Out of Focus

Sixteen-year-old Bernice Dodd is used to being the grown-up in her family. When her irresponsible mother falls off the wagon again, Bernie decides to make a change: she's moving the family to the country, to fix up and live in a run-down bed & breakfast they just inherited. In spite of her mother's protests, Bernie manages to make it work for a while. But Black Spruce Lodge changes everyone, and eventually Bernie realizes that she's got to let go of the anger that's clouding her perspective--something easier said than done for a girl who's been let down one too many times.

Tough yet vulnerable Bernie's rich narration alternates smart dialogue, rapid action, revealing interior monologue and lingering, intimate descriptions of characters' expressions. All characters are equally well drawn, from flawed mother Celia to charming playboy Tony to nosy but well-meaning neighbour Jack who challenges Bernie to quit acting like a child and to see what's really there, what her photographs catch that she won't let herself see. A delightful and totally believable story about learning how and whom to trust when you swore you'd never trust anyone but yourself ever again.