On My Own

Diary of a Teenage Girl #4

by Melody Carlson

University life isn't what Caitlin expected. Her roommate Liz is hostile to her faith -- tormenting her with raunchy music and sleazy boyfriends. Worst of all, suddenly Caitlin doesn't understand herself anymore. Why has she regressed to being the shy, insecure girl she was in junior high? She doesn't even fit in with her new Christian fellowship group! Caitlin tries not to envy Josh and her friends at Christian colleges, but suddenly all she has are questions and few answers. In the story of Caitlin O'Conner's soul, this frustrating year is the most significant one yet, as the homesick freshman eventually remembers there is one companion she can always trust.

Genres: Young Adult, Christian, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, Teen, Realistic Fiction

300 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2002

About the author

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.

She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.

Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

Reviews

[Maryam Magdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Caitlin never fails to inspire me and get to my heart with her strong faith, wisdom and kind heart. She uses both her heart and mind in making decisions.
In this part, Caitlin faces two major problems. The first one was having to deal with a rather hard-hearted person. The way she acted patient, friendly and believed there's sth good out of this was definitely sth to learn from.
The second problem was deciding whether to get engaged to the love of her life at such young age. The way she consulted God and followed His lead even if against her wishes was also sth to learn from.
Amazing book series. I can't wait to read the last part

[Angela Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just couldn't put this book down. It helped me so much.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of this book was waaay too slow and the only real plot was Caitlyn’s problems with her roommate Liz. I could definitely use a little more plot on college life etc. However the last 3/4 of this book Made up for the slow beginning. I really liked how Caitlyn worked her relationship with Josh and how the author showed a very real thought/decision making process. I still think Caitlyn’s view on relationships is strange and there are much more practical ways not to make the whole dating thing so complicated. But overall, it was a good read that made me think. Glad that it’s not a cheesy book like so many Christian books are and that it tackles hard issues. Love seeing Caitlyn grow in Christ and as a person.

[Bridie Macdonald · Rating 1 out of 5]

I actually picked this book up without realizing it was out of a series and hardly reading the blurb. I'm not one to write extremely negative reviews, however, I didn't enjoy this book at all. I find Caitlin's voice throughout the novel extremely irritating. I see that she's genuinely a nice person and that she always tries to do the best for others around her, although it bothers me how she takes it upon herself to "save" other characters in the book. The religious element doesn't usually bother me in a novel, I just feel that in this book particularly it was too strong of an influence.

[Amancay]

*sigh* God is good at putting the perfect book in my hands, with just the right timing...

I'm now completely obsessed with finding more in the series *off to check out ebay*

Melody Carlson is a great writer, and the youth angle makes for a quick & easy read... still with just enough of an intense message to get my mind, heart, and soul pressing forward into a new place with Him!

[Shekinah]

probably my faveorite book

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a change in tone in this book as Caitlin grows up a bit and takes on life outside of her high school and her hometown. I know I read this in my teens but I only remembered one of the two big reveals during this re-read.

[Jessica Parnofiello · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

There are some typo but I’ve enjoyed the story even thought Liz’ story was predictable and I’ve really disliked Josh.

C’è qualche refuso, ma mi è piaciuto anche se la storia di Liz era prevedibile e non mi è piaciuto per niente Josh.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book dealt with a lot of highly relevant issues. The way Caitlin is so dependant and in love with God is inspiring. I recommend reading this ;). The other books in the series are great as well.

[Gloria Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caitlin is so much fun. I feel like I have so much in common with her. Definitely a great read!

[Carly Leigh Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was good to see that even though Caitlin was struggling to settle into university, she was still trusting God.

[Stephanie Ziegler]

I found this book truly lacked any backbone in the issues that were raised. I commend Caitlin for sticking it out with Liz. She did not need God's advice to know that there was something deeper going on with Liz. However, I find it hard to believe that Caitlin could not find any friends in her classes. I realize that Caitlin was a shy girl but schools have exercises, even in the larger classes, that put students together for the purpose of meeting new people. She also could have dropped her English night class and took a different type of class during the day so she could attend fellowship.

Maybe because Caitlin does not date, she was naive in the statements Josh made to her about other guys. However, she did not tell anyone else about Josh, so what he proposed to Caitlin should have been a shock to her family and friends. They were wise in questioning the reasoning behind the meaning. Though they said they would support her, I do not feel they supported her in helping her make her decision. Why didn't anyone ask to read the paper Josh wrote to understand what it meant?

