Did I Mention I Love You?

Gr 9 Up—Eden Munro is a self-conscious yet strong 16-year-old who is spending her summer vacation in her estranged father's California home with his new wife and three new stepbrothers. Her father's decision to leave her family more than three years ago results in feelings of abandonment in the teen. Although still angry with him, she decides to accept his offer to stay for the summer as a way to avoid some issues she faces in Portland, where she's from. Upon her arrival, Eden meets her oldest stepbrother, Tyler Bruce, whom she initially describes as obnoxious, conceited, and an angry drug abuser who appears to be living behind some very high walls he has created for himself. Despite Eden's apprehension about befriending anyone associated with Tyler, she finds herself enjoying her time with his small group of friends. However, the more time she spends with Tyler, the more they both realize there is a forbidden attraction that they cannot deny. Written in first person, Maskame's trilogy opener is an excellent portrayal of a teenage girl's life in the 21st century. Eden has to adjust to her blended family, try to feel pretty, be body conscious, and make friends, all while falling in love for the first time. She is someone all young people can relate to. Although very much a young love story, this tale also addresses some very serious issues, such as betrayal, drug abuse, child abuse, and peer pressure.