Overview
In this novel by Margaret Buffie, 16-year-old Bernice Dodd feels lucky. Her mother's inheriting Black Spruce Lodge means no more roach-infested apartments or bullies in the hallways. No more avoiding the landlord or sneaking away in the middle of the night because the rent is overdue. But some things will probably never change. Bernie will still have to take care of her younger siblings. Her mother will keep disappearing on drinking binges and find yet another creep of a boyfriend. And Bernie's anger toward her mother will continue to grow. Could Black Spruce Lodge be the family's last chance to get their lives in focus? Will Bernie find some perspective — on her emotions, on Jack, the boy next door, and on Tony, the goodlooking novelist across the lake? One thing is very clear, though: rage doesn't let go without a fight.
Synopsis
In this novel by Margaret Buffie, a family struggles to get back on their feet at an inherited lodge in cottage country, while 16-year-old Bernice learns to get a handle on her rage.
Claire Rosser - KLIATT
Out of Focus is an old, too-true sounding story about a teenager with extra burdens, looking after her younger siblings because their single mother is an irresponsible alcoholic. The motif that appears and reappears is that of photography, with interesting quotes at the start of each chapter. Bernice is an accomplished photographer who uses her camera to distance herself from the chaos of her life. When she finds out that a great-aunt she never met has died and left the family a lodge on a lake, she insists that her mother take them there to start a new life. The place is in ruins, but so are their lives; Bernice insists they work hard to fix the place up so they can live there, making a living by running a store for the summer visitors. This plan begins to work out, with the help of friendly neighbors who adored the woman who was their aunt. As the mother Celia gets stronger, and the little children find their own way, Bernice oddly gets more and more angry. Her fury drives her, but confuses her as well. Jack, the teenager next door who shares Bernice's knowledge of photography, teases her and obviously is attracted to her, but he has a hard time getting through her defenses. Family secrets are revealed, understanding begins to seep into their relationships, and readers are treated to a moving story about a remarkably strong teenager, Bernice, who has not known much happiness, but finally begins to enjoy life. Buffie gets it right. KLIATT Codes: JS--Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2006, Kids Can Press, 239p., $16.95 and $6.95. Ages 12 to 18.
Editorials
Canadian Children’s Book News
Captivatingly written, ... it is heart-wrenchingly realistic yet hopeful in its portrayal of childhood needs, teenage angst, and adult struggles ? Teens surviving any kid of scars will love this book.Winnipeg Free Press
A new book from (Buffie) always promises a good read ? and (Out of Focus) does not disappoint ? Buffie’s maturity as a writer is evidenced as she describes (character’s) conflicting feelings of rage and hope, betrayal and trust.Children's Literature -
Bernie Dodd is sixteen, wise, and innocent in a world that she would love to control by looking through her camera and snapping only the happy pictures. The metaphor of photography proliferates throughout, but is not allowed to overshadow the story of a young girl finding herself while she is busy taking care of those who need her. Bernie is disgusted that her mother cannot kick her alcoholism. She comes up with a plan to get her mother out of the city, giving them all a chance to start a new life. She worries about her younger brother and sister, knowing that she cannot meet their needs but shouldering the burden of raising them because she cannot trust her mother. Her world begins to gradually change. Her mother begins to get her life under control, staying away from alcohol, paying more attention to Ally and Jojo, and attempting to finally be a real mother to Bernie. The emotions Bernie experiences when this happens are realistically portrayed, giving Bernie the personality of a genuine teen, no sugarcoating needed. Told through Bernie's focus and in her words, this is a touching, authentic coming-of-age story. The happy ending is plausible because the characters change gradually and convincingly. Bernie is one of those rare characters that I wanted to spend more time with when the book ended.KLIATT
Out of Focus is an old, too-true sounding story about a teenager with extra burdens, looking after her younger siblings because their single mother is an irresponsible alcoholic. The motif that appears and reappears is that of photography, with interesting quotes at the start of each chapter. Bernice is an accomplished photographer who uses her camera to distance herself from the chaos of her life. When she finds out that a great-aunt she never met has died and left the family a lodge on a lake, she insists that her mother take them there to start a new life. The place is in ruins, but so are their lives; Bernice insists they work hard to fix the place up so they can live there, making a living by running a store for the summer visitors. This plan begins to work out, with the help of friendly neighbors who adored the woman who was their aunt. As the mother Celia gets stronger, and the little children find their own way, Bernice oddly gets more and more angry. Her fury drives her, but confuses her as well. Jack, the teenager next door who shares Bernice's knowledge of photography, teases her and obviously is attracted to her, but he has a hard time getting through her defenses. Family secrets are revealed, understanding begins to seep into their relationships, and readers are treated to a moving story about a remarkably strong teenager, Bernice, who has not known much happiness, but finally begins to enjoy life. Buffie gets it right. KLIATT Codes: JS--Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2006, Kids Can Press, 239p., $16.95 and $6.95. Ages 12 to 18.—Claire Rosser