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A Girl with a Bad Reputation by Dave Gioia

The author of "A Girl with a Bad Reputation" specializes in character- driven stories that explore the complexities of life and relationships. While his novels feature characters of all ages, he finds young characters to be particularly fertile ground creatively, as they navigate the challenges of young adulthood. These stories allow readers to witness the characters' quest for understanding, as they question the unexpected events that shape their lives and the lives of others. Having grown up an Army brat, moving every two or three years with his family as his father's assignments changed, the author developed a knack for quickly making new friends. This upbringing instilled in him a deep curiosity about human nature and a genuine interest in people from various societies and cultures. Through his extensive travels, he has met countless individuals whose stories, along with his own life experiences, inspire the narratives in his novels. The author hopes that readers will enjoy his books as much as he enjoyed writing them and encourages them to review and recommend his work. For more information, please visit DaveGioia.com. 



In "A Girl with a Bad Reputation," we follow the story of fourteen-year-old Colleen Hanrahan. Despite her bad reputation, Colleen is a smart and proud young woman who navigates her relationships with boys on her own terms. She believes that as long as her father, a successful yet controlling criminal defense attorney, remains unaware of her promiscuous behavior, it doesn't matter what others think of her.

Colleen finds solace in her mother, a family law attorney who shares a secret with her daughter. Together, they support each other, providing a defense against Colleen's father and the judgment of others. Born and raised in Newburgh, NY, Colleen takes pride in her hometown's historical significance. However, she becomes concerned about the racial tensions arising from the arrival of poor Black residents from the South, leading to "White flight" and the deterioration of downtown.

As Colleen witnesses the racism within her own community, she begins to identify with the Civil Rights Movement. Inspired by the fight for equality, she contemplates a future as a lawyer or even a politician, dedicated to advocating for the civil rights of all oppressed individuals. Set in the mid to late 1960s, Colleen's story unfolds against the backdrop of a pivotal and turbulent time in American history. The events of the decade profoundly impact her, as she encounters significant people who shape her journey into young adulthood. 

For more information visit davegioia.com.


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