A Blind Spot for Boys

A Blind Spot for Boys

"A great photo knocks your heart open. So give some thought to that. What knocks your heart open." Sixteen-year-old Shana is officially on a Boy Moratorium. After a devastating breakup, she decides it's time to end the plague of Mr. Wrongs and devote herself to her true passion: photography. Enter Quattro, the undeniably intriguing lacrosse player who slams into Shana one morning in Seattle. Sparks don't simply fly; they ignite--and so does Shana's interest. But just as she's about to rethink her ban on boys, she receives crushing news: Her dad is going blind. Shana and her parents vow to make the most of the time her father has left to see, so they plan a photo safari to Machu Picchu. But even as Shana travels away from Quattro, she can't get him out of her mind. Love and loss, humor and heartbreak collide in this new novel from acclaimed author Justina Chen. Gr 9 Up—After a painful breakup, Shana Wilde has issued a "Boy Moratorium" when it comes to dating and relationships, despite her own flirtatious personality. In search of the perfect photograph to bolster her portfolio for college, Shana meets Quattro, and his wit and sweetness make her question her new mantra. Life throws another curveball Shana's way when her father announces he is going blind. With her father's sight lessening every day, Shana and her parents fly to Peru to pursue a lifelong dream of visiting Machu Picchu. Unfortunately, with her father angry at what fate has thrown at him and her mother trying to reassure her dad, Shana feels isolated and alone. When Quattro steps back into her life, she must decide if she is ready to embrace a new chance at happiness. Chen tackles romance and family adeptly in this realistic fiction story. The protagonist's character development is entwined with how she handles the challenges in front of her. In the beginning, the teen tends to be a bit too whiny; however, the change in environment smooths the path for growth for Shana and Quattro, and the rough terrain of the Inca Trail adds flair and danger. The story is high on heartbreak, but leaves the future open to hope, particularly for the narrator. A book that will appeal to readers who enjoy a side of adventure with their heartache.—Sarah Wethern, Douglas County Library, Alexandria, MN " A Blind Spot for Boys uses sarcasm and humor to address the age-old conflict of love and trust. Told from Shana's perspective, readers gain insight into the fears and insecurities that plague adolescents after traumatic break-ups."― VOYA "Chen, author of the smart and serious North of Beautiful , finds similar ground here: an emotional and beautiful story, with hints of budding romance mixed in with the touching realism."― Booklist "Chen created the kind of vivid characters and strong emotion that featured so prominently in North of Beautiful , along with unexpected moments of action and danger, and descriptions that make the Andean setting come to life."― Publishers Weekly "A book that will appeal to readers who enjoy a side of adventure with their heartache."― School Library Journal Justina Chen is the author of Return to Me , North of Beautiful, Girl Overboard , and Nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies). While the Pacific Northwest is her home base, Justina feels equally at home wherever she goes with her pen, journal, and coconut black tea. Her website is justinachen.com.