I have liked everything I have read by Adriana Trigiani. My favorites though are Lucia, Lucia and The Queen of the Big Time. While I like her Big Stone Gap Series, I prefer her books set in NYC, which The Queen of the Big Time is not, but it is about a strong, independent, Italian woman. Viola in the Spotlight takes place in NYC, but is not historical fiction and features Viola, home from a year at boarding school while her documentary film-making parents were shooting in Afghanistan. (This year away is the subject of the first book in this series Viola in Reel Life.) I like Viola, she is realistic, though she does lead a "nice" life, which is hard to see as beliveable these days. While I think it is important for YA literature to address the myriad issues teens deal with these days, it is also important to portray those kids who are not beset by angst in the form of abuse, drugs, and family upheaval. Even kids whose lives are filled with turmoil like to read about kids who are not like them. After all, many of us read for the opportunity to explore lives that are not like our own.
As a life-long tourist, I also like Trigiani's insight into life in NYC. Sigh...oh to live in the Big Apple for even a little while.
In this novel Viola must handle changing feelings for her best friend Andrew, deal with the first romance of another close friend, learn responsibility as a lighting apprentice for a Broadway show, and adjust to life back at home without her school friends. No matter how they are packaged, teens are all worried about romance, friendship, responsibility, home life, and school.
I like these books for the sweet story but I will read more in the series to find out what happens to the fiesty, talented Viola.
