Our favorite young American novelist, Natasha Friend, has announced the completion and forthcoming publication of her second novel. Her first, Perfect, about a teenager's battle with grief and an eating disorder, opened to great reviews and is in at least its third printing. The new book is about the effect of alcoholism on teenagers in a family. Natasha's work with teenagers as a teacher and counselor has given her special insight, her writing is at just the right complexity for her teenage audience, and the Perfect story line is strong enough to hold adult interest, which made Perfect an ideal stimulus for teen-parent conversation. We're sure her band of fans is holding its collective breath. RC

Natasha Friend, Perfect