EUNICE GOTTLIEB AND THE UNWHITEWASHED TRUTH ABOUT LlFE

by Tricia Springstubb ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 12, 1987

Eunice and Joy of Which Way to the Nearest Wilderness? return in another funny, moving story about relationships and change. The events, again related from Eunice's point of view, occur during their 12th summer, when Eunice feels that Joy is the one constant in a frustrating world in which her emotions are out of control, her body is on the rampage (at least her sweat glands are), and her family doesn't understand. True to form, Joy comes up with an idea to occupy their summer: a dessert catering service called ""Have Your Cake."" Also true to form, it is Eunice who ends up with most of the work, especially after Joy discovers boys--in particular, Robert. Eunice feels betrayed; relations deteriorate until Joy puts forward a plan for Eunice to buy her out. Eunice agrees and takes on a new partner: Reggie, the class reject, who initially drives her crazy, but to whom she feels more drawn as she realizes that she, not Joy. is the leader in the relationship. Now it is Joy's turn to feel betrayed, with consequences disastrous to ""Have Your Cake,"" and, almost, to their friendship. This second part of a projected trilogy rounds out a basic plotline about the inequitles of puberty with a hard-edged understanding about the effects of growth and change on relationships. Springstubb's characters are believable, her writing economically witty. One looks forward to the return of Eunice, Joy, and even Reggie.

Pub Date: June 12, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 192

Publisher: Delacorte

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S