JOY SCHOOL- by elizabeth berg

I think I've read at least one other book by this author, but I don't remember enough about it to compare. I also realized (more than halfway through) that this was a continuation of sorts from "Durable Goods," a fact which, had I known earlier, would have caused me to put this off until I'd read the first one. Regardless, it stood on its own pretty well, with only hints at previous incidents.
The book's told in almost 13yr old Katie's voice, and is therefore simpler than what I'm used to reading. This made it a super quick read, and while fairly easy, still held my interest. Katie has just moved to a small town in Missouri from Texas. An older sister makes an appearance or two, but has moved to Mexico and married her boyfriend. Their mother died (one of the pieces from the first book, I gather) and Katie's left with their emotionally absent colonel father. She's slightly awkward, and has a hard time making friends, but forms fragile friendships with both Cynthia (an overprotected odd duck), and Taylor (attractive and popular, yet a bad influence). Katie also relies on Jimmy (a 23yr old mechanic she meets accidentally and then falls in love with) and Ginger (the woman who helps out at their house) for advice and companionship. We follow along as Katie learns about both herself and life in general through these friends and experiences, and are left off at a satisfying end.
Netflix rating? 3/5 stars.