![]() New Girl in Town ('Nama Beach High, Book 1) $6.99 After moving with her parents to Panama City, Florida away from Missouri where she grew up, 16-year-old Laura Duffy is not fitting in well as a Junior at Panama Beach High School lovingly called "Nama High" by the students. Nama Beach High is written from Laura's point of view. Nancy Rue beautifully captures the nuances, language, and mixed-up thoughts and emotions of a typical teenager. She begins in chapter one with: -------- "I, Laura Duffy, made a decision on October 20th of my junior year. It was a decision that rocked my world. After three days at Panama Beach High, it was obvious that I was essentially the biggest loser in Panama City, if not on the planet, and that nobody was ever going to speak to me. Period. My decision: I couldn't spend another lunch period pretending I didn't CARE that I was being ignored. I knew kids believed being a loser was contagious; I believed it too. I wouldn't want to be friends with me either." ------- We immediately relate to Laura and remember our own teenage inadequacies and fears of starting a new school and wishing we'd somehow melt into the pavement and not be seen or heard " EVER! For me, 'Nama . . . reminded me of that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach when facing a new situation and being totally alone in the world. We as adults have learned how to overcome our insecurities and we've gone on to conquer them (some of us have, that is). Poor Laura with "sparkling orthodontia" and "nerd" status because of her good grades is faced with total upheaval with none of her peer-group support to help her adjust and give her the confidence she needs to go on. Laura is soon met with a violent encounter with two tough girls which leads her to the principal's office and an unwelcomed invitation from the school counselor, Mrs. Isaacsen. She then joins a group of four fellow misfits in Mrs. Isaacsen's "Mystery Group" and they begin meeting weekly. These four girls, Mrs. Isaacsen, and Laura form an unlikely bond which helps them learn about life, love, and friendships, their faith and the truths about God. And, Laura has a "Secret Admirer" who leaves her notes and curious items in her locker. There's the hint that there is also an angel sent from God to encourage her and help her grow in her faith. -- reviewed by Susan J. Shelley for Christian Bookshelf ![]() Ahi Nama in Cuba [VHS] $11.98 Maraca-Sonando, Enrique Alvarez- Mi Violin Charangero, Bakuleye- Ula Ula, Laito- Idilio, Arte Mixto- Aguzate, Bamboleo- Circulame & Yo No Me Parezco a Nadie. These are great songs & videos. For anyone who likes Cuban music a must have. ![]() Ahi Nama en Cuba $19.99 Maraca-Sonando, Enrique Alvarez- Mi Violin Charangero, Bakuleye- Ula Ula, Laito- Idilio, Arte Mixto- Aguzate, Bamboleo- Circulame & Yo No Me Parezco a Nadie. These are great songs & videos. For anyone who likes Cuban music a must have. |
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