Davie Jones–an ugly duckling growing up in small-town Mississippi with a mother who couldn’t get any meaner–is positive her life couldn’t be any worse. Just when she’s resigned herself to her fate, she sees a movie that will change her life–Sixteen Candles. But in her case, life doesn’t imitate art. Tormented in school and hopelessly in unrequited love with a handsome football player, Davie finds it bittersweet to dream of Molly Ringwald endings. When a cruel school prank goes too far, Davie leaves the life she knows and reinvents herself in the glittery world of Hollywood as a beautiful and successful lounge singer. Just as she’s about to ride off into the L.A. sunset, the past comes back with a vengeance, threatening to crush Davie’s dreams–and break her heart again.

With wholly original characters and a cinematic storyline, 32 Candles introduces Ernessa T. Carter, a new voice in fiction with smarts, attitude, and sassiness to spare.

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to finish this book because it was listed as humorous, but the opening of this book is anything but — it’s actually full of abuse, neglect, and bullying. I’ve given up on several audiobooks recently and decided to push through this one for a bit to see if it would be worth finishing.

It was, and I’m glad I did.

I am ALL about character growth/development, and Davie’s story is a great one. There is so much to admire about how she took care of herself, learning when to walk away and how to see the good in people who were absolutely horrible in her. And her capacity to forgive was downright admirable.

It wasn’t what I was expecting, but it was a fantastic book that will stay with me for a while.

R-rated for adult content, swearing, and sex. Get your copy here!

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