Secrets of Truth and Beauty
by Megan Frazer

    SECRETS OF TRUTH AND BEAUTY by Megan Frazer
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  7/7/09
    Publisher:  Hyperion
    Reviewed by:  Marta Morrison
    Rating:  5 Stars


    What would you do if you found out that you actually have an older sister that you have never even met or knew
    about?   

    This is what happened to Dara.  She accidentally found out that she had a sister who was seventeen years older than
    herself.  Her parents don't speak of her and no one else will say anything except her uncle.  

    Dara has a debacle at school and decides that she needs to meet Rachel and goes to find her in Massachusetts.  She
    finds her on a goat farm which makes cheese.  Dara stays on the farm with Rachel and finds another family - and
    herself - in the process.

    This was an interesting book filled with wonderful, diverse characters.  There are a number of gay characters written
    in a realistic, loving way. The main character wasn't a skinny-minnie, and the fascination that society has with thinness
    was also explored.   

    The relationship between Dara and Rachel is awkward, as it should be, and endearing as well. It really makes a case
    to teens to be who you want to be and not what society or others want you to be.  

    This book was one that I kept wanting to return to while I was on vacation, which tells me that it is well-written and
    one that many should like. So do yourself a favor and pick up Megan Frazer's debut, SECRETS OF TRUTH AND
    BEAUTY.