by C.J. Omololu
4
Pub. Date: February 2, 2010
Pages: 224
Synopsis: Everyone has a secret. But Lucy’s is bigger and dirtier than most. It’s one she’s been hiding for years—that her mom’s out-of-control hoarding has turned their lives into a world of garbage and shame. She’s managed to keep her home life hidden from her best friend and her crush, knowing they’d be disgusted by the truth. So, when her mom dies suddenly in their home, Lucy hesitates to call 911 because revealing their way of life would make her future unbearable—and she begins her two-day plan to set her life right.
With details that are as fascinating as they are disturbing, C. J. Omololu weaves an hour-by-hour account of Lucy’s desperate attempt at normalcy. Her fear and isolation are palpable as readers are pulled down a path from which there is no return, and the impact of hoarding on one teen’s life will have readers completely hooked.
I found this book to be very original and well written. I liked how Omololu was able to capture how nostalgic it is to go through old belongings and the forgotten memories that resurface. Lucy's relationship with her mother is tragic and difficult to read about. It is hard to imagine a daughter not calling 911 immediately when finding their mother dead, but that just shows how embarrassing and devastating her mother's hoarding was. The detail that Omololu uses to describe the filth in Lucy's house helps the reader to visualize the disgusting living situation that Lucy was able to survive in through adaptation. This story is not just about Lucy trying to hide a painful secret that she thinks will destroy her life, but it is also about the effect that hoarding has on Lucy's entire family.
"Dirty Little Secrets" is a quick read because of it's length, but it is still able to give readers a memorable story. The ending left me a wanting to know what would happen next, but I realize that would be a whole other story. This makes the ending very fitting because there is so much uncertainty about Lucy's life that there really isn't a neat way to wrap up her story without it being too hokey and predictable.
I was looking for a memorable, as you stated above, read-and this one seems to fit what I'm looking for. I adore the cover. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThe cover is fantastic. It really hooked me into reading the book and the summary did the rest. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did Morgan!
ReplyDeleteNice review, I'm reading this right now, it's interesting so far :P
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it. I'm about to read it now and I'm really looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of this book. Very different!
ReplyDeleteI cant wait to read this one. Thanks for the great review.
It is definitely a great read. It makes me want to go through my closet and clean out some of the clutter I've been holding onto.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see so much interest in this book!
I hope to get a chance to read this one. i think it sounds good and your review is great! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteread this with my daughter, we loved it! The ending was perfect when we discussed it we both came up with different scenerios/endings. With all the recent reality tv on hoarding I found this a more realistic trek in the life of a hoarder, i wanted to know more, and the book keep me on my toes. I enjoyed this so much I even dreamed about it and read ahead of my daughter so I would know the ending! I couldn't get enough. Well written! Read it today. ;) Mom of 3 .
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