‘RIGHT WHERE I BELONG,’ by Krista McGee

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‘RIGHT WHERE I BELONG,’ by Krista McGee. Reviewing the contemporary YA novel from 2012. All review text © Rissi JC

When you read a handful of complimentary reviews, they can entice any reader to pick up a book with an unfamiliar author’s name. Whether they realize it or not, I’m being 100% influenced by these friends reviews (and happily I’m not sorry about this.)

STORY: The story of seventeen-year-old Natalia, who leaves behind her life in Spain to return to America with her broken-hearted stepmother, the latest “victim” in a long line of her father’s now ex-wives. Determined to remain unattached in life so that she never follows her father’s footsteps, Natalia finds that God has other plans for her new life in Florida.


Right Where I Belong, by Krista McGee | Book Review


REVIEW: This is one YA novel that will hit its mark with many teens. Instead of all the norm of tropes (not that there aren’t a few), this one has heart, and more importantly, it’s grounded in realism not fantasy. Getting right the “art” of young adult fiction is no small task in today’s culture. Teens are accustomed to “hardcore” entertainment. That shouldn’t be the “standard” but the exception and we should begin to look more closely at authors like McGee for that change.

‘RIGHT WHERE I BELONG,’ by Krista McGee. #BookReviews #FWarchives #Readers #BookTwitter Click To Tweet

Natalia is one of the most selfless, adorable, likable, pure (both of heart, mind and body) young characters I’ve run across. Fortunately I haven’t had to deal with the sort of situations Natalia does but her heart is what shine; we understand her desire to want to do right and grow spiritually. To help her be better and the opposite of her father, she puts her relationship with Christ at the center of her life. Right Where I Belong isn’t a story that’s “in your face” but it doesn’t easily let us off the hook. Subtly is its strong suit and in this case, that’s a compliment of the highest kind.

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This novel is full of fun shopping trips and fun days out with Natalia and her friends, as well as sweet scenes between our heroine and Maureen. As a result of all of this, the book sparkles with personality. This is all supported by characters who are good. The clash of cultures is adorable. Modern, fresh and inspired by the story of Ruth, this won’t be the only book by the talented Krista McGee I read.

IN CONCLUSION: Bold, witty and lovable, Right Where I Belong is a book all young readers should have on their bedside table. The Christian message shines as brightly as the characters who accept Christ.

About the Book:

Author: Krista McGee
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: 2012
Genre: Christian Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Young Adult
Shop the Book: Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Rating: 5 out of 5

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

12 comments

  1. I love this cover! I think that the young adult Christian fiction books have THE best covers. This one and the Angel Eyes book from Shannon Dittenmore really cuaght my eye. Thanks for the review, it looks like I need to read this too!

    xoxo,
    Renee C.

    1. Hello, Renee! Glad to see you stopped in here. The ocean is lovely on this design – what could go wrong with that!?

      Hope you enjoy this one! It's fabulous!

      (And, Sierra – speaking of Angel Eyes, that is one I still MUST read since it's been so highly praised. …I think Renee has read it though. :D)

    2. Sierra – thanks! I'll be looking into it. :)

      Renee – ooops! My bad, I thought that was one you had read. Must have remembered you commenting on the cover though. :)

  2. I am so dying to read this one. Even more so now after your review. I have read First Date and Starring Me and really loved them! I picked another book the day this one came out (there were three I had to choose between *cries*) on Booksneeze and I really want to buy it when I get the chance. And the cover is to die for! The ocean is so beautiful… Thank you for the review and happy new year! Sierra
    Keep growing beautiful!

    1. I shall be awaiting your review of this one, Sierra – it was FABULOUS. My first novel by McGee and it DID NOT disappoint. This is the sort of novel that all YA books should strive to be like. :)

      Oooh! Don't you just hate those sort of dilemmas? I should be reading tonight but here I am, finishing up computer stuff instead. :)

      Thank you so much for reading! Happy 2013!

    2. I seriously need to get it after hearing so much praise! I agree, if YA books could all be like McGee's, Bryan Davis's and Shannon Dittemore's I think I'd be pretty happy :) Happy 2013!

    1. I have First Date to read but haven't gotten to it yet – this novel however, was fabulous so I suspect that 'Date' will be also, Ella! Hope you enjoy it. :)

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