CAN'T LOOK AWAY by Donna Cooner

Review by Reagan (Andye's Daughter)

Age Range: 12 and up
Grade Level: 7 and up
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Point (August 26, 2014)
Buy The Book: Amazon.com

Torrey Grey is famous. At least, on the internet. Thousands of people watch her popular videos on fashion and beauty. But when Torrey's sister is killed in an accident -- maybe because of Torrey and her videos -- Torrey's perfect world implodes.

Now, strangers online are bashing Torrey. And at her new school, she doesn't know who to trust. Is queen bee Blair only being sweet because of Torrey's internet infamy? What about Raylene, who is decidedly unpopular, but seems accepts Torrey for who she is? And then there's Luis, with his brooding dark eyes, whose family runs the local funeral home. Torrey finds herself drawn to Luis, and his fascinating stories about El dio de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. As the Day of the Dead draws near, Torrey will have to really look at her own feelings about death, and life, and everything in between. Can she learn to mourn her sister out of the public eye?

Hey guys! Today I'm excited to share with you a review by my 13 year old daughter, Reagan. The entire time she was reading this book she kept saying how awesome it was, and she finished it in a couple of hours, so I know she really loved it! Here's her review! (~Andye)

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Hello Beautystarz! (Don't worry, read the book, you'll get it in time, grasshopper).

Torrey Grey's sister has just died. Not by any natural cause either. She was hit by a drunk driver. Thing is, Torrey's millions of viewers are saying it's her fault. Torrey, and her now crushed family, move to Texas, away from all the memories of her sister. Torrey then starts a new life at a new school. Blair, the school's top dog, is nice to her while totally bashing her cousin, who has been nothing but sweet to her. Torrey can't tell if Blair is nice because of her online infamy or because of Torrey herself. Meanwhile Torrey finds herself attracted to Luis, the son of a funeral home manager. Even though he has been declared "undatable" by Blair, she can't help but wonder why. When Torrey hangs out more and more with Luis he tells her more about the Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday. Now she wants to be a part of it and maybe, finally, let go of Miranda.

I enjoyed this book throughly. Why, you might be asking? I thought Donna Cooner put together this book soooooooo well. The pain Torrey felt of losing her sister felt so real, and the characters were positively brought to life. As if I could go down to Texas right now and meet them. I like how she didn't exclude that feeling of wanting to fit in, and wanting people to like you. Because no matter how many times your parents tell you it doesn't matter, it's still there. I thought my favorite character was her cousin, Reylene. No matter how much Torrey pushed her away, she knew Torrey was just hurt and was really there for her.

I think that this book was real, and if you like it when contemps are like that then read it!

Thanks!