A review by rebelbelle13
The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney

emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.75

 I really wish this was better. The Face on the Milk Carton was one of those I kept meaning to get to as a kid, but never got around to it. That's probably a good thing. This novel drags on what feels like forever, and on every other page Janie is flipping like a pancake about how to proceed with the knowledge that she was kidnapped. She wants to call the number, she doesn't. She wants to tell someone, she doesn't. She wants to meet them, no quick, drive away before they see me! Better go to the library and look for the old newspapers, and not read the entire article! The novel was an exercise in frustration. Pick a lane and stick with it, Janie, or at least tell someone and let them handle it. The only bearable character in the entire book is Reeve, who has the patience of a saint.
I will probably continue with the series, if only to find out what actually happened the day Janie was kidnapped, and how her old family reacts to her returning to them. Let's hope the writing is better as well going forward. 
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