Amanda, nicknamed "Zero," is in a strange holding pattern during the summer between high school and college. She was absolutely thrilled when she was accepted to the prestigious art school in Chicago that she was dying to get into, but equally devastated when her scholarship didn't come through. She is living with her parents who fight constantly, struggling with where to go and what to do next, and reeling from a split with her best friend. When she meets Mike, a whole lot of things change. She enrolls in a community college art class and starts painting again, her relationships start looking up and she begins to see a future for herself where she is definitely not a zero.

Zero is an excellent read for teen girls who are looking for something edgy, and for a unique and endearing character. Amanda is a somewhat lost and damaged girl who learns a lot about herself, begins to gain some self-esteem, and makes some positive changes in her life. Subject matter is heavy at times, as Amanda's father is a verbally abusive alcoholic, who is a source of embarrassment and anxiety for her. Her parents fight often and loudly, though in the end, her mother stands up for herself, and demands that her father get help or that he leave. He does leave for rehab and seems ready to get sober. Language is graphic and rather prevalent. Teen sex and loss of virginity take place, in a rather graphic scene, and it does change things in the relationship. Also, an unwanted homosexual advance causes a problem between friends. Art and creative expression are key elements to this story, as is the work of Salvador Dali. Amanda's story ends with a hopeful upswing, where she sees promise and a new outlook for her life.

{be the first to share your thoughts about this book}

{Click on a keyword to find other books containing the same subject matter}