"Swampy Jo" is an absolutely delightful read! The main character, Sarah Joanne, is interesting and very real as she handles the dramas in her life with intelligence and a grace that belie her youth. I found myself thinking about her when I wasn't reading the book and eagerly awaited the time each day when I could get back to the story. With any luck, a second installment of Sarah Jo's life will be available soon!

Swampy Jo is wonderful. I loved reading it at this stage of my life (49 years), it validates so much of what I felt growing up but could not express. It would have been a great book to have read as a young adult, when the feelings were even closer to home.

Oops... I seem to have confused the "comments" section with the "review" section. Anyway, here is my full review:

Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. This book felt very real to me; I felt like I could relate to Sarah Joe (the main character), even though I have never had an eating disorder. Sarah Jo spends a lot of her time trying to simultaneously disappear and find some control in the middle of a very hectic life, and I think that's something many people can relate to. She is also trying to come to terms with a very dysfunctional family environment, with many hints of mental illness (amongst other things).


As you read on, you come to really care not only for Sarah Jo, but also for Pockets (Paul) -- the "hot guy" in school who faces his own troubles. Paul sucks you in immediately; he has a self-destructive aura about him that is hard to fight off. The budding relationship between him and Sarah Jo is really touching.

All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone who has ever felt out of place and confused about their place in the world. Also great for those who have an interest in mental health; the author did a great job conveying the subtleties of mental illness.

Although this book may be thought of one for the preteen and teen market, I would recommend Swampy Jo to anyone who wishes to understand some of the issues that are faced by individuals of all ages. I particularly loved the author’s use of metaphors and similes, the method used and techniques involved in the character development, and the understanding the author shows of various issues that many family members face. The main character, Sarah Joanne (alias Swampy Jo) is unique as she faces and analyzes many problems with which she eventually comes to terms. Do you know anyone like her?