The nest - Paul Jennings

At the heart of this novel is the enigma of a mother who deserted her baby and husband. Young Robin Gordon lives in the Victorian high country with his dad and dreams of escaping to a world where he isn't constantly blamed for his mother's departure. He wants to be a published author. He wants to be able to tell Charlie that he loves her. But at the core of his life is his daily battle with murderous impulses. Could Robin really kill his father? Will he discover the truth behind his mother's betrayal?

Each section of the novel is tied together with the character Robin's short stories and helps the reader see inside the troubled teen's mind.

It's not the best YA novel I've read but it is certainly an interesting change from Jenning's usual humourous fare.

Girl next door by Alyssa Brugman

Brugman once again takes the reader inside the head of a sassy teen with attitude. Jenna-Belle and her older brother live the life of luxury - McMansion, five star holidays, designer fashion, private schools. One day their father decides to chuck in his well-paid job to set up his own business empire. The living room sofa becomes his office. Their mum falls pregnant. Their dad leaves "for the country". The bills aren't being paid. They take in lodgers. One day Jenna-Belle is escorted from school and told not to return until the fees have been paid. Her best friend is a hypochondriac. He also wants to hit on her. Sound like your kind of book?
Find out whether Jenna-Belle can rise up and beat the odds and learn what it might be like for some families who are victims of the global recession, excessive mortgages or unsustainable lifestyles.
Did I like this book? Yeees, I must admit that Jenna-Belle has a believable "voice" but the character of the mother annoyed me immensely. But since we are treated to a view of the situation through Jenna-Belle's immature eyes, perhaps the mother is just human, after all......