Early Book Review: Ditched by Robin Mellom

Ditched by Robin Mellom is a young adult novel scheduled for release on January 10 2012. The story opens with high school senior Justina Griffith waking up in a ditch and struggling to remember just how she came to be there in a iridescent blue gown and matching footwear. When she notices the stains on her gown, and remembers how her prom night began, she is not quite sure she wants to remember the events that led to her situation. She stumbles to the closest store, a 7-Eleven, and begins to put the night together. Was her best friend and dream date really the great guy she thought he was or was he scum? Ian had left her at the prom, and she has not been able to catch up with him since. She has encountered some unexpected friendships, strange situations, and unmitigated disaster in her misguided attempts to have a perfect night. Did she deserve to land in the ditch because of her choices and actions or could everything be salvaged in the end when all the pieces of the night come together?

Ditched is a debut novel full of humor, charm, and realistic teen age concerns. It really brought me back to the days of analyzing, and over analyzing every word and motive. Justina is not one to conform, and not likely to be seen in bright colors. Black is much more her style, for economic reasons as much as fashion. Strappy heels and fancy dresses have never been part of her life, so she fell into letting her mother 'help' her pick out her outfit for prom when her best friend asks her to go. Little did she know that decision was going to be the first mistake in a long series of mishaps that land Justina in a ditch in the wee hours of the morning. Highlights of the evening include getting bitten by a three legged Chihuahua, driving a Cadillac ready to be destroyed in a demolition derby, a punk Tinkerbell tattoo and jumping out a moving car. Underneath all her stress in trying to connect with her friend, hopefully turning boyfriend, are a girl's personal insecurities and striving to overcome the reputation and labels she wears because of her past action and financial situation. These are things that most teens, and adults, can understand even as they read about the ridiculous situations Justina gets herself into.

Ditched is a fun and quirky novel about how things can go wrong when one girl tries too hard and over thinks things. While Justina will not be liked by all readers, she tends to deny responsibility for many of her more disastrous moments; she certainly makes for an entertaining read. I recommend this novel to young adults and adults alike that have ever had to struggle with a reputation or label, earned or not, as they tried to make their way through life. I do not think many guys will like this one, but some might enjoy a look at what some girls worry about amid the drama of high school and prom season. It is a light and quirky read perfect for relaxing during or after the holidays.