Fifteen-year-old Sukie is a self-observer. She is constantly looking at her reflection or taking pictures of herself with her cell phone. So when her equally vain mother offers her an antique mirror, she’s pleased to have one more venue in which to keep tabs on herself. But as the mirror begins mysteriously cracking, so does Sukie’s tightly controlled life. Ephron, perhaps best known as a screenwriter, brings a cinematic flair to her writing in a story that’s as much cautionary tale as it is slice of teen life. Because she writes with so much wit and clarity, it’s possible to overlook some of the book’s flaws, including a reveal that even kids will see coming a mile away. Just as she did in Frannie in Pieces (2007), Ephron tries here to incorporate a little fantasy into her story, with mixed results. But when her writing goes over the top (the depiction of Sukie’s dog, Señor, is both subtle and hilarious), readers will say, “Wow!” A book for girls who think they know everything and turn out to be wrong. Grades 7-10. –Ilene Cooper

Review

Sukie Jamieson is an outstanding high school student, perfect daughter, and classic overachiever. But with an appearance-obsessed mother, mysteriously-absent father, and her own inability to make friends, not all is perfect. When her mother gives her a full-length mirror once belonging to her grandmother, she finds it shows more than meets the eye. Does the mirror reflect reality, or Sukie’s fears and longings?

The writing in this book is absolutely wonderful, and the character development is excellent, right down to the dog, Señor, who seems more perceptive than Sukie’s self-absorbed parents. There are many funny and heartbreaking moments throughout the book, such as Sukie reading an article in a magazine about nose types and then determining(and not liking) her own “ramp” nose.

One of the pleasures of this novel is the way it takes hold with each turn of the page. From the intriguing beginning to the satisfying ending,the author tells the story with uncommon insights. I highly recommend this book for any age. – Anna Roberts, Amazon Review

Review: “The Girl with the Mermaid Hair” By Delia Ephron

Chicago Tribune Book Review (Excerpt)

Narcissistic is the best way to sum up Sukie Jamieson. She daydreams about her soft blonde hair, marvels at her strong muscles and is full of admiration for her flawless, creamy skin. One of her favorite hobbies is snapping shots of herself with her cell phone and then studying them for a mood pick-me-up. She’s thrilled when her mother gives her a gorgeous antique mirror for her bedroom—now she can gaze at her favorite object of adoration for hours in private. [Read the full article...]