Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Just before opening the door to her freshman year dorm room, Cecily turns around and decides to go back home. Her befuddled father lets her lead the way, and doesn't balk at the few months she spends in front of the TV at home. But eventually it becomes clear even to Cecily that she has to face her freakout and figure out the next step. What follows could likely be more helpful to prospective college-goers than the student handbook. Cecily talks to counselors, then friends and siblings about what they like and dislike about college, and finally realizes that her big hurdles are ones that many share when moving away and starting school: What if I picked the wrong school? What if no one likes me? As she grows to know herself, she also begins to really see those around her, providing readers with a full set of well-rounded characters. This is a strong, fresh-voiced first novel with definite crossover appeal to the college set who will likely be glad they made it to the other side.--Booth, Heather Copyright 2009 Booklist

School Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 10 Up-As she is about to unlock the door to her dorm room at the start of her freshman year, Cecily Powell decides she's not ready for college. Without a word of complaint, her father drives her back to Chicago where she must live with the decision she's just made-to take some time off. But instead of traveling or seeking out new experiences, Cecily happily remains at home doing pretty much nothing. Eventually, she realizes that she must face her fears. After exploring her past and her goals for the future with the help of family, an old friend, and a couple of professionals whom her dad hires to nudge her along her way, Cecily decides it's okay to be uncertain. Zulkey addresses the anticipation and trepidation that accompany leaving home in a funny and frank way. Cecily's experiences and emotions are honest and refreshing. What is also worthy of applause is how the author avoids cliched scenarios-such as rekindling an old romance or being rescued by a best friend. Instead, the protagonist discovers her strengths. As they watch, learn, wait, and consider what they would do in her shoes, the supporting characters in Cecily's life also grow through her off year.-Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Cecily Powell arrives at college with the rest of her freshman class, but instead of unpacking, she asks her father to turn their car around and drive from Ohio back to Chicago. She doesn't have great plans for an off year; she just knows that now is not the time to start college. Though her dad is fairly easygoing and acquiesces this far, he refuses to let Cecily sit on the couch and do nothing. With help from counselors, Cecily gains the confidence over her gap year to restart her college career. Cecily is a touch sarcastic and refreshingly normal, neither a jaded overachiever nor a struggling student with much to overcome. She fights with her two older siblings but also improves her relationship with them. The ways she grows apart from her high-school friends are sad but realistic. When she leaves the past, she feels more comfortable with the ideas of college and her future. Teens who have doubted the high-schoolcollege-life progression for even a moment will recognize themselves in Cecily, perhaps to their parents' dismay. (Fiction. 14 up) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.