Review: Good, but slightly overworked
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 9, 2012
I enjoyed this story very much, especially because most of it takes place in Israel, which is a fascinating place.  However, this is not strictly a Jewish story.  I think it has universal teen appeal.Poor Rebecca is a social outcast in school, nicknamed Pugly, short for pug-ugly, and tortured for 7 years.  Thinking only about some peace in her life, and how sorry the bullies would be (they wouldn't be!!), she commits suicide, but is saved in time.  Rebecca's mother is well-meaning, but doesn't have a clue how to help her child, and is clinging to her only child after a bitter divorce.  Rebecca's father is distant and clueless about parenting.  This girl's grandmother, who is never an actual character in the book, sends her a brochure on an American school in Israel, and Rebecca decides that a complete change of scenery will help to make over herself and her life.Once in Israel, Rebecca, now nicknamed Becca, learns through her two roommates and other students some of the dynamics of teenhood, and how to cope.  She learns how to dress, which she appreciates, but her roommates give her mixed messages about real friendship.  The grandmother pops up again, too, having friends in Israel who befriend her during her stay, especially their younger son, who is her age and attractive.Rebecca overthinks and overanalyzes absolutely everything.  It is painful to read about the manifestations of her insecurity.  What I feel the book is missing is what happens when "Becca" returns to Boston and goes back to school.  How have her changes affected life there?  She has positive intentions, but can she really follow through?I received this book for free in order to review it for The Kindle Book Review website.  I am not affiliated in any way with either the author or any publisher(s).-- Java Davis, The Kindle Book Review