Multiple Choice

Monica is not just a worrier, but a compulsive worrier. To try and stop the trouble her worrying causes, she creates the game of Multiple Choice, but what started as games turns into something a lot worse. A powerful look into obsessive compulsive disorder. A great companion to No Condition Is Permanent by Cristina Kessler or Kissing Doorknobs buy Terry Hesser.

For as long as Monica Devon can remember, she has been two things: a whiz at making anagrams, and a perfectionist who spends most of her time obsessing about saying and doing the right thing. Now at fourteen, Monica's compulsive habits have spiraled out of control. Seeing no other way out, she creates Multiple Choice, a game that will force spontaneity into her life, and, she hopes, free her from her obsessions. It seems so easy--create a list of options, choose a Scrabble tile, and carry out the act. At first the game is exciting and somewhat liberating. But soon it starts to go devastatingly wrong. Fortunately for Monica, help is closer than she thinks.

With a distinctive voice full of both humor and realism and a mastery of detail, Janet Tashjian reveals marked insight into the dark corners of a troubled teenager's mind.

Janet Tashjian is the author of five critically acclaimed novels for young readers: Tru Confessions, Multiple Choice, Fault Line, The Gospel According to Larry, and Vote for Larry. Her books have received many honors, appeared on numerous ‘best of’ lists, and have been named editor’s choices by Booklist, as well as ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults. She lives with her family outside of Boston.

“This energetic, enjoyable problem novel is a must-read for wordsmiths.”—Publishers Weekly

“A creative, compelling story. . . . Tashjian’s conversational prose, eye for detail, and quirky humor communicate Monica’s inner difficulties and loneliness, and the snowballing events that ultimately lead to positive change.”—Booklist

“Tashjian’s story is as absorbing and cleverly constructed as a challenging word puzzle. . . . The situations are realistic, and Monica’s Multiple Choice questions add suspenseful page-turns. Readers with obsessive tendencies will especially empathize, but all adolescents can appreciate the book’s basic message—that it’s okay to be yourself.”—The Horn Book

Publisher: Square Fish
Distributor: MPS
Publication Date: 01-22-2008
Pages: 208
Measurements: 7.790in X 5.930in X 0.595in X 0.435lb