LIGHTS DOWN THE RIVER

Once again (Pink Sky At Night, 1963, 519, J-177) the bright lights of Broadway are about as within reach as dim stars for a would-be actress. Connie Kittredge, in her senior year at a small town high, directs 99% of her thoughts and actions towards one desire--to be an actress. When asked to explain why she wants to be spotlighted, headlined, etc., she is unable to produce convincing reasons; she just wants to be and always has wanted to be, and always will want to be. Despite her continual involvement in acting--there's a summer production, Thespian society in town, and high school play--, Connie seems weak and immature, largely due to her flimsy arguments about her dreams. All her struggles lead to two small stars: admittance to an acting school, and attention from an aspiring actor. Definitely inferior to this author's earlier book, it lacks well-paced plot and a convincing central character.