After Thursday - Hardcover

Grade 7-12 In this sequel to See You Thursday (Delacorte, 1983) , Ure continues the love story of 17-year-old Marianne and Abe, an older, blind music teacher. When Abe goes on tour as an accompanist for a lovely young singer, Marianne is jealously unwilling to accept Abe's growing desire for independence. Handsome, fun-loving Peter tries to attract Marianne's attention, but he lacks Abe's cultured sensitivity. When Abe comes home from a triumphant tour, he and Marianne are happily reunited, but there is no indication as to what will happen to their relationship in the future, perhaps leaving the door open for another sequel. Marianne is an appealing character, full of talent, energy, and unselfish love. When she gives up new friends and extracurricular activities to be with Abe, her mother questions both Marianne's intentions and the nature of the relationship, creating a believable conflict between mother and daughter. This portrayal of a group of teens, meeting together for companionship and the joy of music, and Ure's gentle exploration of Marianne's emotions raise this novel above the level of the formula romances. References to rather obscure musical works may put off a few readers, but most, especially those with more eclectic musical tastes, will eagerly read to the end of this unusual and compelling romance. Phyllis Graves, Creekwood Middle School, Kingwood, Tex.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The sequel to See You Thursday raises many issues in its treatment of a relationship between a sighted girl and a blind young man. Unfortunately, none are resolved, and readers may feel a bit cheated at book's end. Marianne, 17, enjoys a romance with Abe, a blind musician eight years her senior. But Abe wants to be more independent and goes off on a concert tour with Debbie, a beautiful singer his own age. A boy named Peter joins Marianne in various activitieshorseback riding and rock concertsthat Abe can't or won't participate in. Ure doesn't develop the book's conflicts: the disparity between Marianne's and Abe's ages and interests; her need to care for him versus his desire for independence; and the choice between active Peter and passive Abe. The story's open endingpresumably leading the way to a third installmentdraws no conclusions and leaves the characters much the same as they were in the beginning. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.