By Mary Downing Hahn

I recently checked out and read a book from the MHS library. The book was called The Wind Blows Backwards. I’ve read this book before about a year ago and personally loved it. I think it had a very good storyline and a good message about love. The characters are very easy to identify with, which also makes it easy to read.

The characters all reminded me of people I know. First there was Lauren who was the main character throughout the book. Lauren is a timid and sort of an outcast at school. Her only friend was a girl completely opposite of her named Casey. In the beginning of the story Lauren is working in the library leafing through Walt Whitman books and other books about poetry. Basically Lauren is deep about things and that usually doesn’t work very well if you want to be popular.

Next is Spencer. Spencer was Lauren’s best friend from middle school. Now Spencer is a huge jock and really popular. He doesn’t pay any attention to Lauren anymore and never talks to her. So basically everyone calls him the “ prince of jocks.” What people don’t know is that Spencer has some deep, dark secrets beneath his happy surface.

Then there’s Casey, Lauren’s best friend. Casey is the type of person who can pretty much get any guy she wants. She hasn’t a care in the world and thinks Lauren should be that way too. She is always talking Lauren’s head off about this guy and that guy, which really bugs Lauren.

The book is in first person. It is in Lauren’s point of view. The protagonist in this book is also Lauren. She is the one that everyone wants something good to happen to. The story begins with Lauren working in the library and reading poetry. She happens to look up and see Spencer and his witty girlfriend Vanessa standing right in front of her. She was always uncomfortable around them. Spencer asked her if they had a book that he needed there. Then Spencer keeps talking to her and things get a little weird. The next thing you know Spencer is breaking up with Vanessa and talking to Lauren a lot more. They find out they have a lot in common. But as I said before Spencer has some dark secrets and they turn into big problems.

I really think you should read this book. It’s a great story that actually happens in life a lot. Its something that almost everyone can relate to. It can teach people a lot of lessons too, so I guess you’d say that its educational, which is always good in school. Therefore, Mrs. Bell, you should definitely read the book The Wind Blows Backwards , its great to read for all ages and I just know you’ll love it as much as I do. M.D.

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