The Girl With the Mermaid Hair: Delia Ephron
By: Renee C. Fountain | 03.04.2010 | Filed: Fiction: Teen & YA | Link

Rating: 2 1/2 stars

Girl With the Mermaid Hair: Delia Ephron Susannah “Sukie” Jamieson is obsessed with her looks; constantly checking herself in anything reflective or taking a “selfie” with her cell phone. Sukie’s mom, recently gave Sukie her grandmother’s full-length mirror, but warned her that the mirror would be her best friend and worst enemy; however, Sukie wasn’t listening--the mirror’s reflection made her skin look extra creamy.

Sukie's family is an interesting bunch; their dog, Señor, sits at the head of the table. The Jameison’s often consult Señor with family matters; although he doesn’t speak, they cull the answer from his facial expressions. Sukie's mother, is a huge drama queen, at one point she refused to eat dinner because she gained almost five pounds. When Sukie's mother leaves the room, she makes everybody promise not to look at her butt– but crosses her hands behind her, just in case they do. It's not hard to figure out why Sukie has an image problem.

Sukie is a pretty girl with no friends. While her family falls apart around her, she lives a fantasy life with her reflection in the mirror. With a mother so wrapped up in herself, Sukie doesn't even know how to reach her. Meanwhile her father's charm and winning smile gets him into trouble. As Sukie's life hits bottom, she finds forgiveness is both difficult to give and a blessing to get.

I'm a huge fan of the Ephrons' writing; both book and film. Delia Ephron wrote this one in a voice of cheesy-quirkiness, which took me awhile to accept. The storyline was just ok, nothing really gripping; but I was interested enough to see where it went. Although I can appreciate the satirical qualities of the book, I just didn't feel this was one of Ms. Ephron's better efforts.
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Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen; 1 edition (January 5, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-0061542602



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