Maya's Notebook: A Novel
Maya's Notebook is a beautifully written and compelling story about a girl who runs away to Chile to hide and in the process begins to find herself. Maya Vidal has gone through so much in her short life. While she is hiding on the island of Chiloe, she writes in her notebook about her daily life on the island and the friends she makes there. She also writes about the events in her life that led her to flee the US. The book doesn't really have chapters as it is more in journal form. I liked the story a lot. I was sucked in immediately as I followed the journey through Maya's life. Through writing in a notebook/journal, she is able to look back and examine the things that happened to her. I liked Maya. I liked that she allowed herself to look at the past through open eyes and was brutally honest about herself and the role she played in the things that happened to her. Maya's story was uncomfortable to read at times as she sinks lower into the black hole of drug addiction and rebellion. I think more than rehab, the isolation and quiet way of living on the island allowed her to really dig deep into herself. The ending was very satisfying. I was left with a sense that Maya would ultimately be OK. She still has along road ahead of her, but she is a survivor. I also felt like her family learned some things along the way, as well, and would be instrumental in her healing.
Mixed in with Maya's story, the author has woven parts of Chilean history and culture. I found these parts to be interesting as I know nothing of the region. We also get a glimpse into the seedier side of Las Vegas life. This is the first book that I have read by this author. If this book is any indication of her style of writing, I know I will be seeking out her earlier works.
