Review: The Wrong Side of Right by Jenn Marie Thorne

One year ago, sixteen-year-old Kate Quinn's mother passed away in a car accident. Raised by a single parent, Kate is forced to leave the life she knew behind, moving across country to Los Angeles from California to live with her uncle.  Still in a haze from the loss despite the passing of time, Kate isn't prepared when her life goes on a completely different spiral.

After school, she returns home to find a slew of reporters on the front lawn. Inside, a prominent politician and Republican candidate for President of the United States is sitting on the couch, waiting for her. Within a few moments, life as she knows it changes.  She grew up without a father, her mother kept his identity a secret. The man sitting on the couch, this renowned politician, is her father.

Asked to join him and his family on his campaign, Kate is suddenly plunged into the world of high-stakes politics. Everything about her is forced to undergo an overhaul in order to fit into this new life.  Her views are put on the back-burner; she's expected to support a stranger in his most important journey in life.  The only comfort is her new stepmother, providing a loving and supportive relief amiss all the chaos.

Kate must re-evaluate life as she knows it. Is she prepared to live in the spotlight, the media judging her for everything, from the clothing she wears to the friends she keeps? Can she stand behind a man whose beliefs are guided by ulterior motives? Is she capable of once again leaving everything behind, to become the daughter of such a prominent politician?

Living in the DC metro area, I can’t escape news of the latest political drama. Despite this, I’m often drawn to titles that set in our nation’s capital. They feel…natural and comfortable to me.  When I picked up this particular title, I was instantly drawn in to Kate’s life, sympathetic to all the loss and change she’s been forced to endure.  The storyline, too, was captivating, certainly deeper and more thought-provoking than I had anticipated.

Kate is a strong-minded young woman, largely thanks to her mother. While she wants to appease those she cares for, she has strong beliefs that she can’t hide or eliminate.  Supporting this man, her father, directly puts friends she holds near and dear to her heart at risk.  The journey she takes to cultivate the strength she needs to confront her father and allow her beliefs and desires to be known is a tremendous one, not without successes and failures.

There is no doubt that Thorne did her research in writing this book. She captures the nuances and drama of the DC political scene perfectly, from the persistent and demanding media to the commanding and unrelenting campaign staff.  Though there aren’t many who can relate to Kate’s specific story, the overall theme of standing up for one’s self and those they cherish is one that we can comprehend. Additionally, the quality of the writing pulls you in immediately. Readers of this blog understand that this certainly isn’t my type of book, yet the author created a story, and a character, so captivating that it was easy to relinquish myself to Kate and her story. An ordinary girl thrust into an extraordinary life, a character that will certainly serve as an inspiration to teen girls from all walks of life.

All in all, this was a refreshing and inspiring read. I’m grateful I took a step outside my comfort zone to embrace it! Highly recommended.