Every Crooked Pot by Renee Rosen

Every Crooked Pot by Renee Rosen 

Reviewed by Suzanne Dlugolonski, YA Librarian 

The cover of Every Crooked Pot is misleading.  Both the art and description led me to believe it was self-indulgent teen chick lit.  However, between the deceptive covers lies the beautiful telling of a poignant and profound coming-of-age story.   

As if adolescence is not laden with enough trials and tribulations, Nina Goldman struggles with an over-the-top father and a hemangioma, a disfiguring birthmark, covering her right eye.  Desperately trying to find acceptance amongst her peers while winning the affections of her eccentric father, Nina simply wants what every teenage girl wants: to be beautiful.  The story follows Nina from 7-years-old into her 20’s; we experience the bullying she endured, her first love, and her first heartbreak.  While the story does not have a nice, neat gift-wrapped conclusion, it is an ending of inspiration and hope. 

I was immediately drawn into the story of Nina.  I was (almost) gleeful that my flight to JFK was delayed 4 hours as it gave me ample time to finish devouring Rosen’s moving novel. 

Although packaged for Young Adults, this book will easily be cherished by adult readers, particularly those who also grew up in the 1970’s.  The author acknowledges, “It’s really getting a crossover between adults and young adults. It’s kind of nice.” I believe it is a testament to the power of this story that it stretches across demographics.  While Every Crooked Pot is not a memoir, some events are based on the author’s experiences.   

Every Crooked Pot received a Starred Review from Booklist.  The Lewiston Public Library owns one copy and can be requested through NIOGA.  To learn more about Renee Rosen visit her website.