You know it is not an American or British book when the man in charge of the Football Club is a "Prezzie", and where one of the main characters is called Reggie and is obsessed with finally getting his Ford back on the road after years of trying to restore it.
Tiff (never Tiffany) has just finished Year Twelve, and is about to start some work experience at the local newspaper. She has a complicated family setup but is well cared for by Reggie and Bull. Being Australian males they show their genuine affection by constant teasing. Life is about to take a number of twists and turns, which will lead to self doubt, sorrow, laughter and reflection.
The story is told in the first person, so we get to know the small country town where Tiff lives through her eyes. I can only imagine that the book would be a bit of puzzle to a reader from another country, as Tiff's vernacular is a distinctively Aussie, without being contrived. While the events that take place are largely of only local concern, they impact Tiff dramatically, so ultimately this becomes a book about change and the inevitable progression of living.
The author has deliberately chosen to write a story that is positive, and has comendably avoided the swearing, drugs and sex scenes that are increasingly common in teenage stories. This does not make it any less real, and some big issues are touched on including alcoholism, single mothers with children from multiple partners, smoking and cancer. It is interesting to compare this story to Fill Out This Application and Wait Over There (reviewed) which is also about a student after Year Twelve and a newspaper job, though in an urban environment.
An easy and pleasant read for teenagers (even young ones) with a little romance and a lot about life, all the more engaging for being distinctively Australian.
Andrew Lack
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