Dani Smith is a sixteen-year-old high school student who is tired of living in her perfect sister’s shadow. Everyone knows who Trista is—Trista the beautiful, Trista the pageant queen, Trista the cheerleader. Dani has never felt included in Trista’s high glamour world, she herself being a little mousey (or so she says). Determined to start out her junior year as her own person and not just as Trista’s little sister, Dani takes the journalism class, looking for a way to bring her own talents to the forefront.
She’s surprised when Jarrett, an old childhood friend, ends up in her class. She’s even more surprised to note that he lost seventy-five pounds over the summer, and is looking pretty good. Her writing assignments have her working with Jarrett quite a bit, her words going with his photographs, and she remembers all the reasons why she enjoyed playing with him years ago. He’s thoughtful, kind, and doesn’t let his temper get in his way, even when he has every right to be angry—all qualities that make her respect him even more.
One of her favorite assignments is writing a feature article on an exchange student named Matt, who comes from New Zealand. Immediately dubbed “Matt the Beautiful” by Dani and her best friend, she’s nearly stricken with heart failure every time she looks at him. He, on the other hand, only seems to have eyes for Trista. No surprise there – doesn’t everyone stare at Trista?
“Comfortable in My Own Genes” is a fun LDS young adult novel. I enjoyed getting into Dani’s head as she figures out what makes her special in a world where beauty and glitz seem to get all the attention. I loved the interplay between the characters, the integrity Jarrett shows in the face of persecution, and the humor Tamra Norton weaves into every page.
(This book was published in 2004 by Bonneville Books.)
Related Blogs:
Great Books for Ten-Year-Old Girls