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This time Karen McQuestion's writing is geared more toward the teen set as she focuses on the growing pains Rae experiences as she tries to find her own independence without hurting her mother's feelings. It's interesting how McQuestion captures Rae's anxieties without betraying her mother at all. Rae essentially raised herself and did a great job.

Reminded me of Goethe's "Sorrows of Young Werther" but in actuality, it's nothing like it. I think Voltaire is somewhat more didactic and in the end, appears to be an optimist. Maybe an 'optimist wounded' [by life] is more accurate, but an optimist nevertheless. Thanks to the footnotes in this edition, you don't really miss out on Voltaire's commentary on the people and happenings of his day (18th century) which is nice, but it served to interrupt the flow of reading every now and again. I think it was a good choice to have included them. This book is surprisingly modern. There's still a lot to be learned of tolerance and patience from this guy who reportedly had great influence over the founding fathers of America (Franklin, Washington, Jefferson) and I'm sure his ideas trickled into our Constitution. Anyway, Voltaire's Candide is afflicted yet sunny, terrible yet breezy. I think it's a must read for people who enjoy a bit of philosophizing.

LOVED THIS BOOK! This is a book I will always recommend to anyone looking for a great read. Could not put this book down, and definite page turner.