Samantha has a secret...

It's hard enough being a thirteen year-old girl, but when your dad can't stop drinking and you're not allowed to tell, life gets even harder. Add to the mix a yoga-obsessed mother, a gym teacher who hates you, and boobs that won't stop growing, and you really need someone to talk to. When Sam picks a random high-school girl in the library and starts sending her notes asking for advice, a mysterious friendship develops. But who is A.J.K., really? And will she be able to help Sam help her father, before it's too late?

“As she did in PERFECT (2004), Friend adeptly takes a teen problem and turns it into a believable, sensitive, character-driven story, with realistic dialogue. The cautiously optimistic ending works because Friend has convinced readers that Sam can handle whatever happens. Friend, who clearly understands and empathizes with young teens, is a writer to watch.” -BOOKLIST

“Although the subject of the book is a heavy one, author Natasha Friend balances it with humor in scenes with Sam's little brother and her school friends. She keeps the pace lively with excellent writing and believable voices for each character. At the end of the book are resources for teens facing similar problems with alcoholism: Web sites, toll-free numbers, support groups, and further reading.” -CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

“The author of PERFECT . . . writes with great honesty about Sam's life, and this honesty will be appealing to younger YA readers. . . . It all works as a realistic novel that expresses truths about living with an alcoholic parent, with confusion about secrets, trust, and self-esteem.” -KLIATT

“Witty dialogue and smooth writing. . . . [T]his is a perceptive novel featuring a likable protagonist to whom readers will easily relate. As in PERFECT (Milkweed, 2004), Friend adroitly portrays a weighty topic with touches of humor and grace. -SCHOOL LIBARARY JOURNAL

"Sam comes across as a savvy as well as naive teen who tells her own story with humor, honesty and hope. Realistic family drama.” -KIRKUS REVIEWS

"Natasha Friend has written a touching novel centered around a strong female character. The cycle of emotional abuse that is associated with alcoholism seems to be realistically portrayed and comes full circle, ending with the healing process and what it takes for a family to survive a tragedy, heal, and stay together.”-Teensreadtoo.com

“LUSH is author Natasha Friend's follow-up to the highly acclaimed PERFECT. Like her former work, it cuts to the raw emotions of this teen girl living in a not-so-perfect situation. The language is . . . touching and moving. Sam is real and so is her father's alcoholism. LUSH will be helpful to young people who are going through the same problem Sam faces. Friend also includes a list of important alcoholism resources for kids and teens at the end of the novel.”
-Teenreads.com