Mia reads Marlena while on a recent vacation in wintry Maine.
More than just a coming of age story, Marlena is a heavy-hitter, confronting life struggles that many of us can relate to – fitting in, alcoholism, divorce, drug abuse and most importantly, living with the choices we make as we grow older. Set in northern Michigan, 15 year-old Cat is drawn to Marlena, who is everything introverted Cat is not, and who Cat would like to become: rebellious, beautiful and loads of fun.
For the first time in her life, Cat is experimenting with alcohol, drugs and boys. Just as abruptly as Marlena comes into Cat’s life, she is taken away. Cat spends the next 10 years trying to figure out the “why’s” and “how’s,” and if there was anything she could have done differently.
This is one of the most memorable novels I have read, a story with the universal appeal of the challenges of growing up, living with regret and moving on. It is not to be missed!
~ Mia Clement, store manager
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How the B&BKW Virtual Book Club works
The Books & Books @ The Studios virtual book club is an opportunity for us to share reading experiences, even if we’re not all together in the same place. Read the book (you can get it online here.)
And share your reactions on social media. Make a comment, share a picture, ask a question. Don’t forget to include the hashtag: #bbkwbookclub on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Follow us on social media and look for the #bbkwbookclub hashtag. Every week, we’ll post new book club content.