Robin Jones Gunn, the best selling and critcically acclaimed author, has written a new chapter in the saga of Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen. Departures features two novellas focused on the summer before two met, Now Boarding at Gate 10, about Christy, and In the Event of a Water Landing, about Sierra.
Departures Plot
Now Boarding at Gate 10 tells the story of Christy MIller's family trip to Wisconsin to the town they used to live in. While in the town, Christy meets several old friends from junior high, including Matthew, the object of her first crush. She and Matthew spend time together and quickly discover they may have an interest in being more than friends. After some careful thought and prayer, Christy decides that she and Matthew should remain just friends.
In the Event of a Water Landing tells the adventures of Sierra Jensen as she and her friend Jana travel to and spend time at a lake in Montana. Travelling to the lake with Jana's older brother and his friend turns out to be the only time that Jana and Sierra relate to each other on the same level. Jana seems only interested in finding her summer romance and ignores Sierra for most of the trip. Sierra wonders what it will take to get her friend to realize what is important.
Both Christy and Sierra learn in their stories that good friends are hard to find and should be cherished when discovered. It is a welcome message for young readers of the series.
Believable Young Characters in Departures
Sierra Jensen and Christy Miller are both believable characters. They react to things the way a real girl would react. The emotions that many girls feel during adolescence are felt by Sierra and Christy, and their stories give readers the strength to persevere through life's challenges.
The supporting characters in the stories are believable as well. These characters seem to be the kids we all know in some form or another. This realization helps the reader to relate to the character and the story.
Departures an Excellent Choice for Girls
The story is an excellent reading choice for young girls who are struggling with the desire to have a boyfriend and what that means. The girls in the book share this desire, but also realize that friendship is more important than a serious dating relationship. Readers will learn a bit about friendship relationships that will help them with all their relationships.
This book is a fast read and one fans of the series almost didn't get to read. Gunn rediscovered the unfinished and previously forgotten work while unpacking boxes during a move to Hawaii. Both true fans and readers new to the series will enjoy this book and be glad the tales were found.
Departures Two Rediscovered Stories by Robin Jones Gunn
Waterbrook Press, 1999
ISBN: 978-1-60142-346-7
Kelley Huston - A reader of all kinds of books, Kelley is an teacher who loves crafts and scrapbooking. She is a Disney fan who loves all things Disney.
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