I had the pleasure of reading a unique book by debut author, Wanda Richards. "summer of dolores" is a Young Adult Coming-of-age Novel written primarily about a seventeen year old Hispanic girl. Dolores, which means 'pain' in Spanish, is the main character of the book. It's about her seventeenth summer and meeting her mother for the first time.

The double entendre of the title fits the book aptly since, before learning a difficult but liberating truth about her family, Dolores goes through her 'summer of pain' getting to know her mother and learning about her complicated past.

Even though the book is about a young Hispanic girl who finds out her mother is American Indian, I think all adolescents can relate to the feelings of inadequacy and embarassment Dolores faces.

Although the author fools us into thinking Dolores' mother is the devil incarnate, you will rarely ever find such a self-sacrificing character as the woman who shoes up wearing clothing 'more colorful than a bubble gum machine', (Dolores' exact words) her spirit eventually weaves through and comforts Dolores' tortured soul.

After reading the book I have come away with a real understanding of growing up Hispanic in this country. I heartily recommend this book to anyone, not just fans of young adult literature.