"E, MY NAME IS EMILY"

In a sequel to B, My Name Is Bunny (1987), Bunny's best friend can't accept her parents' divorce even after her father has remarried and had a new child. Emily also notes with horror that her mother is becoming friendly with their landlord, Mr. Linaberry, who is rather plain-looking and a bit gruff; Emily's problems are compounded when she finds herself pursued by goofy, overbearing Robertson Reo, who happens to be Mr. Linaberry's nephew. Her dislike for her mother's new relationship prompts Emily to use his affections for her own ends: she tries to sabotage her mother's date by announcing that she has one, too--with Robertson. A sudden invitation to visit her father for a weekend in N.Y.C. fuels Emily's fantasy that he will return to them; but Dad only wants some time alone with her. Emily finally begins to admit that Mr. Linaberry is trying his best to be friends. Amid good-natured jokes and gags, Mazer offers a thoughtful, realistic look at a child of divorce. Emily's hostility toward her mother's new beau rings true, as do her dashed hopes for her parents' reconciliation. Robertson provides fine comic relief, even if he does seem, at times, a little too goofy. An entertaining read.