Crappy New Year

Crappy New Year

YA fiction
Meg Wilson's Crappy New Year is a must read for the anyone who
has been through the reshufflings of parental marriage. Whether it's
going on now or you experienced it decades ago, you will certainly
feel for Wilson's protagonist, Tess.
Tess is a talented poet. The first chapter starts with one of
her pieces that is just too good to paraphrase.

"Happy New Year
Crappy New Year
The house shakes and quivers
From my slamming door.
He just popped the question.
She just gushed her answer.
And now my life's ruined
For.
Ever.
More."

The she in question is Tess' recently widowed mother. The he is
Rob, a suitor who is moving in on her a bit too quickly. There is no
question how Tess feels about this. She has just witnessed the
proposal and stormed up to her room. Are they too self-centered to
care how she feels?
Then there's also Fishface (Felicity), Rob's daughter who stays
with them in Tess' room frequently. Tess finds everything about her
repulsive. They are scheduled to be maids of honor for her mom. Then
after the wedding they'll be stepsisters. The blended family may end
up moving which would mean Tess would have to change schools and leave
her friends.
Tess' friends, though, are confusing her. Best friend, Janie,
is hanging out with another girl, Kelly, a lot lately. She went to
Kelly's New Years Eve party after telling Tess her parents were making
her stay to home. Next door neighbor chum Ian makes a move that puts
Tess way out of her comfort zone.
Crappy New Year is a moving portrayal of a girl who is trying to
survive in a world where just about everything that's important to her
seems out of her control. The poems that reflect her changing moods
are poignant and perceptive.
On a personal note, I can relate to that. In honor of Tess, I'm
putting this in free verse:

I was simple minded enough
To actually believe
After I raised my kids
I could get a decent job.
As that fails to pan out
And the gates of retail Hell
Gape closer and closer
I ask myself WHY
Didn't anyone tell me the truth
While there was still time
To save myself?

A great big shout goes out to all kids and adults who had to navigate
the confusing circumstances of their parents' relationship.
Julia Emily Hathaway


Sent from my iPod