Carol Larese Millward

Star in the Middle is a gripping and realistic tale of teenage pregnancy and the effects on the parents, their families, and how it changes your life.
Star, the main character, is strong and determined, fiercely loving and protective of her son. Although she does not magically know all of the answers to motherhood (who does really-- if they seem that way, they are pretending!!!) she takes the steps necessary to be able to care for him. She is enrolled in a parenting program where they teach and assist her in being a parent. There are some really strong role models at the center, and I am a fan of their wisdom and how they push Star because they care. Her Grandmother is also an amazing woman, she has many faults, but I can totally understand why she does what she does.
Wilson, the other main character (story is told in alternating points of view) is infuriating. I know that he is in denial, and this is a glimpse inside some males' perspective, but he was heartbreakingly clueless. And I mean this in the best possible way- because this means that he is well written and that his mindset was communicated. I appreciate the growth in his character though he has a long way to go, and I can't really say more without spoiling things.
Some of the side characters- Bridgett, Elizabeth and Todd really helped make this story amazing for me. They really have depth and I care about them more than I have really been invested in characters besides the main character in quite a while.
The plot is well paced, I think that information is given at just the right times, and that it never seems rushed or too drawn out. I appreciate that this book shows some of the hardships of teen parenting and does not do like some and glamorize the life of a teen mother. Babies are hard work- yes they are cute, yes they are amazing, but they can also be smelly, sick, and up all hours of the night. Not only is it realistic in the way that parenthood is portrayed but there are some deep issues talked about, and I believe that all sides of the issue are represented.
I had never heard of this book before the publicist asked me to read it, and I don't know if it is because I am a relatively new blogger, or if this book just has not gotten the attention that it deserves. I highly recommend that you check it you!!! It deals sensitively, realistically, and beautifully with hard subjects that we all should give more thought to.… (mehr)

While reading this book I felt like I was watching a Lifetime Movie! I love Lifetime movies so naturally I loved this book. I love the characters and I loved the point of view from both Star and Wilson. I loved knowing what they both were thinking and what they were going through.

Star is so strong after everything she goes through before and after her baby Wil is born. She is a lot stronger than I probably would be in her situation and Wil is a coward who finally wakes up and becomes the hero that everybody wants him to be.

I can understand why both characters do and act the way they do. I really can. I also think this is a story that will touch many peoples lives and can relate to the story. I also think that is a very realistic story. I haven't read one in a while so it was refreshing other than the tears I would spurt out occasionally.

However, by the end of this story I had so many questions that I am pretty sure the Lifetime movies would tell me about since they are usually based on actual events. But I still wanted to know for example if they found out more about Star's mothers disappearance. Or if Star goes back to school like everybody wants, or if her and Wilson are back to where they were before Wil's birth. Or maybe if her and Todd became more than friends. There is one thing I am certain with the end of the story is that Star found a family in more places than she ever imagine. With Wil's family even if it is strange or with the Father she never knew, that didn't even know she existed. I could tell it was a start to Star's happy ending that she didn't think was possible. This book is heartbreaking and heartwarming all in one. Like I said it reminded me a lot of a Lifetime Movie!

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