Don't Rent My Room!

Lucy Weber, 15, is upset that her parents have relinquished their respective careers in New York City to own and manage a Cape Cod inn. Her grandmother wants Lucy to stay in the city with her, but Mr. and Mrs. Weber insist that Lucy give the inn a try during summer vacation. Angell clearly depicts how the move, and running the hostelry, affect the family. Although this is supposedly Lucy's story, the emphasis intermittently shifts to her two younger brothers. As a central figure, Lucy is lamentably weak; she feigns interest in environmental issues to attract a new friend's brother, and feels immediately threatened when a week-long guest admires the fellow. The few elderly characters are portrayed in an unflattering light as well. The ending, however, manages to surprise, and the novel, despite its shortcomings, is a pleasant read. Ages 10-up. (Sept.)