books

CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE JESUS JERK

By Tony DuShane (Soft Skull Press, 224 pages, $14.95)

In many ways, Gabe is a typical adolescent boy, but in one very important way he is not: He is a Jehovah's Witness. In addition to all the usual struggles a teen boy faces, he must deal with the embarrassment of preaching door to door, the scrutiny of church elders who watch his every move, and the threat of being disfellowshipped (thrown out of his congregation) for any error in judgment. No wonder he questions his sanity. The novel follows Gabe from middle school through high school along a journey of faith, questioning and, ultimately, growth. There are lighthearted scenes, such as the one in which Gabe arranges to sit beside the beautiful Jasmine in the back seat of the car as they go out preaching, and there are poignant scenes, such as much later when Gabe learns that Jasmine is engaged. I was drawn to the book by the cover's comical illustration and the recommendation by Janet Fitch, author of "White Oleander," who called the book, "Addictive, informative, heartbreaking and utterly satisfying." The book was very readable, and I did learn a lot about the Jehovah's Witnesses and even more about the thoughts of a teen boy (sex, sex, sex and sex). Heartbreaking and utterly satisfying? Not so much.

JUDY ROMANOWICH SMITH

NEWS DESIGNER

TWENTIES GIRL

By Sophie Kinsella (Dial Press, 435 pages, $26)

Londoner Lara Lington, 27, is dealing with a breakup and trying to get her executive-recruitment business off the ground. The last thing she wants to do is attend the funeral of her great-aunt Sadie, who died in a nursing home at age 105, practically forgotten by her family. And then Lara sees Sadie's ghost, looking like a 23-year-old flapper and demanding the return of her beautiful dragonfly necklace and a delay in cremation.

Lara stops the funeral by claiming Sadie was murdered. The plucky modern lass reluctantly sets upon a surprisingly entertaining adventure to track down the jewelry with her great-aunt's spirited spirit, who alternately sulks to get her way and gives Lara relationship advice. Along the way, Lara meets an American beau, discovers her best friend/business partner's true colors and gains an appreciation for the Roaring '20s and the elderly. She also solves a mystery involving a famous painting and finds out the shocking secret to her fabulously wealthy coffee-magnate uncle's business success.

Kinsella, author of the "Shopaholic" books, spins a charming supernatural-chick-lit tale. Suspend belief and enjoy this well-paced ghost story that's so delightful it's almost scary.

MARCI SCHMITT,

FEATURES DESIGNER