It's Not Like It's A Secret

     Sana, narrator of Misa Sugiura's It's Not Like It's a Secret, gets a very unwelcome surprise on her 16th birthday. Her mother has taken her out to eat and to a favorite beach. (Her father is away on business). As they are leaving for home she tells Sana that they are about to move to California. Her father has laid down the edict (as always) and her mother has blindly accepted his decision (as always). She believes in the importance of gracefully enduring the unendurable and being unselfish. 

     Probably most 16-year-olds would be less than thrilled with being required to leave their homes and friends in the middle of high school. Not to mention the pressure to blindly accept her fate. But Sana has more reason than most for trepidation. For years she's had reasons to suspect that her father is having an extramarital affair. What if they're moving so he can be closer to the other woman in his life? What if her mother learns about her? What will happen to their family?

     When she starts school in California she's quickly taken in by a tight knit group of fellow Asian Americans. She begins to feel a real sense of belonging. But when she tries to integrate a Hispanic girl, Jamie, into the group there's suspicion the on the part of both the Asian Americans and Hispanics.

     Not to mention that Sana has no idea how either group will react to her more than liking Jamie.

     It's Not Like It's a Secret is a nuanced take on complicated intersectional relationships and tough issues, perfect for the more mature YA reader.

On a purrrsonal note, there was a spectacular sunrise this morning when Eugene and I were enjoying our Governors breakfast. The day started out spectacularly cold but seems to be warming up. Hopefully I'll get in outside time. I've gone two weeks getting in my exercise every day. Which has been boring AF because almost all involved stationary biking. I so miss actually getting somewhere, seeing scenery, feeling the wind...paradise lost.

A great big shout out goes out to the fabulous chefs and servers at Governors. Check the place out if you're in Old Town, Maine. 

Jules Hathaway 

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