The Truth About You & Me

August 5, 2013
This novel exploring the romance between a student and her teacher may spark controversy, but Grace (a pseudonym for author/agent Mandy Hubbard) treats delicate issues with honesty and control. Written as confessional letters, the story unfolds as 16-year-old Madelyn Hawkins explains how her infatuation spins out of control after she begins taking classes at a community college. Madelyn isn’t the only biology student who finds the instructor, Bennett Cartwright, attractive, although she doesn’t expect he’d have any interest in her outside the classroom. Nonetheless, the two are drawn to each other, first during a chance meeting on a hiking trail, then on secret dates at Bennett’s house. Bennett thinks Madelyn is older than she is, and Madelyn, fed up with her domineering parents and hungry for Bennett’s attention, puts off telling him the truth. It’s clear from the beginning that the relationship will end badly, but sorting out who, if anyone, is to blame will give readers food for thought. Rather than presenting answers, Grace (In Too Deep) offers a thorough examination of the gray area between right and wrong. Ages 13–up. Agent: Bob Diforio, D4EO Literary Agency.

October 1, 2013

Gr 8-10-Madelyn Hawkins is a first-year student at Green River Community College in Enumclaw, Washington. Ever since she was young, her father has pushed her to succeed, and her parents have big plans for her to attend an Ivy League school. On her first day of college, she meets Bennett Cartwright, her handsome and smart biology professor. The attraction between the two of them is palpable, yet they know they can't have a relationship because of his position. They look forward to the day that their class ends so that they can be together at last, but there's something that Madelyn still hasn't told Bennett. She's only 16, enrolled in a program called Running Start, which allows her to earn high school and college credit simultaneously. Madelyn knows that he is already struggling with the idea of dating an 18-year-old, so she decides not to reveal her age, knowing full well that the truth will eventually catch up with her. As readers know from the start, the relationship is doomed to fail, landing Bennett in hot water with the college. Grace tells the story through a letter that Madelyn writes, hoping to clear Bennett's name. She is the only character who is really developed, with others remaining flat and one-dimensional. Although at times the narrative can be a little repetitive, the pacing builds solidly toward the climax, and the sense of passion and urgency is sustained throughout. Not a must-read but recommended for fans of "forbidden love" stories.-Jessica Ko, Los Angeles Public Library, CA

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