How to Live on the Edge

February 15, 2020
A teen reckons with her family's genetic curse. In this sweeping bildungsroman, Scheerger (Mitzvah Pizza, 2019, etc.) introduces sisters Cayenne and Saffron Silk, who were orphaned at a young age when their mother succumbed to what they call their family curse and lost her battle with breast cancer. Raised by their aunt, the girls barely remember their mother and have never known the identity of their father. The only certainty in their lives has been the knowledge that, in the last two generations, no woman on their mother's side has lived past age 37, but a family friend shares a letter from the girls' mother that reveals more of their history. Scheerger plumbs how growing up with this knowledge has influenced Cay, who seeks to beat death at every turn by engaging in daredevil acts like train dodging and cliff diving with her boyfriend just to get a rush and take control of life. Throughout this action-packed tale, the contrast between Cay's and Saff's reactions to their newfound knowledge, as well as their and their aunt's decisions about whether to get tested for the BRCA gene mutation, yield a revealing study in personal growth and sibling relations. But psychologically probing as Scheerger's narrative is, it's maddeningly vague in describing these presumably white, lower-middle-class characters, making it difficult for teens to imagine themselves in similar circumstances. An engaging tale of vulnerability and control. (author's note, resources) (Fiction. 14-18)

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March 1, 2020

Gr 9 Up-Breast cancer runs in Cayenne's family, and she is planning on living every day to the fullest. Because of the high risk of inheriting the BRCA gene mutation that already claimed her mother's life when she was little, Cayenne is an adrenaline junkie who dodges trains and jumps off cliffs just for the rush. When they lost their mom, Cayenne and her sister, Saffron, were taken in by their young aunt, who undergoes a preventative mastectomy to reduce her chances of getting what they call the "Silk family curse." When the sisters receive a series of videos filmed by their mother before her passing, family secrets will come into the open, including the identity of the father they never knew. Too many changes put Cayenne on edge, and when tragedy strikes, she'll have to ask herself if everyone and everything she loves are worth risking. This novel deals with some important issues such as body image and the definition of femininity. Are breasts and ovaries what make a woman? And if she must have them removed, will she still feel desirable? Readers will root for Cayenne despite the many mistakes she makes. VERDICT This book has a strong character arc and can be used as a starting point to talk to teenagers about life choices, identity, and the inescapable reality of life-ending diseases. Recommended for libraries where books about medical issues and family secrets circulate well.-Carol Youssif, Taipei American School, Taiwan

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2020
Grades 8-12 Teenagers Cayenne and Saffron barely remember their mother, who died from breast cancer when they were young. Understanding that this could be their future as well, Cayenne aspires to live fully, if recklessly, while Saffron is dedicated to being her best self. When their Aunt Tee, who raised them, tests positive for BRCA?the inherited gene that all but guarantees her their mother's fate?she opts for elective mastectomy and gives the girls access to a journal and series of videos created for them by their mother. Cay isn't as interested in her mother's musings as Saff, yet as Cay helps Tee before surgery, she feels a need to hear her mother out. Slowly, she begins questioning her long-held beliefs about her future. Without sermonizing, Scheerger, who herself inherited the BRCA gene mutation, explores the issue of testing early and, if positive, maintaining a regimen for protection. The sisters' complex journeys result in an interesting, informative narrative whose focus on the BRCA gene mutation marks it as an important addition to YA literature.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)