"What is history? When does it begin?...If there are two people and one of them is miserable, or exploited...doesn't that still matter...? Are we making our own history is history imposed upon us?

Allison Glass is moving upward; at least that's what her parents consider a move from nearby Norwalk, Connecticut to Weston in the same state. But Allison's got scoliosis and has to wear an obvious, clumsy-looking brace that just might be saving her life and might not be working toward that end. Allison is saved by Kate Hamilton. It all seems very normal except it's the 1960's style of "anything goes" that begins to haunt both teens who have become very good friends.

History Lesson For Girls is a reminder about what the world looks like to a teen surrounded by hard core conservative teachers, hippie-style parents, and a world spinning out of control. It all seems highly amusing initially until Allison has to figure out the violence of Kate's shamanic father, her parents' exotic attempts to try every new age exercise, spirituality and diet in an effort to cure Allison's misaligned back, parental infidelity and separation, as well as a final shock that will touch you to the core of your being.

Chapters begin segments from a story, "The Chronicle of the Lost Heroine," Allison writes for the local Weston Bicentennial Celebration. Romantic, starkly honest and true, it initially earns some "spin" criticism, amazing as it parallels the events swirling around Allison's life in reality.

Readers who can laugh, cry and wonder about the drama of a teen's spiraling world will love the mental and emotional depth of these vibrant, very real characters!

Fascinating, funny, poignant and literary story!

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on August 2, 2007

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