Stars are very volatile objects floating in outer space; they form spontaneously, when conditions are right, and disappear without notice. Kristin Folger is a star of her own, forming her identity, developing in the '60s. One might think that growing up in the '60s was easy, but let's get real --- being a teen is hard in any decade. So here she is, turning 15, self conscious --- and I'm reading her diary. Kristin is cool, smart, and she has some very interesting views on life.

The Folger family is made up of five people --- one of whom is a "ghost." There's Kristin, her older brother Bobby, and her mother and father. That makes four. David, Kristin's oldest brother, dwells in the attic. Left traumatized by the Vietnam War, both Kristin and Bobby long for the day when David will come back. While Kristin is dealing with this, she also has to try and fight off Simon, her way cool friend, who, after hitting puberty, is now hitting on her. And along with the typical traumas befalling the female teen, Kristin must also deal with Carol, her quasi best friend, who is getting married in high school. Who knows what will happen to this star...

Kelly Easton writes seamlessly as she describes this whirlwind of experiences. If you read THE LIFE HISTORY OF A STAR, you will definitely get a feel for the '60s. Through the eyes of Kristin, the book's heroine, readers get an intimate portrait of what life was like for a normal suburban teen. (Although normal doesn't describe her accurately; anyone who reads this book will be able to identify with her.) And sometimes we need to read about somebody else's life --- to take our minds of our own.

   --- Reviewed by Lisa Marx

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