A Little Friendly Advice Book

Ruby's turning sixteen . . . but the day doesn't turn out to be as sweet as it's supposed to be. Her long lost father shows up, and Ruby doesn't want to have anything to do with him. Instead, she wants to hang out with her friends - loyal Beth, dangerous Katherine, and gossipy Maria. They have plenty of advice for her - about boys, about her dad, about how she should look and what she should be feeling. But really, Ruby doesn't know what to think or feel. Especially when a new boy comes into the picture . . . and Ruby discovers some of her friends aren't as truthful as they say.

Publishers Weekly

Vivian's first novel deftly probes the often confusing intricacies of friendship. When her long-lost father unexpectedly shows up at her 16th birthday party, Ruby flees the scene, shocked and frightened. After all, it's been six years since he drove away from Ruby and her mother in his pickup truck, and Ruby has never heard from him. Her best friend, Beth, has helped Ruby recover from his abandonment, and now that Ruby has been thrown back into turmoil, Beth is once again at Ruby's side, dishing advice. But when Ruby discovers that Beth is hiding a letter to Ruby from her father, she is no longer sure who deserves her trust. Vivian's tale begins slowly, but soon will captivate readers with the puzzle surrounding Ruby's father and what actually happened the day he left, as well as with the dilemma that gradually emerges: is it better to tell a comfortable lie or to share the wrenching truth? Readers will find themselves and their relationships reflected in Ruby's story-for better and worse. Ages 12-up. (Mar.)

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