The Go-Between by Veronica Chambers
Published on May 9, 2017 by Delacorte
Plot Summary for the Go-Between
She is the envy of every teenage girl in Mexico City. Her mother is a glamorous telenovela actress. Her father is the go-to voice-over talent for blockbuster films. Hers is a world of private planes, chauffeurs, paparazzi and gossip columnists.
Meet Camilla del Valle Cammi to those who know her best. When Cammi's mom gets cast in an American television show and the family moves to LA, things change, and quickly.
Her mom s first role is playing a not-so-glamorous maid in a sitcom. Her dad tries to find work but dreams about returning to Mexico.
And at the posh, private Polestar Academy, Cammi s new friends assume she's a scholarship kid, the daughter of a domestic.
At first Cammi thinks playing along with the stereotypes will be her way of teaching her new friends a lesson. But the more she lies, the more she wonders: Is she only fooling herself?
Review of the Go-Between by Veronica Chambers
I was interested to read a YA contemporary that explores the intersections of ethnicity and social class. Watching Cammie navigate her new environment was fascinating and fun - in Mexico she knew she was super-privileged, but in the U.S. she wasn't sure where she fit in and was fascinated at the way people made assumptions about her.
On the less positive side, there was something about the narration that was distancing. YA writing is usually not like that - in fact, I'd argue that YA writing is all about creating a tight bond between narrator and reader.
That said, The Go-Between made me laugh and made me think. It's an entertaining read that isn't the typical YA contemporary.
It sounds like she had a tough time adjusting. Either in Mexico or in the US, being comfortable was a problem with her. I've never heard of this book before but I'm curious!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I liked that aspect of the book. It's hard to fit in sometimes!
DeleteSounds like it could be a cute book, and I love your photo at the top! Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
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