Jody, a sixteen year old newlywed, is deserted in a public restroom by her husband Bobby James. With only twenty dollars to her name, Jody finds her way to Jackson Beach, Florida and begins living in the local movie theater and washing dishes at a 24-hour diner. Along the way, she befriends Effanine, a pregnant teenager, and copes with being stranded and away from home. Jody is left to deal with her new found independence and the test of fending for herself. As she encounters different townspeople, the reader is shown her friendly and sensitive side. Hobbs devises a poignant tale of some of life’s believable challenges. The protagonist overcomes obstacles in her path to accomplish her goal of finding her “self of steam.”
Told in first person, Jody’s narrative addresses serious issues despite its light and airy tone and naturaly flowing language. Similar to the title, the book is humorous with its malapropisms. The entire novel is written in the form of a letter by Jody to Mr. Teeter, a franchise owner, which begins by complimenting him on his store’s Cole slaw. As the novel progresses, the formal “Dear Mr. Teeter” is abandoned into regular fiction form. The reader is reminded about the letter on the final page when Jody signs her name. This book is highly recommended for readers who enjoy realistic stories and insight into the struggles other young adults may face.
