The Right & The Real by Joëlle Anthony

The Right & The Real
Joëlle Anthony
April 26th, 2012
288 pages (hardcover)Putnam JuvenileSource - Publisher (unsolicited)

Kicked out for refusing to join a cult, seventeen-year-old Jamie must find a way to survive on her own 
Jamie should have known something was off about the church of the Right and the Real from the start, especially when the Teacher claimed he wasn’t just an ordinary spiritual leader, but Jesus Christ, himself. But she was too taken by Josh, the eldest son of one of the church’s disciples, and his all-American good looks. Josh is the most popular boy at school too, and the first boy outside the drama geeks to give Jamie a second look. But getting her Dad involved in a cult was not part of the plan when she started dating Josh. Neither was her dad’s marriage to the fanatic Mira, or getting kicked out, or seeing Josh in secret because the church has deemed her persona non grata. 
Jamie’s life has completely fallen apart. Finding her way back won’t be easy, but when her Dad gets himself into serious trouble, will Jamie be ready to rescue him, and maybe even forgive him? 

Mini-Thoughts: Seventeen-year-old Jaime is blindsided by her father when he kicks her out of their home after he marries into a cult-like church that Jaime refused to join¹. Joining would mean losing everything she loves – her acting, her education, her future – so she's far from interested. Jaime's strength in facing exile from her home and her normal life is admirable. I quickly became captivated by such an intriguing if slightly terrifying premise. Fortunately, Anthony balances out the more serious parts with wonderfully vibrant and alive characters. The Right & The Real is filled with convincing characters and a story that compels you to keep turning the pages. 

Highlights: By 25 pages in, I was emotionally invested in the story and in Jaime's character. The side characters were incredible – Kent, LaVon, Krista, and more. Even when it seems like everything is terrible, there's always someone who brightens up the story. This story was a surprise for me – Anthony's writing is powerful, and she managed to succeed with what could have been a difficult story to tell. 
Lowlights: I was surprised that Jaime didn't try harder to reach out to her dad when he initially kicked her out. I also really, really, really hated her boyfriend.  
Rating:  

1 If there was ever a book to make me grateful for the parents that I have, this is that book. 

Image & Summary from Goodreads