The Good Side of My Heart

Rinaldi, Ann

ISBN 10: 0823406482 ISBN 13: 9780823406487

Publisher: Holiday House, 1987

Synopsis

Brie hopes to become more than just a friend to Josh, but is shocked to discover that he is homosexual

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 8-10 Rinaldi again writes of Brieanna McQuade, the spirited female protagonist introduced in But in the Fall I'm Leaving (Holiday, 1985) . In this new episode Brie, now 16, begins dating Joshua Falcone, her best friend's brother. While he seems thoughtful and charming, he has a bad reputationa sex scandal resulting in his expulsion from a military school. Forbidden by her father to see Josh outside of school, Brie meets him secretly, hoping that the relationship will progress beyond friendship. Meanwhile her older brother and confidante Kevin is experiencing doubts about remaining in the priesthood. Brie presses Josh for romantic attention, forcing him to reveal that the scandal had involved him and the colonel's son, not his daughter. Feeling both abandoned and betrayed, Brie confronts the issue of Josh's homosexuality in a lengthy confessional with Kevin. Subsequently, she seeks to reestablish her friendship with Josh and then offers strength to Kevin when he needs it most. Brie's submission to peer pressure, her uncontrolled temper, and her defiance of parental discipline remain intact from the first book. There is nothing fresh, creative, or unique here, but the story line moves quickly and reads easilyexcept for the lengthy confessional dialogue. This novel will appeal most to readers already familiar with the McQuade family; however, it can stand alone. Cynthia K. Leibold, Anderson High School, Cincinnati
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Holiday House
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0823406482
• ISBN 13: 9780823406487
• Binding: Library Binding
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 284