Book details
A Not-So-Simple Life: Maya: Book 1 (Diary of a Teenage Girl)
Description
Fifteen-year-old Maya Stark seems to have it allfame, fortune, a Beverly Hills lifestyle, and an eighties pop star dad whos making a comeback. But looks can be deceiving, and on the inside, Maya is miserable. Her parents are divorced, her dad is away on tour, and being biracial, she struggles with her identity. Then, to make matters worse, her mother has returned to using drugs and is quickly depleting their finances. In a plan to become emancipated from her messed-up mom, Maya takes a job on Rodeo Drive. Selling designer clothes compromises Mayas earth-friendly green girl values, but she is desperate.Just when Maya thinks shes got it all worked out, her life caves in. Her mom embezzles Mayas savings and is later arrested on DUI and cocaine possession charges and is facing jail time. With nowhere to live, Maya is sent to spend the summer with her relatives. In the collision of two very different worlds, Maya must figure out where she fits inor does she fit in at all?From the Trade Paperback edition.
Age
12-17
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
256 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Relatable Teenage Experience: 'A Not-So-Simple Life' offers readers a genuine portrayal of the ups and downs of being a teenager. Through Maya's diary entries, readers can connect with the challenges and emotions that come with adolescence, making it a relatable read for young adults navigating similar experiences.
- Positive Messages: Melody Carlson's book provides positive messages about self-discovery, faith, and overcoming adversity. It encourages readers to find strength within themselves and to seek support from others when facing life's challenges, promoting a healthy approach to dealing with personal struggles.
- Engaging Writing Style: The diary format of the book allows for an intimate and engaging reading experience. Readers are given direct insight into Maya's thoughts and feelings, which helps to create a strong connection with the character and keeps the audience invested in her story.
- Thought-Provoking Themes: The book tackles a variety of important themes such as identity, family dynamics, and the search for belonging. These themes prompt readers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them, making 'A Not-So-Simple Life' not only entertaining but also intellectually stimulating.