Review: Tell Me a Secret

Tell Me a Secret

By Holly Cupala

Publication date: June 22, 2010

My review:

Miranda grew up in the shadow of her older sister Xanda. Xanda was the "rebellious" daughter while Miranda always tried to do the right thing to please her mom though her mom didn't notice. Miranda decides that she wants to be just like her cool sister when she grows up but Xanda's life is cut short tragically in an accident as she is attempting to break away from their controlling mom. Now Xanda is never mentioned and Miranda feels lost while her mother pretends their family is perfect. Miranda leans on her boyfriend Kamran and her new best friend Delaney. Her plans for art school are coming together and she is now on the path to achieving her dreams when everything is derailed by an unexpected pregnancy.

At the beginning of the book, Miranda seems to make her decisions based on what Xanda would do. Even her boyfriend Kamran bears a resemblance to Xanda's boyfriend Andre. She also allows Delaney to control her, viewing Delaney as a substitute Xanda. It is only after Miranda finds out that she is pregnant and experiences the fallout that she begins to become her own person. Miranda's mom is a major player in the story. Image is very important to her and she tries to shape her childrens' lives. She could have been portrayed as just a villain but instead she has depth as a flawed character with reasons for the way she is. Although Xanda has passed away by the start of the novel, we read about her in Miranda's flashbacks. The three women on the surface are very different but deep down they are more similar than they realize.

Tell Me a Secret is not just another book about a pregnant teen. It is a far more meaningful look at identity and family relationships. Fans of Sarah Dessen will savor this moving story.

Readalikes: The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson, Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen, Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott, Wish by Alexandra Bullen