Review: A book I wish was around 12 years ago!  Just amazing!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 1, 2011
With the description of this book there is not much to go on, but I knew from the first page of this book that I would like it.  Aurora's main struggle on the eve of her senior year is being dumped of her best friend since freshman year Allie, for the popular crowd.  Both girls have yearned for the popular crowd (what girl doesn't in high school), but Allie was chosen and Aurora was sure Allie would bring her with her or at least change her mind and come back to being her best friend but that hasn't happened.  So now she's facing the first day of senior year without Allie.  However she does have her best friends Hudson and Julie who the reader can see trump Allie any day of the week.  But the reader can also understand where Allie is coming from.Those first weeks are hard, but Aurora starts getting past it and moving on and having fun with Julie and Hudson again.  She's crushing on a popular basketball player but he seems to be dating Allie which hurts Aurora again, but she moves on.  I don't want to giveaway much more because everything else that happened was pretty much a surprise to me (except for the love story part - I saw that coming), but the rest should be a surprise when reading.Let's just say this one will put you through the wringer.  It's strong, it's emotional.  I thought it was emotional enough with just the betrayal of a friend because I went through that one enough.  But there is so much more.  Ms. Hinderer layers this book beautifully and the characters of Aurora, Hudson and Julie really come to life right in front of your eyes.  They grow and change and become people you really want to know and if you are a teenager I imagine you would want to become.  So the characters are very well-done.I found the story perfectly paced.  I connected to the story and I'm a good 20-years over the target demographic, so I see teenagers connecting even more.  The emotions rang true,  there is selfishness of teenagers (and all humans) but there is love and caring as well and there is growth.  The growth is what makes this novel really shine.If you enjoy contemporary young adult with a love story and great high school dynamics then this is a book for you. Ms. Hinderer has concocted a perfect story that teaches a lesson yet reads like the best story you have read in awhile.  And yes I realize a good story and lesson-teaching don't have to be mutually-exclusive but I was a teenager once and I pretty much thought they were :)On the parenting level:  The parents in this book are very involved in their children's lives, the kids have curfews, they talk with their parents about life, and love and other things.  The language is minimal and seems appropriate when used (I can think of only one or two examples of what I consider minor cuss words).  There is no sex, though there are some references to sex in the past, but nothing graphic, otherwise there is just some kissing.  This is a very clean and well-done book..I just don't think I can say enough about this book - Aurora Undefined really spoke to me - it's one of those books I wish had been around 12 years ago to give me that boost when I needed it.  Good job Ms. Hinderer!