Songs for a Teenage Nomad by Kim Culbertson

Title: Songs for a Teenage Nomad

Author: Kim Culbertson

Published: September 7, 2010 by Sourcebooks Fire

Pages: 256

ISBN: 9781402243011

Source: ARC sent for review from Publisher

Description: After living in twelve places in eight years, Calle Smith finds herself in Andreas Bay, California, at the start of ninth grade. Another new home, another new school...Calle knows better than to put down roots. Her song journal keeps her moving to her own soundtrack, bouncing through a world best kept at a distance. Yet before she knows it, friends creep in-as does an unlikely boy with a secret. Calle is torn over what may be her first chance at love. With all that she's hiding and all that she wants, can she find something lasting beyond music? And will she ever discover why she and her mother have been running in the first place?

I Give This ...

I was intrigued by this book and how it includes music.  I consider myself pretty diverse in my music tastes, so wanted to see how this book fit with that.  I was surprised at how easily this novel flowed.  And, it doesn't feel you at all even though the lead character is only 14 (or is it 15?).  

Calle was smart and funny.  She's got a lot on her plate for someone so young, but she takes it all into stride.  She knows this all makes her who she is.  I was surprised at her mother.  I didn't like how she evaded Calle's questions.  For some reason that whole mindset of "I'm your mother and I know best" really drives me crazy.  I think Calle was more than old enough to know the truth.  The ending was a little more than I bargained for.  I wanted them to stop running, but felt the circumstances could have been a bit different.  It seemed way too drastic.

I loved that Calle finally found a place to fit in.  She had friends that really cared for her.  Plus, she was able to truly open up to some one (and in turn he opened up to her).  I don't think she every felt comfortable enough to do that.  I'm sure it was a heavy burden to bear. The cast of characters are quirky and each had something to offer to the story.  I'm really glad I picked this one and will be looking forward to the author's future works!