Just Fourteen

by Sherry Raby

Being fourteen is tough. Being fourteen with a first love, is even tougher. But, when you have a bus acquaintance thinking you're his girlfriend, and you know nothing about it, then it is just Hard.

100 pages, Paperback

Published September 30, 2016

About the author

I was born and raised in Northern Central Pennsylvania, which is where my latest book, 'When the River Rises' takes place.
When I was fourteen, I wrote my first book, but was so disappointed when it was returned to me, I refused to write anymore.
During my late twenties, I once again tried writing. I wrote a few short stories for children. "Kevin Through the Looking Glass', and 'Connect the Dots', both turned out to be featured in a then highly followed kids magazine.
I have always told my kids and grandkids bedtime stories. Many of them were fairy tales, but with my own twist to them. I also made up some oddball stories when they would throw animals into the mix and ask me to tell them a story with all of them together. One of those happened to involve a tiger and a penguin.
I am now retired and following my dream. I've always wanted to be a writer, and this is where all my life experience, watching my children do their odd things, and watching people in general, I've collected enough info to do just that; follow my dream and hopefully give enjoyment and laughs to whomever chooses to read it.

Reviews

[Federica S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
I enjoyed the story. It's a glimpse inside a fourteen year old girl life named Bree, her story can be the story of any other teen. It was interesting to follow the development of the story and how her relationship with her family influenced her life, her point of view and more generally how the way were are brought up can influence our choices making us who we are. A short story but an interesting one.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bree is only fourteen and she just had her first date… with her best friend. But, though they do love each other, as friends, she isn’t sure if Ty is the right person for her. And there are others who want to get to know her better. Maybe too much. When a boy she met on the bus is arrested and claims that she’s his girlfriend, Bree finds herself in unexpected trouble. However, maybe talking is enough to solve the problem. After all, she’s only fourteen… and has her whole life ahead.
One of the most relevant aspects of this story is its brevity, which is partly good and partly not so good. The good part comes from the fact that, by going straight to the point, the author creates a light, enthralling read. The not so good comes from the feeling that it all seems a little rushed. Bree is a normal girl, yes, but it would have been nice to know a little more about her, especially because her indecisions are part of what it means to be a teenager. And, about that boy in the bus… there was an interesting story waiting to be told about him.
Being mostly about the dilemmas of a teenager, most of what happens in Bree’s life is… well, normal life. But it is quite interesting to get to know that normality – her relationship with her family, her conversations with Ty, the small glimpses of love waiting to bloom… Yes, all of this might be quite briefly told, but it is also very captivating. And this is why it would be great to know more about all of it – because everything and everyone seems to be full of potential.
And it all sums up to this: a light, quick read, with interesting characters and a nice, enthralling story. A bit short, true, but, overall, a good read.

**I received this book through Goodreads giveaways

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

I would like to start off by thanking Sherry for sending me a PDF copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The full review will be uploaded on http://adailycloud.blogspot.com so make sure you keep looking out for it!

The plot for this book was really interesting, a good idea and insight into the life of a teenager. However the way it was executed was really off for me. The writing style was really basic, every time a storyline opened up, it was never developed in a way that would allow readers to connect with the characters and care about their story. It brushed over some really great topics, I just wish they'd been expanded.

It all went wrong from the first page for me because I absolutely hated the main character Bree, she was so unrealistic to how teenagers are these days and I felt like I was reading about a girl from the 1960's rather than present time. There were a lot of flaws with the realism, for example no fourteen year old would say "I'm only fourteen" if a boy tried to hold her hand. It was just very old fashioned.

I enjoyed the family aspect of this book and how close Bree was with her mother (sometimes a bit too close to be realistic) and her siblings. One of my favourite things was her relationship with step-dad Jim, it was refreshing to read a book where the main character gets on with their step parent rather than hating them.

I also really liked how the story ended, it wrapped up nicely and I didn't feel like there were any loose ends that had been left unanswered.

There were times where I found myself quite enjoying it but the actual writing left me unable to give this book more stars unfortunately.