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lyricallit 's review for:
The Face on the Milk Carton
by Caroline B. Cooney
This isn't my favorite YA piece I've read, but it is a staple of the genre. I can remember my own friends talking about this book and passing it around to friends in middle school. Is the literary style or voice anything to get excited about? Not anymore, though it was for its time. The genre has grown up quite a bit since then. Still, it's obviously a classic for the original plot and fascinating idea; fascinating and even a little seductive for teenagers who all - at some point - wish their parents weren't their own. Janie's obsession is a bit drawn out, but suitably captures the emotional turmoil of her new knowledge. The relationship with Reeve is on fast-forward - yeah, I realize they've known each other their whole lives, but they're ready to jump in the sack after casually kissing for a week? Perhaps more time has passed, but Cooney didn't make that clear if that's the case.
Anyway, enough. The plot is well-laid, and the characters are fairly believable. Worth a read for any young teen and/or teachers of young teens. Another problem with this book is that it is a bit dated and does show its age; the milk-carton-missing-child routine has long since extinct. There are other references that would make a 21st century teen laugh, but since the book is centered around this milk-carton idea, this reference is most problematic.
Anyway, enough. The plot is well-laid, and the characters are fairly believable. Worth a read for any young teen and/or teachers of young teens. Another problem with this book is that it is a bit dated and does show its age; the milk-carton-missing-child routine has long since extinct. There are other references that would make a 21st century teen laugh, but since the book is centered around this milk-carton idea, this reference is most problematic.