You know how there are some books you read that change your life? Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Deb Caletti was one of those books for me. When I was in Graduate School for Library Science, I figured that I would become either a Science Librarian or a Children's Librarian. I loved, loved, loved Children's Literature. But, life is funny like that. Long story short, I ended up working as a High School Librarian, and one of the first young adult books I remember reading was Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Caletti. I adored it. I felt like I had discovered a whole new world. I know, that sounds all dramatic and cheesey, but it's true. And so my love affair with YA Lit was born.
Since then, I have found other authors and books, but I never forgot Deb Caletti. Stay was published this past Spring, and I finally got around to reading it. My verdict? Excellent! Stay examines a relationship gone bad due to obsession, and addresses some very serious situations and issues. The main character, Clara is portrayed in an extremely realistic fashion, flaws and all. I like that Caletti does not try to give this book a neat, tidy ending, nor does she try to make her characters perfect. If anyone has ever questioned a bad relationship they find themselves in, this book could be an invaluable read.
