Like It Never Happened

There’s more drama offstage than onstage for high-school thespian Rebecca Rivers in this sharp-witted debut novel, which traces several crises in her junior year. First, there is the issue of Rebecca breaking her pact with her small circle of actor friends by becoming romantically involved with a boy within the group; then Rebecca’s estranged older sister, Mary, suddenly returns home to announce her engagement to a professional golfer. But most traumatic of all are the false rumors being spread around school that could destroy both Rebecca and the entire drama department. Balancing masterful comedic timing with a thoughtful presentation of controversial topics, first-time novelist Adrian’s writing brims with authenticity and compassion. Highly visual scenarios, such as Rebecca’s parents’ awkward reunion with their rebellious-daughter-turned-mainstream-fiancée, are priceless (“Mom was pretty desperate to meet the fiancé, whereas Dad was content to watch old recordings of Jeffrey’s most crucial golf moments”), and the messages about peer, teacher, and family relationships are evergreen. Readers will easily relate to Rebecca, who combats many obstacles without losing her passion for the stage. Ages 14–up. Agent: Susan Ginsburg, Writers House. (June)