Book Review: "32 Candles" by Ernessa T. Carter

Title: 32 Candles

Author: Ernessa T. Carter

Publisher: Amistad

ISBN, PUB Date: 978-0-06-195784-0, June 22, 2010

Reviewed by: Denien Robbins for Author Exposure

Davidia Jones grew up in a small Mississippi town. Davie, as she is called, is a very dark skinned ugly duckling, who is the butt of many jokes and teased mercilessly by her schoolmates. Her mother is an abusive alcoholic, with a reputation for entertaining the men. Her father is a mystery to her.

After a particularly bad beating from her mother, Davie just stops speaking. Her refusal to speak only adds to the strangeness her peers see in her. A cruel joke played on her by the "popular" girls sends Davie fleeing across country at the tender age of 15, trying to escape her life.

Davie ends up in Los Angeles and her life takes a turn that readers can't possibly predict! This heroine is sassy, smart, and proves to everyone that she can make the best of the rough life that was given to her.

Ernessa T. Carter spins a story that made me laugh, feel empathy, and root for the underdog. 32 Candles is about relationships: family, friends, and high school crushes. One self-proclaimed ugly black girl from small town Mississippi grows into a much loved and sought-after swan.

This is Ms. Carter's first novel and I look forward to seeing more of her work.