Being a book about the first year of college, I think there should have been more substance in real issues that kids face - sex, drugs, alcohol, friends, course work, and depression. As I read through this series, each book seems to lack more. There is one more book left and I hope it ends with a bang. If it does not, I do not know if I would move on to the next series about Chloe.

Until next time, take life one page at a time!

[$hanel · Rating 5 out of 5]

On My Own is the fourth book in the Diary of a Teenage Girl Caitlin series and gets a little more intense as it goes along. By more intense I mean that Caitlin and one of her good friends Jenny get into a big fight about body image. Here is the good part... Caitlin is now in COLLEGE! Now Caitlin is free to do whatever she wants to do! That is until Caitlin`s vicious roommate Elizabeth Banks gets on her nerve with going out late at night with her boyfriend or at some kind of drug party. While that is going on Caitlin still has her commitment to God not to date. Could this be the year that that gets thrown away? Caitlin also has to keep on top of her good grades too I mean, this is college! Around Christmas Caitlin also stops at her parents house and on other occasions. Caitlin also tells herself that this is not high school anymore and that she won`t live in her normal house ever again. After On My Own come my favorite book in the series which is the last book! I hope everyone enjoys the fourth Caitlin book!

[Savannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. So this is book 4 in the Caitlin portion of this series. We see Caitlin starting out on a new adventure in life....college!

She has to maneuver adjusting to a new school, living away from home, rooming with a difficult girl, being away from her family and friends, trying to make new friends, and of course figuring out where she stands with Josh.

So far this has actually been my favorite of the series. I gave it 4.5 stars instead of 4. I can't really tell you why I liked it a bit more than the other ones, I just did. I thought that it was a bit more focused on pretty much one issue: figuring out her independence. So I appreciated that.

I look forward to picking up the last book soon and finishing Caitlin's portion of this series!

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

After what I considered a weaker third installment, this fourth in the series comes back with a gripping bang as Caitlin begins college. The plot and pacing were much more engaging, producing one of the more unpredictable stories so far. This time it seemed like she faced some truly trying situations, with some genuine emotions attached, instead of near-constant sunshine and lollypops.

The situation with Josh was a little weird and Caitlin does begin to wear as preachy, but I was still anxious to keep reading. Looking forward to the last chapter of Cate's diary.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book. This one was a little hard to read. It reminded alot of my first year at college and making choices that were not always good. I had roommates similar to the character in this book and it brought up alot of old memories for me. It was a really good book though and I really enjoyed it.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little encouraging book. I liked how her faith grows in each book... though I do wonder if she'll ever get together with Josh... I think she does, I mean the last book is called I Do! Which sound like a wedding title to me. ^_^ I like the college theme, I'm in college now and It was interesting to read. :)

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is something I can relate to in each Caitlin book, but especially th idea of giving up your "Isaac". I've needed to and struggled with this many times. God removed what would have become a struggle in my life but I didn't like it and had trouble accepting what I now see as His goodness and love. Good theme for this book!

[Emma Thurman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The whole "engagement" thing caught me off guard. It seemed kinda weird the way she threw it in there and yanked it back out 50 pages later. To teach her a lesson? Probably, but I still think it's odd. (Still liked the book though.)

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again - I just love Melody Carlson. The "diary" series are so entertaining to read, and while Caitlin wasn't the best character (she was REALLY preachy) I still really liked these.

Started to get kinda boring around here, though.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good and possibly my favorite of the series, like I've said before -I don't really care for modern diary type books (historical ones I adore.) Good plot though a little predictable, the characters were fine, and the writing style was ok. So overall it was ok, I did like it though.

[Danae · Rating 3 out of 5]

i enjoy this series. it's not one of my favorites, but it's an easy read and it brings back good memories of my teenage years. XD

they discuss whatever you call the "pre-engagement promise". i've gotta say i don't understand it. feel free to give your opinions.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn't put the book down, but sometimes Caitlin's christianity was unrealistic and cheesy. And the comment one character made, shocked that Caitlin's roommate was a nonbeliever and asking if that was wise to room with her was a little uncalled for.

[Bethel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just like the others, still the same Catlin, but different enough to keep me reading. She keeps learning new things. I've become invested in Catlin's life, and I want to see how it turns out.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good one! I didn't totally get the whole covenant thing, but the message behind it, listen to God and follow him, was sound.

[Bruna · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT, AWESOME, WONDERFUL BOOK ! LOOOOOOOOVE IT (:

[The Third Place A Teen Library]

F CAR doatg caitlin bk.4

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome as usual!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Read it read it read it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Christiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

My best friend gave this to me when we first went to college and I loved it. Definitely a cute Christian fiction series!