Nicely done!

Nice Try, Jane Sinner     by Lianne Oelke      

                                   

Sort of Breakfast Club meets an underground reality show. I loved the way this was written with the continual running commentary in Jane Sinner's head. Her interaction with the therapist in her subconscious was just delightful.

Jane Sinner, recovering depressant and attempted suicide survivor is looking for a second chance that doesn't involve God. This causes concern and consternation in her very active Christian family. Her old High School memories are too raw to continue attending. She enrols at the local community college, and in an attempt to leave home, auditions for an internet reality tv show. This gives her a rent free place to stay. Way to go, Jane!

I enjoyed all the participants and their quirky, sometimes grievous behaviour. Janes's fridge antics are a hoot. Pavlov's dogs taken to a new height! Very clever.

There's is some pointed social comment about acceptance throughout the novel, particularly in this age of same sex relationships, via Jane's friend Bonnie. Really about acceptance generally of those who are different. It seems it takes a reality show to make that happen, and to have Jane accept herself.

We continually live in Jane's head. I really enjoyed this. Jane's angst and fears and way to deal with them are sometimes funny, sometimes sad but all the time real.

Her self deprecating manner and ironic commentary gives that extra special oomph to the novel.

A NetGalley ARC

*****