by Caletti, Deb.
Publishers Weekly
: Starred Review. The old saying Money can't buy happiness proves true for high school senior Indigo Skye after she receives a $2.5 million tip from a handsome stranger at the suburban Seattle restaurant where she is a part-time waitress. Before long, the pressure is on from friends and family to spend (or not spend) her money a certain way. Although the lesson of this rags-to-riches tale is evident from the beginning, Caletti (Honey, Baby, Sweetheart) builds characters with so much depth that readers will be invested in her story. Indigo's ability to recognize and appreciate what makes other people tick makes her an unusually compelling narrator, even when her values get blown off course. The rest of the cast, all of whom harbor conflicts and aspirations of their own, radiate personality, especially the crew of customers who regularly patronize Indigo's restaurant (they include a man accused of murdering his wife, a heavily tattooed factory worker and a Native American poet with a chemical imbalance). Working from a premise that strains credibility, Caletti spins a network of relationships that feels real and enriching. Ages 12-up. (Apr.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions Inc. Terms
School Library Journal
: Gr 9 Up—Indigo Skye, an average high school senior, works part-time as a waitress at a small diner, where she gets to know and love a group of quirky "Irregulars" who frequent the place. She leads a happy but ordinary life until the day a customer, in return for a small kindness, leaves her a $2.5 million tip. This story follows Indigo's struggle to remain true to herself and to fight all the negative side effects of instant wealth. Right from the beginning, Caletti is able to distinguish her extensive cast of characters by relating their memorable and endearing eccentricities. Indigo, especially, is a multilayered and complicated protagonist. Although the premise seems a bit far-fetched, the characters' actions and dialogue keep this story real. Humor is sprinkled in with the more serious, philosophical questions and Indigo's emotions are expertly conveyed. While the theme of money as a potential corrupter is effective, it is stated outright too frequently instead of allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. Filled with rich characters and hilarious interactions mixed with Indigo's astute perceptions of conformity and frivolous wealth, this book encourages thought and examination of what is truly important in life.—Jessie Spalding, Queen Creek Branch Library, AZ Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions Inc. Terms
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