The Eyes of van Gogh — Cathryn Clinton

A teenager finds solace in her art -- and her friends -- as she struggles to escape depression in this affecting new novel by Cathryn Clinton.

After all the moves from town to town, after all her mom's boyfriends and drinking and anger, Jude hopes things will be different in Ellenville. In her new high school, Jude starts to open up. Her art teacher admires her painting and encourages her interest in van Gogh. Soon she has two new friends and a romance that may save her from a dead-end future after all. But when life doesn't follow her plans, Jude finds herself staring into van Gogh's tortured eyes and seeing her own reflection. NOTHING WILL EVER CHANGE, says a voice in her head. MAYBE IT WOULD BE BETTER IF YOU WEREN'T HERE. With sensitivity and insight, Cathryn Clinton looks through the eyes of a troubled teen as she moves through darkness toward a merciful glimmer of light.