Lush

Summary:
Sam decides to get a new friend to help her cope with heralcoholic father and a mother who is in denial by leaving a biographical letter in a library book.

Book Talk:
It's hard to be a 13-year-old girl. But it is even harder when your father's a drunk. It adds an extra layer to everything -- your family's reaction to things, the people you're willing to bring home, the way you see yourself and the world. For Samantha that's been going on for so long that she's almost used to it. Only, you never get used to it. Especially when it starts to get worse....

Awards & Reviews:
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2007

"As she did in PERFECT (2004), Friend adeptly takes a teen problem and turns it into a believable, sensitive, character-driven story, with realistic dialogue. The cautiously optimistic ending works because Friend has convinced readers that Sam can handle whatever happens. Friend, who clearly understands and empathizes with young teens, is a writer to watch."
Booklist, November1, 2006, p41

"Although the subject of the book is a heavy one, author Natasha Friend balances it with humor in scenes with Sam's little brother and her school friends. She keeps the pace lively with excellent writing and believable voices for each character. At the end of the book are resources for teens facing similar problems with alcoholism: Web sites, toll-free numbers, support groups, and further reading."
Children's Literature,

"Sam comes across as a savvy as well as naive teen who tells her own story with humor, honesty and hope. Realistic family drama."
Kirkus Reviews, October 15, 2006

"The author of PERFECT ... writes with great honesty about Sam's life, and this honesty will be appealing to younger YA readers.... It all works as a realistic novel that expresses truths about living with an alcoholic parent, with confusion about secrets, trust, and self-esteem."
KLIATT

"Witty dialogue and smooth writing.... [T]his is a perceptive novel featuring a likable protagonist to whom readers will easily relate. As in PERFECT (Milkweed, 2004), Friend adroitly portrays a weighty topic with touches of humor and grace."
School Library Journal, December, 2006, p138

"LUSH is author Natasha Friend's follow-up to the highly acclaimed PERFECT. Like her former work, it cuts to the raw emotions of this teen girl living in a not-so-perfect situation. The language is . . . touching and moving. Sam is real and so is her father's alcoholism. LUSH will be helpful to young people who are going through the same problem Sam faces. Friend also includes a list of important alcoholism resources for kids and teens at the end of the novel."
Teenreads.com

"Natasha Friend has written a touching novel centered around a strong female character. The cycle of emotional abuse that is associated with alcoholism seems to be realistically portrayed and comes full circle, ending with the healing process and what it takes for a family to survive a tragedy, heal, and stay together."
Teensreadtoo.com

Discussion Questions and Ideas:

1. Have you ever felt hopeless about a situation or circumstance?
2. If so how have you helped yourself feel better?
3. Do you think asking for random advice from the girl in the library helps Sam?
4. Discuss how Sam's family members deal with the father's alcoholism?
5. Do you think is was a good plan that Sam visited her Dad at rehab without her mother's permission?
6. Do you feel that the characters in the book come to a realistic and hopeful resolution?

Related Websites:
Author's Website - http://www.natashafriend.com

Alanon/Alateen - http://www.al-anon.alateen.org

Children of Alcoholics Foundation - http://www.coaf.org

National Association for Children of Alcoholics - http://www.nacoa.org

Read-a-Likes:
Blood Relations by Chris Lynch, 1996
Buried by Robin Merrow MacCready, 2006
Cheat the Moon by Patricia Hermes, 1998
Dirty Liar by Brian James, 2006
Dog Eat Dog by Chris Lynch, 1996
Down Came a Blackbird by Nicholas Wilde, 1991
Flip Flopby Wendy Lawton, 2004
Friends by T. Degens, 1981
Games: A Tale of Two Bullies by Carol Gorman, 2007
Learning How to Fall by Norma Klein, 1989
Mick by Chris Lynch, 1996
The Moonlight Man by Paula Fox, 1986
New Guys Around the Block by Rosa Guy, 1983
Secret Stormby Yvonne Lehman, 1996
Out of Focusby Margaret Buffie, 2006
Paradise Lane by William Taylor, 1987
Pardon Me, You're Stepping on My Eyeball! by Paul Zindel
Parent Swap by Terence Blacker, 2006
Raising the Shades by Doug Wilhelm, 2001
Rina's Family Secret by Gloria Velasquez, 1998
Something's Wrong at My House by Katherine Leiner, 1988
Speak to the Rain by Helen K. Passey, 1989
Tyrone's Betrayalby Gloria Velasquez, 2006
The Year of My Miraculous Reapperance by Catherine Ryan Hide, 2007

Other Books by the Author:
Perfect, 2004 (A 2007 RITBA Nominee)

About the Author:
Natasha Friend's first novel Perfect was the winner of the Milkweed Prize for Children's Literature. Before becoming a writer Natasha was a middle school teacher and a camp director. She lives outside of Boston with her husband and two young children.