Rayne and Delilah's Midnite Matinee

Rayne and Delilah's Midnite Matinee is a coming-of-age book about two best friends, Josie and Delia, reaching the end of high school. They need to decide whether to pursue their individual college ambitions or continue on with their low budget, late night TV show about horror movies. This book is packed full of daft humour and in-jokes between the two. They perform crazy skits on show involving skeleton raves and dog weddings. It will definitely appeal to teenagers that like a fun read. Personally, I really enjoyed reading the more serious side of this story when the characters were on their own and dealing with their dilemmas away from the banter that exists between them. Delia is living with her mum who suffers with mental health issues. The author deals with this in a positive light and helps to remove any stigma that there might be around seeking help. Delia's Dad has abandoned them. She hasn't heard from him since he left home but may now have managed to track him down. Should Delia risk stirring things up with her mum at home by contacting him? Josie might be falling in love with Lawson, who was a guest on their show. However, she has made a promise with her parents that if their road trip to Shivercon, a convention for horror filmmakers, doesn't open up the right opportunities for them, then she will consider getting real experience at a real channel. This would mean starting at the bottom and working up. It would also mean leaving her best friend and new boyfriend behind. This book gives a positive message for those with mental health issues or those who have suffered from bullying. I think Lawson was my favourite character. He was so resilient; who wouldn't fall in love with Lawson? Their road trip was very eventful and I think the highlight of the book. This is great contemporary fiction for older teens. 400 pages / Ages 14+ / Reviewed by Clair Bossons, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 11+