Donut Days

Emma Goiner's father informs her one night that the only universities her college fund will help support are those that her parents approve of. In other words, any secular school is OUT. Both of Emma's parents are pastors at Living Word Redeemer, so they expect Emma to be guided by their choices. But Emma knows they are disappointed in her. Since her baptism not so long ago, she's yet to speak in tongues. And she's inflamed that the church can be influenced by the wealthiest member of the congregation. So it's with these thoughts in her mind that she's determined to win the Paul Bunyan Press contest. The paper is holding a competition. Crispy Dream Donuts is opening a new store, and the paper is offering a college scholarship to the best story written about the opening. Emma isn't sure what angle she will take with her story, but she's going to camp out and interview people who are also camping there waiting for the celebration. It's during her time at Donut Camp that Emma learns more about herself than she ever expected. She encounters a Harley group that turns out to be the most unusual group of Christians she could imagine. And she meets a couple that have been camping for thirteen days, hoping that with the RV Crispy Dream will give a prize to the person who has logged the longest time at camp. And, though she struggles with herself, she winds up calling on Jake, a boy who had declared his love for her not so long ago, only to have her remain speechless and leave him hanging. During the time at Donut Camp, Emma's parents have to fight for their own dreams. Mr. O'Connor, the richest member of the church, has his own agenda, and when Emma's mom preaches that men and women are equal, it starts a cascade of events that soon envelopes everyone with their consequences. DONUT DAYS is a great, insightful novel by Ms. Zielin. It reads quickly and touches the heart. Though Emma grows up in a minister's home, the story is so much more than that. Yes, Emma tries to make her parents see that she's her own person and wants a world beyond what they have in mind for her. But it's also a story of fighting for what you believe in and achieving your own dreams. Emma is a strong character with her own insecurities - but a strong belief in herself and her dreams. Reviewed by: Jaglvr

I would recommend this book to any young reader -- and to many older readers as well! The characters are real, the perspective on growing up in the context of a strong religious environment is fresh and insightful, and the plot, pacing, and dialogue all work together to create a believable and engaging story.

I downloaded this book to my kindle, started reading, and didn't get up until I finished it. It's fabulous. I would recommend this book to young readers, and even older readers that just love to read. It was nice and refreshing to read a book that tackled the subject of teenage morals and ethics without shoving them down the readers throat. Check this book out. You'll be glad you did!

Originally bought this book as a gift for my niece. Wound up reading it before I sent it to her. What a hoot! The characterization is rich, the plot moves quickly, the main character, Emma, is funny, bright, self-deprecating and insightful. I loved this book! And highly recommend it for readers of any age.

This is a really funny and smart debut novel. The author's humanity comes through beautifully, and Emma, the main character of the book, is endearing and likable. A great choice for young adults.