By 
Lena George, the author of “She’s Not Home,” has written a heartfelt, emotional, and poignant novel. The genres for this novel are Women’s Fiction, Family Fiction, and Fiction. This is also a coming-of-age novel. The timeline for this story takes place in the present and goes to the past regarding the characters or events. The author vividly describes her dramatic characters as complex, complicated, flawed, and dysfunctional. After a tragic accident takes the life of Sheryl’s older daughter, her husband, and her younger daughter, Mariana faces the consequences and decisions.
When Mariana enters her senior year in high school, she finds that her mother is critical and controlling. Mariana feels insecure and has a few friends, but her mother closely monitors her actions. Mariana wants to enjoy the senior festivities, especially homecoming. Ten years earlier, her sister had died in an accident during homecoming, and Sheryl now feels she is protecting her daughter.
Mariana is a good student who works, but her mother finds fault with many of her actions. Sheryl has accused Mariana of doing things that she has not done. Sheryl also is skeptical of Mariana’s friends. Sheryl worries that they use drugs and drink.
When Mariana discovers that Sheryl held back information about her sister’s accident, she questions everything in her life. Will Sheryl lose another daughter?
The author discusses important topics such as the use of alcohol and drugs, the importance of family and friends, forgiveness, second chances, emotional support, love, and hope. Also mentioned is the importance of therapy, communication, and trust. I highly recommend this novel.
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