One True Thing

Book excerpt: When is a secret not a secret? When your whole life is public. Most sixteen-year-olds get woken up by their parents because they're late for school, or the dog needs walking. Ordinary reasons both boring and predictable, but also, well, safe. My mum drags me out of bed with reminders that she has to fight for international peace, or solve world hunger. Frankie is used to being the daughter of a politician, but with her mum taking over as the Victorian Premier and an election coming up, life's been crazier than usual. Add to that a brother with asthma to keep an eye on, a best friend who's been weirdly distant lately, and the fact that Frankie's just humiliated herself in front of a hot guy - who it turns out is a budding journalist wanting to interview her about her band. Frankie has a tough decision to make. Jake seems interested in her - but is it all for show, or does he really like her? Then everything crumbles. Photos appear of Frankie's mum having secret meetings with a younger man - and she refuses to tell the public why. No one's talking but someone knows the truth. With her family falling apart around her, Frankie is determined to find out - even if it means losing Jake.