Parents' Guide to

Unclaimed Baggage

By Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Sweet romance underscores bonds of friendship.

Book Jen Doll Romance 2018
Unclaimed Baggage Poster Image

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Is It Any Good?

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Romance fans are sure to enjoy this sweet but slightly flawed, breezy summer story that refreshingly emphasizes strong bonds of friendship rather than laser-focusing on the love story. It starts out a little slow, with a clunky introduction of the three main characters, and once they're established, the story moves pretty predictably to the upbeat, hopeful end.

But teens will easily relate to the characters, all of whom are admirable in some ways yet flawed in others, as they learn how to claim their own emotional baggage without letting it weigh them down. Minor characters are colorfully portrayed, but the main antagonist is a bit of a stereotypical "church lady." Teens will also appreciate how Doris, Nell, and Grant struggle with past trauma and alcohol abuse and come to learn what real love is, and most especially how your friends help you through and make you a better person.

Book Details

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