She's Too Pretty to Burn

Plot Summary
Mick is walking a tightrope. Her mom is forcing her into modeling work even though she's scared of having her photo taken, and her best friend Liz is pushing her away because she doesn't want to go out and make new friends.  One night, she meets Veronica,  an outgoing photographer who takes Mick under her wing to explore the disruptive art scene and be her muse. As the two girls fall in love, the lines between love and manipulation are blurred. Veronica shares photographs of Mick that result in her homelessness, and her newfound fame severs her last connection to Liz. With all of her safety nets severed, Mick is at a loss when the police are chasing her and artists start dying around her. 

Critical Evaluation

    This book is a fun read, but not for me. Like an airport bookstore thriller, I like having a not-so-complicated book in the collection for those in need of a beach book. And I was certain this would be my new favorite when the jacket invited me to read a book inspired by The Portrait of Dorian Grey. Which brings me to my first point of contention. 

Point 1: There is nothing in this plot to compare to The Portrait of Dorian Grey. The antagonist was never innocent, and while Mick makes some questionable choices, she never loses her moral compass. 

Point 2: The plot romanticizes toxic relationships. Veronica uses their mutual attraction to get Mick to do what she wants. And she is fully aware that Mick is facing issues with unstable housing and a traumatic death when she forces her to do things that make her feel physically sick. 

Point 3: San Diego is the setting and a minor character. I know that authors often use places unknown to set their stories, but the author got San Diego wrong in so many ways. For any reader familiar with San Diego, stay away; this book will frustrate you. Gaslamp is a tourist trap, not a local hangout, and way too dangerous for high school students at night. Conversely, Coronado is not just a tourist trap. It has a major military installation with housing and many wealthy retirees. And there is no shoulder or bike lane where you can pull over a van on the Coronado bridge! It is a tight bridge hugged by a wall. Shelter Island is also an odd choice to describe as a tourist trap since it is so inaccessible from central San Diego. Lastly, Mick would never work in La Mesa without a car, as a girl from National City, the commute would take hours.

I could go on with small gripes, such as why does the story put lifeguards at a YMCA in charge of the children?  Children in YMCA pools have to be accompanied by adults for safety reasons. How are none of the adults in Mick's life, especially her coach, checking on her? But you should read this book and tell me what you think. Except if you're from San Diego, then do not read this book or you will be yelling at the pages. 

Creative Use for a Library Program

  After School Art Class: As unhinged as the art installations are in She's Too Pretty to Burn, art can be a positive outlet for teens. Consider running art classes in partnership with a community college or art nonprofit to cut down on the cost of materials. The art medium should be chosen and materials secured before advertising classes. Classes could include photography, sculpture, or painting. Choose one. At the end of a session, feature completed works at the library in an art show where light refreshments are served. 

Book Talk

  Mick and Veronica live two very different lives. Photography is Veronica's life, and through her camera lens, she sees Mick, the perfect portrait subject. When Mick joins Veronica, the art scene chips away at her plans for college and a swimming scholarship. When the murders begin, can either girl escape the chaos? 
 

Reason for Inclusion

A thriller and a romance, this story follows the intersection of teenage girls and an edgy art scene. I was drawn by the book's jacket, which claimed inspiration from The Portrait of Dorian Gray.  This book is a cautionary tale for what can happen when you get too deep into trouble and how it's never too late to ask for help. 

Potential Challenges and  Defense Preparation

 This book does not have a history of censorship, but it does include mature themes such as abuse, consent, and homelessness. Mature books are often challenged for their placement in the children's department or teen section, and the best defense for any library is a strong reconsideration policy.