Not Like You

Deborah Davis' NOT LIKE YOU is a powerful and evocative glimpse into the life of a teen living with an alcoholic parent and all that THAT means. From the bittersweet opening to the truthful yet hopeful final paragraph, NOT LIKE YOU delivers a punch to the gut for anyone who has ever dealt with an alcoholic parent or relative. Kayla is honest and clear-eyed about her situation in a way that makes me want to cry with her, but I enjoyed how Davis shows that even in the midst of a chaotic life, there is promise. Even a reader who has NOT had a similar experience will come away with empathy and compassion for Kayla's--and her mother's--situation.

Kayla's mother has moved them five times in the past two years due to her drinking and problems - and Kayla's been in foster care once, so this time she'll do what she can to keep her mother's life in control. They've just moved to New Mexico, where Kayla is putting down roots and developing friendships. Can she really create her own life - even if it means leaving her mother behind? A sensitive story of alcoholism and stability evolves.

Fifteen-year-old Kayla Hanes is tired of moving on a moments notice to God knows where. She's tired of having a pretend dog as her only friend. She's tired of watching her mom drink herself into a stupor. She's tired of working to pay their bills. She's tired of hoping that maybe this time her mom will be able to quit drinking for good. Essentially, Kayla is the adult in the relationship, and it's beginning to take its toll. As bad as it gets though, it's still better than having to go back into foster care. Marilyn, Kayla's mom, swears that this time it will be different, she's turning over a new leaf - but that's what she always says. Why should this time be any different? When they get to their new home in a small town in New Mexico, Kayla's small inkling of hope disappears. Their house is a trailer, on a dirty lot, with a creepy landlord. Kayla starts up a dog walking/training business, meets a boy (who's much too old), and even makes a few friends. Maybe this time will be different. But when Marilyn starts to drink again, and uses Kayla's hard-earned money, and everything starts to fall apart once again, this time it just might be too much. This is a great story about how much any one person can take, and the different lengths to which they can go to escape. How much is too much? How far is too far to push someone? Where is the line between tough love and abandonment? You want Kayla to get out. You want her to punish her mom. But you end up hurting for Marilyn as much as you do for Kayla. Maybe, the harder you try to get away from something, the closer you actually come to it. Heart wrenching and hopeful, that's what this book is, and that's what life is. Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman