Max and Menna by Shauna Kelley
Published By: Lucky Press

Publication Date: November 1, 2010
Genre: YA, Fiction

This heartbreaking, coming of age tale centers around twins, Max and Menna, living with their older sister and abusive, alcoholic mother in a small, two bedroom house in Mobile, Alabama. They spend their childhood fleeing to their hill, a secluded spot in the woods, to meet their friend, Nick, and to escape the misery of their home life as well as the racism and prejudices of their community. 

Nick's character was so easy to fall in love with and the romance was nicely written. There were no love triangles, and no insta-love, which is always refreshing to read. Max and Menna's relationship was sweet. I love how Max cared for his twin sister, watched over her, and felt the sadness as they began to grow apart.

The characters felt real, as if I knew them, and I kept hoping that they would find some measure of happiness in their adult lives. Once I began reading I found that I continued thinking about the characters long after I set the book down. I finished this book in only two reading sessions. I needed to know how it would end, but at the same time I was afraid to find out. My suggestion, bring tissues for this satisfying yet heart-wrenching story. 

Many thanks to BookTasters and the author, Shauna Kelley, for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest opinion. 

 

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