Cape Maybe by Carol Fragale Brill--A Review

SYNOPSIS:

Sometimes the toughest journey is the one that takes you back to your roots. For Katie, navigating life and love is trickier than walking barefoot on a beach full of broken shells. Maybe Katie will break the family cycle of alcoholism. Maybe she won’t. Set against the backdrop of picturesque, seaside Cape May, Cape Maybe traces the push and pull of Katie’s conflicting love for her erratic mother and steadfast grandfather, and her ever-growing attraction to her best friend, Dennis. Katie’s life is shaped by her vow to be nothing like her alcoholic mother. Her reckless teenage choices test the strength of family ties, friendship, and first love. Ultimately about hard-earned hope, what we inherit, and what we choose to let go, Katie discovers what she never expected about motherhood, forgiving yourself, and creating your own second chances.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

Cape Maybe was another young adult read that addressed another issue for teens---alcoholism and also teen pregnancy.   Part 1 addresses Katie at a young age when she is rescued from her alcoholic mother and her abusive boyfriend, by Poppi, Katie's grandfather.   Katie had a friend named, Cam, and while living with Poppi and Uncle Nack, she met the love of her life, Dennis.    Dennis was the son of Uncle Nack's lady friend, Ursula.

This cast of characters was so believable.   Katie had an innate knowledge that Mama's boyfriend was mean and dangerous.   When Mama had Ray with her, he was her main focus and with him, came lots of drinking.  It was a bad example to set for a little girl.   Poppi felt she was safer with him and Uncle Nack and he would have helped June, (Mama), If she could just stay away from Ray and the booze.
Katie was torn between the safety and love offered by Poppi and her need and love for her mother.

Part 2 focused more on Katie at age 17.   Although she never wanted to be like her mother, Katie's teen years were troubled.   Her friend Cam was always beautiful and knew how to be a girl, drawing the attention of all the guys, including their friend Dennis.    Katie always resented Cam's ability to hold Dennis's attention while she kept him at arms length.    Dennis should have been Katie's since she knew him first.   Conflicting thoughts between guilt and friendship and wanting to make Dennis notice her, all contributed to some bad choices made by young Katie.    Uncle Nack and Dennis always seemed to be there to help Katie clean up the messes, even when her sneak drinking was becoming more and more obvious.

This was a solid story and this reader was broken hearted every time Katie imbibed and with every bad decision she made.  The heartache of those who truly loved her, clearly shone through and Brill was able to bring forth a truly raw and aching story of the path of the alcoholic and the people who love them.

I gave this book 5 Winks!

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.   I purchased this book for my personal Kindle Collection.