God and I Broke Up by Katarina Mazetti

• ISBN: 978-1439572214
• Plot summary: Linnea is a loner of a student at her high school--that is, until she meets Pia. Tall like Linnea but clever and not ashamed of her body, Pia brings out the best in Linnea. Together, they have many deep discussions, but mostly fall into the habit of being each other's company at school. Where Linnea is shy around boys, Pia is all too happy to chat them up and provoke their awkward attempts at hitting on her. Despite their closeness, Pia breaks off in thought from time to time and Linnea can't put a finger on what could be the matter. For instance, when Linnea brings up how disgusted she felt when overhearing the popular girls discuss their weekend trysts, Pia responds in earnest asking what one should do if they just can't help themselves? It is these moments when Pia seems far away and unable to explain what she's thinking about. It's times like those Linnea wishes she could go back and uncloud her best friend's thoughts.
• Critical evaluation: The relationship between Linnea and Pia seems good natured and fun, but sometimes the vagueness of what Pia is feeling is confusing. It may be that she truly feels conflicted and can't verbalize what she is feelings, but the vague nature of the writing doesn't dramatize these moments and therefore they don't seem like a big deal. Of course, all together, I think they are supposed to indicate some real problem Pia is having, but I really wasn't concerned about Pia's well being until we find out she has committed suicide by jumping in front of a moving train. Perhaps this is a realistic portrayal of a teenager grappling with their thoughts--perhaps it doesn't all have to spell out d-a-n-g-e-r. It was an interesting story, but a perplexing one at that.
• Reader's annotation: It seems that Linnea has just found Pia and has to let her go all too soon.
• About the author: Katarina Mazetti lives in Sweden and is the producer of a radio show on the national radio.
• Genre: Fiction
• Curriculum ties, if any: None
• Booktalking ideas:
• Is there something about you that makes you uncomfortable around other people?
• While grieving, Linnea talks to the walls at her grandmother's house. What are some ways you have dealt with hard news?
• Reading level/interest age: 14+
• Challenge issues: Sexuality, death
• Why was this item included? I originally picked up the book for it's religious undertones.