A Blind Spot for Boys

Gr 9 Up—After a painful breakup, Shana Wilde has issued a "Boy Moratorium" when it comes to dating and relationships, despite her own flirtatious personality. In search of the perfect photograph to bolster her portfolio for college, Shana meets Quattro, and his wit and sweetness make her question her new mantra. Life throws another curveball Shana's way when her father announces he is going blind. With her father's sight lessening every day, Shana and her parents fly to Peru to pursue a lifelong dream of visiting Machu Picchu. Unfortunately, with her father angry at what fate has thrown at him and her mother trying to reassure her dad, Shana feels isolated and alone. When Quattro steps back into her life, she must decide if she is ready to embrace a new chance at happiness. Chen tackles romance and family adeptly in this realistic fiction story. The protagonist's character development is entwined with how she handles the challenges in front of her. In the beginning, the teen tends to be a bit too whiny; however, the change in environment smooths the path for growth for Shana and Quattro, and the rough terrain of the Inca Trail adds flair and danger. The story is high on heartbreak, but leaves the future open to hope, particularly for the narrator. A book that will appeal to readers who enjoy a side of adventure with their heartache.—Sarah Wethern, Douglas County Library, Alexandria, MN