The author Joan Bauer
stands out as a creator of funny, smart, and strong heroines, who face tough
issues such as divorce, alcoholism, and teenage self-discovery with humor and
heart. In Rules of the Road, the
focus is on a tall protagonist whose drive to be taken seriously in an adult
world is role-model worthy.
Jenna Boller is
sixteen and loves her job at a Gladstone’s Shoe Store in Chicago – she’s an
excellent saleswoman and a favorite with customers, plus the work provides a
distraction from the fact that her alcoholic and estranged father has recently
reappeared. When the president of the Gladstone Shoe Company, Mrs. Gladstone,
hires her to be her personal driver on a trip to Texas, Jenna is dubious – the
elderly executive is infamous for her brusque manner. Once on the road,
however, they must conquer difficulties ranging from traffic problems, to
business politics, to treacherous employees, ultimately cementing an unusual
and delightful friendship.
I
must admit, I am more likely to enjoy a book if it is humorous. Jenna’s
narration is therefore a true treat; her witty observations and down-to-earth
jokes keep readers thoroughly entertained. In addition, Mrs. Gladstone is a
riot – just the sort of woman you might want to have as a grandmother (albeit a
peppery one). Add this to an inspiring plot based on the power of work and
self-confidence and you have a story that you’ll want to read over and over
again. Other excellent books by this author include Best Foot Forward, the sequel to Rules of the Road; Hope Was
Here; Squashed; and Peeled. Her junior fiction novels Stand Tall, Sticks, Close to Famous, and
Almost Home are also highly
worthwhile.
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