Synopses & Reviews
Anooshka Stargirl sometimes sees her life as a movie. But she can't escape the realities. At home there's a depressed mother who often won't emerge from bed. And a dad who's not in the picture. There are two best friends but a stifling pack of aspiring glamour girls. Fortunately there's Zoetrope Zallulah Moon, modish older sister extraordinaire, living a bus ride away in New York City.
Visiting Moon one summer weekend when the heat won't relent, Anooshka hears rock singer Orpheus's music. She's immediately entranced by his sound. His lyrics seem to echo her mood and light a spark in her core. After meeting the shy, approachable Orpheus by chance, Anooshka can't shake him from her head. And his Internet diaries keep signaling that they share a magnetic synchronicity. Soon Orpheus expresses an interest in her, and like the Greek mythological heroine Eurydice, Anooshka descends deep into a mesmerizing underworld -- until she reaches a place where fantasies topple and the unspoken finally makes itself heard.
Dakota Lane's tantalizing, allegorical tale follows a teen's obsession as it transforms into empowering self-discovery.
Review
"This myth-linked reality tale in incisive prose has a glittering Weetzie Bat sensibility...Sharp and hypnotic." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"This lyrical, angst-filled story of a...girl's obsession with a musician will appeal to teens looking for an edgy love story." School Library Journal (starred review)
Review
"Teenage readers will be excited by this tale of celebrity, beauty, and freedom." KLIATT
Review
"Sensitive readers will...enjoy the highly descriptive, poetic language" School Library Journal (starred review)
Review
"Teens will...enjoy Anooshka's tale" Publishers Weekly
Review
"Readers will succumb completely to this tantalizing adventure." Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
Review
"Atmospheric black-and-white photos appear...lending the book the ultra-cool, artistic feel of CD liner notes." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
About the Author
Dakota Lanes first young adult novel, Johnny Voodoo was published by Wendy Lamb Books and was chosen as a PW Flying Start, won an American Library Association Best Book Award and received a starred Kirkus Review.