Telling Christina Goodbye » (Reissue)

Lurlene McDaniel has written more than 30 inspirational novels. Her books have received acclaim from teachers, parents, young adults, and reviewers.

Trisha Thompson and her best friend Christina are having a great senior year. Trisha and her boyfriend, Cody, are making plans to attend Indiana University together in the fall, while Christina has already received a scholarship to the University of Vermont. Everything would be perfect if only Trisha got along with Christina’s controlling boyfriend Tucker, who is trying to convince Christina not to go away for college. But suddenly their lives change one night when Tucker is driving the four home from an away basketball game. When his car hits a patch of black ice and overturns, Tucker walks away with barely a scratch, but Trisha is injured, Cody is in a coma, and Christina is dead. Those left behind must learn that it takes time for their scars—both visible and not—to heal. And they must find the courage to move on with their lives.

School Library Journal

Gr 6-10 Trisha is enjoying her senior year and planning to attend college in her home state, Indiana, with her longtime boyfriend, Cody. She's especially excited for her best friend, Christina, who's been offered a scholarship to the University of Vermont, which Trisha sees as an opportunity for the teen to get away from her controlling boyfriend, Tucker. Tension mounts when the four attend a basketball game together and Tucker starts a fight with a boy who talks to Christina. On the way home, the two couples have a car accident that leaves Christina dead and Cody in a coma. After the tragedy, the story and the characters become less one-dimensional and syrupy. The question of what caused the accident provides some suspense; along with the quick pace and easy dialogue, the novel will hold the interest of McDaniel's fans. -Rebecca Hogue Wojahn, Riverside Middle School, Watertown, WI Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.