• Age: 14 to 16
• Grade: 6 to 9

“Weber writes with a light touch and a keen ear for teen dialogue and concerns.” —CM Magazine

 

Before her plane even touches down in Newfoundland, Cheryl is already plotting her escape. She knows life on this rock will be no better than it was in the other places she’s been forced to live ever since her parents launched their cross-Canada tour. The unwilling spectator of her father’s morbid fascination with “dying cultures,” Cheryl has seen more than her fair share of towns so depressing they could haunt your dreams. His decision to study the defunct fishing industry in St. John’s is Cheryl’s breaking point—this city girl is more determined than ever to get back to the concrete, the buzz, and the bright lights of Montreal. Will Cheryl’s cold, goth exterior and her refusal to embrace a new life cut her off from those who love her?

Lori Weber is the author of eight young adult novels, including Yellow Mini, a novel in verse, and Deep Girls, a short—story collection; one historical middle grade novel, Lightning Lou; and one picture book, My Granny Loves Hockey. A native Montrealer, she lived for several years in Atlantic Canada; upon returning to Montreal, she began teaching English at Vanier College in 1994 before moving to John Abbott College in 1996, a position she recently retired from. She has delivered workshops in writing for teens through the Quebec Writers' Federation. Lori currently lives in Dorval, Quebec, where she hopes to do more writing, taking inspiration from the beautiful Lac Saint Louis at her doorstep.

Lori Weber's profile page

“The interplay between exterior and interior, as well as inclusion and exclusion, are deftly described by Lori Weber in this memorable novel about people and place." —CCBC, University of Wisconsin-Madison

“An entertaining story." —Kirkus Review

“Weber writes with a light touch and a keen ear for teen dialogue and concerns." —CM Magazine

If You Live Like Me

This city girl is determined to get back to the concrete, the buzz, and the bright lights of Montreal. She knows life in Newfoundland will be no better than it was in the other places she’s been forced to live since her father’s study on “dying cultures” began. Will Cheryl’s cold, goth exterior and her refusal to embrace a new life cut her off from those who love her?

This is a book about different views of the world, between urban and rural communities, socioeconomic status, and fathers and daughters. Protagonist Cheryl is considered an outsider and many young adolescents can identify with her rebellious nature. The Newfoundland setting is an important feature of this story, helping readers understand how where we live determines who we are, and the impact that our personal choices have on our community and the wider world.

Also available: City Pictures by Shirlee Smith Matheson

Author available for class visits