The jigsaw puzzle of life.

Ephron, Delia. Frannie in Pieces.
Harper Teen, 2007. 374p $17.89 978-0-06-074717-6
Realistic Fiction

Frannie in Pieces by Delia Ephron is the story of a fifteen-year old girl, Frannie, whose father has recently died. Her parents are divorced and Frannie had cherished her time with her dad and identified strongly with him. When she goes though her dad’s studio after his death, she finds a fancy wooden box with her own name on it hidden away. Inside it is a handmade jigsaw puzzle. She believes it is a present for her and keeping it hidden from her family, she begins putting the puzzle together. In the wee hours, sleep deprived after working on the puzzle for hours, Frannie finds herself in the puzzle. By the conclusion of the story, she has sorted out some things pertaining to the puzzle and to her life.
Ephron writes in a fairly realistic young teenage voice. The story holds the reader’s attention and entertains. The story contains humor, mystery, romance, and some magical realism. Lessons about relationships with family and friends are sensitively presented. It is a quick and easily read.
CFM