Author: Rosslyn A. Ruffin

ISBN: 1424109450

The following review was contributed by:  NORM GOLDMAN:  Editor of Bookpleasures. CLICK TO VIEW  Norm Goldman's Reviews       

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Rosslyn A. Ruffin’s debut novel, Transitions: Boy Krazy has been crafted in such a manner that it is as if her readers are eavesdropping on a lengthy discussion among teenagers whose principal focus is on their new friend Mary Tucker and her obsession with her boyfriend Nathan. 

Our story unwraps when fifteen-year old Mary commences her first day at Blagden High School, where she meets her new friends Eve, Octavia, and Deborah. Her boyfriend, Nathan has likewise enrolled in the school along with Mary’s best friend, Gloria. Mary’s first disappointment springs up when she learns that Nathan will not be sharing any of his classes with her and the disenchantment is compounded when the school’s guidance counselor refuses to permit Mary to change her schedule and transfer into Nathan’s classes. Mary’s behavior can be so compulsive that she disregards Nathan’s needs for his own space. She even follows him to the barber for fear he will be tempted to speak to other girls.

Her newly acquired friends as well as her best friend Gloria try to persuade her to see things in a different light; however, this proves to be a problem of major dimensions.  Life does not seem to be easy for Mary and to add further snags to Mary’s life Christine enters the scene- an attractive youngster who takes pleasure in snatching boyfriends away from their girlfriends including Nathan.

In all likelihood the shape of this story will appeal to teenagers, who will be fairly familiar with many of the situations portrayed and no doubt will without difficulty identify with the characters as well as their nonstop chatter.

One of the disappointments, however, of this one hundred and thirty- seven page novel is the author’s lack of development of the depth of her characters, particularly Mary, as Ruffin fails to take us deeper into Mary’s life. We have a few references to her family in that her sister was a good student and attended the same high school, however, we don’t know too much about her parents or why she seems to be so insecure. Likewise, we know very little about Nathan and his family background other than he seems to like Mary.

Nonetheless, the story is engaging and will find a place among young teenage readers, particularly as a catalyst for a frank discussion pertaining to obsessive relationships and may also interest adults in this timely topic.