The Game of Life

by Norma Howe

A girl's sixteenth year is an eventful one.

181 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Norma Howe was an acclaimed author of young adult fiction known for blending humor, philosophy, and heartfelt storytelling. Raised in east San Jose, California, she began writing while raising her children and working various jobs, from soda-jerking to phone answering. Her early success came through confession stories, which paved the way for more ambitious works. Norma's novels often explore themes like faith versus reason, peer pressure, and the randomness of life. Her celebrated Blue Avenger trilogy, praised for its wit and philosophical depth, was sparked by her interest in free will and determinism. Other notable works include God, the Universe, and Hot Fudge Sundaes, In With the Out Crowd, Shoot for the Moon, and Angel in Vegas. With a BA in English from San Jose State University, she traveled widely and drew inspiration from both everyday experiences and abstract questions. Norma wrote with an omniscient voice, grounding complex ideas in accessible, often comical narratives. A self-described perpetual thirteen-year-old, she brought authenticity to her young adult characters. She continued writing with humor, insight, and heart until her passing in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtful, joyful storytelling that continues to resonate with readers of all ages.

Reviews

[Nino Nep · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was super cute, I liked it and it was just a super nice book. The length of the book was perfect, short, simple, and nice. It wasn’t bad at all but I give it a 3 because it’s not my favorite (5 starts only for like the best books ever) but I did like it overall.