Buried

Claudine Goulet carries heavy burdens for a seventeen-year-old in rural Maine. She takes care of her younger brother while her mother disappears for days, leaving them to fend for themselves. During one of her mother's absences, Claudine must make difficult choices to protect herself and her brother. She records her experiences and fears in a journal as she tries to manage mounting responsibilities and keep their situation secret from authorities. The story follows Claudine's attempts to maintain control as circumstances become increasingly complex. Her isolation and the harsh Maine winter create additional pressures as she faces decisions no teenager should have to make. The novel examines themes of family loyalty, survival, and the weight of secrets. Through Claudine's perspective, it reveals the physical and emotional toll of being forced to grow up too quickly.

Readers found this young adult mystery novel to be a fast-paced read with realistic depictions of alcoholism and family trauma. Many connected with the main character Claudine's emotional struggles and thought the diary format helped create intimacy with her perspective. Readers appreciated: - Raw, honest portrayal of living with an alcoholic parent - Quick pace that builds tension - Atmospheric New England setting - Authentic teenage voice Common criticisms: - Ending felt rushed and unresolved - Some found the diary format limiting - Secondary characters needed more development Several readers mentioned difficulty connecting with Claudine's decision-making, while others defended her choices as realistic for a teen in crisis. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (30+ reviews) "The anxiety and fear feel very real" - Goodreads reviewer "Strong start but fizzles in final chapters" - Amazon reviewer

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🌲 The book won the Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery in 2007, joining the ranks of other notable YA mystery authors like Nancy Werlin and Peter Abrahams. 🚗 The protagonist's struggles with her mother's alcoholism reflect real statistics - approximately 1 in 8 children in the United States live with at least one parent who has a substance use disorder. 📝 Author Robin Merrow MacCready drew from her experience as a special education teacher in Maine to create authentic teenage voices and emotional struggles in her writing. 🏔️ The story's setting in rural Maine adds to the isolation and claustrophobic atmosphere, with the dense forests and remote location becoming almost like another character in the narrative. 💡 The book tackles multiple sensitive topics including alcoholism, abandonment, and mental health through the unique device of diary entries, allowing readers to experience the protagonist's increasing anxiety firsthand.