Latest Read: Fingerprints of You

Here are the basics ...
Fingerprints of You by Kristen-Paige Madonia
Publication date: August 7, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Category: Young Adult - Contemporary
Source: Purchased

Summary: Lemon grew up with Stella, a single mom who always had a drink in her hand and a new boyfriend every few months. When things got out of hand, she would whisk Lemon off to a new town for a fresh beginning. Now, just as they are moving yet again, Lemon discovers that she is pregnant from a reckless encounter—with a guy Stella had been flirting with. Lemon struggles to cope with the idea of herself as a young unmarried mother, as well as the fact that she’s never met her own father. Determined to have at least one big adventure before she has the baby, Lemon sets off on a cross-country road trip, intending not only to meet her father, but to figure out who she wants to be. (Adapted goodreads.com) 

My thoughts…

The good: Fingerprints of You is a perfect example of why I love contemporary. I used to think the perfect "escape" book was the kind that included fantastical elements and imaginary worlds. But there's truly something to be said about a book that captures the beauty of every day life. A regular girl who could be someone you know or even you. And I felt that here as I followed Lemon on her coming-of-age journey.

Lemon's voice is realistic and honest and very easy to connect with, even though I'm completely different from her. (Aside from our shared love of books.) Her life has consisted of moving from town to town with her mother Stella who is constantly running away from the latest loser boyfriend, claiming it was time for a fresh start. Then on their latest move, Lemon discovers she's pregnant and everything changes. She's befriended by Emmy at her new school (who is an amazing best friend!) and her mom even finds some semblance of normalcy. But Lemon is still a pregnant teenager questioning her future and her past. Is she doomed to repeat her mother's mistakes? And who exactly is her father? These questions are the catalyst for her road trip to California with Emmy.

I adored Lemon and Emmy's friendship. There was just this complete and utter acceptance of each other through the good moments and the bad. Even as Lemon made some mistakes along the way, she knew Emmy would love her no matter what. Friendships like that are hard to come by and I loved seeing it portrayed here. I was also really moved by Lemon's relationship with her mother. At first it was easy to assume Stella was negligent and selfish. And sure, she could be those things sometimes. But she also displayed a fierce love for her daughter and the ability to let go even when she wanted to hold on. Then there was Lemon getting to know her father, finding a little romance (there was the perfect amount of focus on this) and trying to decide what she wanted for herself. This book was a wonderful look at family, friendship and how they shape who you are and who you want to be.

(No) reservations: None!

Do I recommend?: Yes! It's an introspective novel that focuses on relationships and growing up and I'm sure it will resonate with everyone in different ways. I really recommend picking this up. I loved it!

Happy reading!