As what is supposed to be a modern day retelling of the story of Ruth from the Bible, Right Where I Belong hit all of the high notes for me. I really enjoyed this story and meeting all of these fabulous characters. Sometimes when you’re reading YA books, it seems like they’re living in some sort of world the rest of us don’t reach. The kids are perfect (or perfectly horrible) and there aren’t really solid representations of life for tweens and teens. This book does not suffer from that. Natalia’s struggles are realistic (especially for anyone who has ever needed to adapt to living in a new place) and she’s honest about her failings.She also needs to deal with the issues of not living up to the expectations that her parents have for her and at the same time, has to help her step-mother through the transition of being divorced. Some of those scenes were hard to read, but again, they were realistic and relatable.I really enjoyed reading this book. I wanted to know more about Natalia and her journey and when the book ended, I was annoyed. I wanted it to keep going! (I hope she does plan to write more!)I’ve already recommended this book to several friends and handed it off to my daughter for her to read. I look forward to seeing where she takes us next!Review copy provided by the publisher. Thank you! Natalia’s about to discover her place in the world . . . and it’s not following in her father’s footsteps.Natalia’s father is about to get divorced again. His business is his top priority and plans for her to take over his business. Her mother is more concerned with her career and doesn’t have much time for her daughter. Natalia has really bonded with her current stepmother. Maureen has introduced Natalia to Christ and Natalia wants to learn more. When Maureen tells Natalia she will be moving home to Florida after the divorce she is devastated. She needs Maureen and actually decides to move from Spain to Florida too. Her parents think living in the States would be wonderful for her college prospects so they put no obstacles in her way. It is not long before Natalia realizes Maureen needs her too. Together they embark on a journey following the paths set by a higher power.Dollycas’s ThoughtsThis was a beautiful story of a woman’s continuing journey with Christ and a young woman’s awakening in the awesomeness of the Lord. The behavior of her parents seriously marred her outlook on life. She never wanted to date or fall in love because she has a bird’s eye view of the heartbreak that occurs when someone falls out of love. Her father treated woman as things not humans with feelings. Moving away was just what she needed to open her eyes and her heart to the joy the world can provide.Perfect way for today’s teens, Right Where I Belong is loosely based on the Bible’s story of Ruth. Her stepmother brought her the Good News of Christ and Natalia is still learning about her faith. She does want to share her awakening with everyone.In Florida, she attends a Christian High School that is so different from her school in Spain. There were few Christians in Spain and they rarely discussed their faith. But the real adjustment was the language. Natalia spoke English well but she didn’t speak American teenage slang. It was a treat to learn the ways of American teens from the way they dress to the way the speak including the phases that roll so easily off our tongues but are truly confusing when words are dissected.The story is brilliantly written with rich, warm, real characters. It is a Christian novel but it doesn’t preach. It is a perfect book for teenagers and those of us who are young at heart. It was an amazing fast read and I recommend it highly. I found JOY within the pages of Right Where I Belong. and think you will too.
What do You think about Right Where I Belong (2012)?
I'm sure this book isn't as bad as I'm making it sound. I just couldn't get into it and DNF.
—Chris
LOVE Krista McGee books! I especially like the cameos by previous main characters.
—Finalfire
