One aspect of a really good book is how well it weathers the passage of time. This was published fifteen years ago and feels quite relevant today. Readers liking a tale with lots of realism and grittiness, as well as those who relate to teens struggling to find their way and who are constantly demeaned for their decisions, will like/relate to this story. Plenty of sympathetic characters, both teen and adult in this one. ( )

Tallulah has gotten herself into trouble again. She has traveled cross-country with an unreliable boyfriend in order to help out a friend. The boyfriend has abandoned her, robbed her, and while walking through a culvert she finds a dying dog. Tallulah ends up being arrested and eventually begins work at the veterinary clinic where she takes the dog. She is stranded in Tennessee, unable to get in contact with the friend who needed her so badly. As time goes on and Tallulah reflects on her friendship with Maeve, it’s obvious that Maeve is mentally ill, at least to the reader. Fletcher does an amazing job of showing the fragility of being a teenager – how she feels like any decision she makes is the wrong one, even when she is trying her hardest. There are wonderful characterizations in this novel, including the people she works with at the vet clinic. Readers will really put themselves into Tallulah’s place and the complexity of the situation she has found herself in. She is a true friend and ultimately rises above her situation. I really liked this book and found it absorbing. ( )

The emotions are relayed very nicely, you are able to feel what it's like to be in her shoes throughout the book.
4Q, 3P; Cover Art: Okay.
The book is best suited for highschoolers.
It was selected out of interest in becoming a vet, which related to the book.
Grade (of reviewer): 9th
(KS-AHS-NC)

Reviewed by Amber Gibson for TeensReadToo.com

Perennial screw-up Tallulah might not be the well-behaved little daughter that her mom would like her to be, but nobody can say that she isn't a loyal friend. When she receives a cry for help from her bi-polar best friend Maeve, Tallulah immediately leaves behind her family in Portland and takes off across the country to save her. But on her way to Florida, Tallulah finds herself needing some saving. She's stuck in some small town in Tennessee all because her ex-boyfriend robbed her and just up and left in the middle of their road trip.

Tallulah is wandering aimlessly down the highway, wondering how in the world she is supposed to find her way to Florida. When she stumbles upon a dying dog under a highway underpass, she feels compelled to save it, if only because that's what Maeve would want her to do. After bringing the poor dog to the local vet and begging Dr. Poteet to save the dog, Tallulah somehow ends up with a job assisting the vet.

Tallulah knows nothing about animals, but she's a quick learner and manages to earn her keep at the veterinary office. At the same time, she can't wait for Maeve to come and rescue her. In between phone calls to Florida and saving horses and human babies, Tallulah realizes that she's beginning to grow fond of the odd collection of people that work at Dr. Poteet's office. Maeve does return, but it's not exactly the return that Tallulah was expecting. The ending brings several surprises that will keep you hooked until the last page!

Christine Fletcher does a remarkable job in her first young adult novel, incorporating her experiences as a veterinarian. Animal lovers will particularly enjoy the several scenes focusing on Tallulah's connection with the animals she is working with. TALLULAH FALLS is a very touching story and Tallulah is an easy character for teenagers to identify with; she's brave, stubborn, and just trying to find herself. ( )

I loved this book. it was about a girl named Debbie who meets this woman named Mauve. Mauve sends Debbie on this world wind trip to Florida and changes Debbies name to Tallulah cause it suits her better. But Tallulah never gets to Florida and ends up stranded in Tennessee where she finds a dog and works in a vet clinic to heal it. Suddenly Mauve shows up and saves her and takes her home but you find out how Mauve and staying in Tennessee changes Tallulahs life and her attitude about alot of things. ( )