The Signs and Wonders of Tuna Rashad
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
An Ontario Library Association’s Forest of Reading White Pine Reading List Pick!
An Ontario Library Association Best Bets!
From award-winning, #OwnVoices author Natasha Deen comes a new funny, honest, YA novel following one girl as she tries to win over her crush before she leaves for college.
Let’s be clear. No matter what her older brother, Robby, says, aspiring screenwriter Tuna Rashad is not “stupidstitious.” She is, however, cool with her Caribbean heritage, which means she is always on the lookout for messages from loved ones who have passed on. But ever since Robby became a widower, all he does is hang out at the house, mock Tuna for following in their ancestors’ traditions, and meddle in her life.
Tuna needs to break free from her brother’s loving but over-bearing ways and get him a life (or at least, get him out of hers!). Based on the signs, her ancestors are on board. They also seem to be on board with helping Tuna win over her crush, Tristan Dangerfield. The only hiccup? She has to do it before leaving for college in the fall. A ticking clock, a grief-stricken brother, and a crush who doesn’t believe in signs. What could possibly go wrong?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Deen (Lark has the Shivers) handily navigates sudden loss and elusive love by blending art, science, and spirituality in this breezy romance. Multiracial ("vanilla-chocolate") Canadian Altuna "Tuna" Rahsad, 18 and an aspiring screenwriter, relies on signs, omens, and guidance from her Caribbean ancestors to carefully plot out her life. This summer, she plans on using these influences to craft the perfect romance with her crush, Tristan Dangerfield. But Tuna feels that her older brother Robby—who's still reeling from his husband's death—is constantly prying into her life and hindering her fledgling relationship. Eager to kick-start their lives again, Tuna, unknown to Robby, creates and manages an online dating profile for him. But when Tuna's insistence that he move on causes tension in their family, she realizes that her single-minded pursuit of a movie-worthy life might mean forfeiting the things she cares about most. Even when Tuna sheds her meticulous planning, her and Tristan's romantic chemistry never quite takes off, and Tuna's perceived lack of empathy for Robby's emotional needs both proves occasionally vexxing and stalls character growth. Nevertheless, Deen's strong-willed and decisive supporting cast, their clever banter, and Tuna's meddling shenanigans provide good humor. Ages 13–up.
