to come to terms with her grief without giving up her memories of him. Her best friend Ryan and their bike rides through a barren canyon are a big help. Her older sister, Ashley, focused on a shallow boyfriend and preening for beauty pageants, and her mother, who has recently started dating—too soon for both sisters—are less helpful, though not always for want of trying. When Ryan falls for glamorous new girl Courtney, Melissa is left to use her father’s journal for guidance. His evocative love stories, tales of his romantic relationship and of his parents’ early years comfort Melissa as she works to define true love in her own life. Characters are well-realized—even Ashley’s seemingly mindless, jock boyfriend briefly steps out of his typecast role. Melissa’s first-person narrative rings true, and although the predictable conclusion will surprise no one, the meandering, slow-paced journey is pleasantly satisfying. (Fiction. 11 & up)