Review from Book Reviews from an Avid Reader Blog


I enjoyed this coming of age story taking place in the early 1970s. It was a time of change for young women. Roe Vs Wade made abortion legal and many young women were taking advantage of it. But what about Carrie, a somewhat naive Christian girl taken in by a suave hunk of an athlete? What will she do when her choices lead to a life she had never imagined?

Buist explores several issues in this novel. I remember my own parents struggling over the cost of a Christian college and the dangers of going to a secular university. Carrie came from a family where her father valued the son and his athletics so much Carrie felt almost like an outcast. That made me think about parental attitudes and how they influence the decisions young people make. Another issue was making a terrible mistake and knowing God forgives but not being able to forgive ones self. And then there is the whole issue of hiding sins so people in the church won't know about failures. What people won't do to save their reputation!

This is a good novel for young people and for parents. It has thought provoking issues for both. And you'll get to learn quite a bit about women's crew at the University of Washington during the time.

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