In the summer of her 13th year, Rosie Ferguson is occupied and preoccupied with tennis. She's a junior ranked player and is shuttled around along with her best friend and doubles partner, Simone, to all the tournaments in the San Francisco area. Both girls are caught in that moment at the end of childhood where hints of the women they are to become begin to show--physically, mentally, and emotionally. When Rosie was four, her dad was killed in a car accident. Elizabeth, Rosie's mom, spent a few years in a downward spiral of alcoholism and depression before marrying the loveable and accepting James. Both Rosie and her mom confront some large issues over the summer. Rosie harbors two very huge secrets, one about Simone, one about herself, that eat at her and affect her game and her relationship to her family. As Rosie turns more sullen and silent, Elizabeth's depression recurs as she struggles with this change in her daughter as well as unexpressed grief at the loss of her first husband. Throw in the possibility that Rosie is being stalked by a tournament hanger-on named Luther, a homeless drunk, and you have the makings of a family drama dealing with themes of trust, honesty, support, and friendship. Lamott is in her element here with her elegant, moving style and wonderful powers of description. She uses color and texture in her language to present a visual and visceral picture of a mother and daughter each coming of age in her own way. (Barbara L., Reader's Services)