Everything I Was

"My walls were stripped, and all that was left in the room was a pile of boxes and my mattress propped against the wall." So begins Irene's journey from an Upper West Side penthouse to--well, she's not entirely sure where. Irene's father, a corporate VP, is "downsized" when his company merges with another. When he can't find work, her family's lifestyle--and her mother's spending--quickly catches up with them. Eventually, they're forced to move in with Irene's grandfather in the family farmhouse upstate. But what begins as the most disastrous summer of Irene's life takes a surprising turn, and Irene must decide what she wants for herself after losing everything she was.

About the Author :
Corinne Demas is the award-winning author of numerous books for children and adults, including two short story collections, three novels, a memoir, and a collection of poetry. Her picture books include Always in Trouble, Saying Goodbye to Lulu, and The Littlest Matryoshka (written under the name Corinne Demas Bliss). Her new novel, The Writing Circle, was published this past summer. She is a Professor of English at Mount Holyoke College and a Fiction Editor of The Massachusetts Review. She lives with her family, her dog, and two miniature donkeys in Western Massachusetts and spends the summer on Cape Cod.

Review :
Everything I Was--which answers the question what and where is home--has everything I'd ever want in a novel: engaging characters; a storyline with a surprising amount of tension; a family life that sometimes fits like an outgrown shirt for the heroine, Irene; and a wonderful ending that sits just right. --Ann Turner, author of Father of Lies -- "Other Print" After her father lost his high-paying job, 13-year-old Irene's parents sold their expensive New York City apartment, withdrew her from her private school and moved in with her grandfather upstate. Her nurseryman grandfather's calm demeanor and wise advice contrast sharply with her mother's impatient superficiality, and Irene bonds with him immediately. As her father searches for a job, her mother fails to fully adjust, continuing her immature denial and not quite reining in her abundant spending. Irene, meanwhile, quickly gets over the worst of her disappointment after she meets a large family and makes friends with quiet Meg and her attractive, outgoing older brother, Jim. Their enthusiastic attitude toward life helps Irene accept her changed situation, effectively eliminating a lot of the tension that might have propelled the plot forward. Interesting imagery abounds: After inserting white plant tags into flats of perennials, Irene sadly reflects that 'the table before me looked like a miniature graveyard.' Unimportant subplots--a hit-and-run accident and a trip to visit an older half sister--meander into the story without adding significant depth. Yet some characters are richly drawn, and Irene, a likable teen, shows a new maturity as her summer in the country winds down to a mildly surprising conclusion. Quietly soothing and pleasantly entertaining. --Kirkus Reviews -- "Journal" After 13-year-old Irene's father loses his high-paying job, her family leaves their penthouse apartment and elegant life to spend the summer on Irene's grandfather's upstate New York farm. Appalled at first by what feels like a lifestyle descent, Irene gradually allows herself to appreciate new freedom--riding her bike wherever she wishes, smelling fresh dirt as she helps her grandfather pot plants, and finding new friends. Demas anchors this quiet, hopeful book in today's headlines of job loss and the surprisingly vital safety nets that support families. Her adult characters are multidimensional: her once powerful father struggles with depression, her glamorous mother fights to salvage her pride, and her charming grandfather falls in love with one of his customers. Irene and her friends are delightful, down-to-earth kids, including Jim, with whom Irene happily--and tentatively--explores first love. Never saccharine, this satisfying offering, with its solid storytelling and memorable characters of all ages, should please fans of Cynthia Rylant and Richard Peck. --Booklist -- "Journal" Irene's life is turned upside down when her father loses his high-paying New York City job. Her mother's desire to keep up appearances at times confuses Irene as she tries to understand just how bad the situation is. Eventually, their Upper West Side lifestyle is just too expensive to maintain, so the family leaves the city for Irene's grandfather's farm in upstate New York. Out in the country, Irene begins to thrive, making friends and building a strong relationship with her grandfather--the only adult she feels truly listens to her. While the issues in this book are relevant and reflective of true teen experiences, its audience is hard to pin down. Irene is 13, yet her developing relationship with Jim, the boy next door, and the inclusion of a few expletives might not be suitable for some younger readers. The overly dramatic attitude Irene displays while trying to wrestle with all the changes in her life might seem too juvenile to some readers. In areas where many children are experiencing a similar downsizing in their family's lifestyle, this book could find its niche with readers who can identify with the protagonist. --School Library Journal -- "Journal" Moving from a materialistic life in the city, Irene finds herself surrounded by a simple, less sophisticated world at her grandfather's farm. As Irene's relationship with her mother deteriorates, the relationships she finds with her grandfather and new friends help Irene begin to take control of her own life. Any teens who have had to change schools, had financial changes in the family, or been at odds with their parents can relate to thirteen-year-old Irene as she struggles to come to terms with each of these issues. Everything I Was will appeal to readers who feel a lack of control in their own lives. Irene's struggle to find what she truly wants will inspire other struggling teens to do the same. The novel is a smooth read, which captivates the audience, making the reader want to read the entire book in one setting. There is a brief part where Irene uses foul language that does not quite fit the book or her personality. Irene's mother, Andie, comes across as a weak, materialistic person whose only concern is her own wants and needs. But if her mother is selfish, then Irene's grandpa plays the counterpart--a selfless character, only wanting Irene to be happy. This novel is for teens who want their voices to be heard. Any person interested in the dynamic make-up of family and friends will want to read this book. --VOYA -- "Journal" Thirteen-year-old Irene is shocked when financial troubles force her parents to sell their Manhattan penthouse and move the family to her grandfather's farm for the summer. As she struggles to fit into her new surroundings, make new friends, and negotiate a relationship with her demanding mother, Irene begins to rethink many of the things she has always taken for granted. Eventually, she must choose between everything she was, and everything she is realizing she needs. In Everything I Was, Demas presents a likable narrator trying to negotiate friendships, family, and first love. Although Irene's social class sets her apart from many readers, her concerns are universal, and she comes across as relatable and accessible. Readers will likely find themselves on her side as she comes of age in this earnest novel. --The ALAN Review -- "Journal" Thirteen-year-old Irene's world is turned upside down when her father loses his job as an investment banker because of a merger. Her penthouse lifestyle in New York City's Upper West Side is over. Despite her socialite mother's protests and denial about their financial situation, the family put their belongings in storage and move upstate into Irene's grandfather's farmhouse. At first Irene is skeptical and resentful, but she quickly warms up to helping her grandfather in the greenhouse, exploring the cozy barn and making new friendships with a charming family with five kids who live down the road. But Irene's mother is still determined to return to the city, and the question remains: if and when the time comes, will Irene want to go back to her former life? Having written for picture book, middle-grade, and adult audiences, Demas's first book for teens presents an authentic if occasionally precious and melodramatic portrait of country life, economic stress, and the tensions associated with a major life change. Irene's budding independence and inner strength add greatly to this absorbing coming-of-age tale. --Publishers Weekly -- "Journal" This is a lovely story about a strong, courageous young woman and a wise grandfather--kindred souls who, together, forge new lives. --Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery-winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall -- "Other Print"