Tallulah Falls

by Christine Fletcher

When Tallulah Addy sets out on an impulsive cross-country trip to rescue her best friend, she doesn't anticipate getting stranded in rural Tennessee without a dime. Nor does she guess that rescuing a dog will land her a job in the local veterinarian's office. But there, under the wary eye of ornery Dr. Poteet, Tallulah works harder than ever before, tending to animals of all shapes and sizes―and unexpectedly, to wounds long-buried in herself. Tallulah swears she'll leave the first chance she gets, yet when given the choice, it may prove harder to keep the promise to her friend than to say good-bye to the strangers who have become her new family.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Contemporary, Teen

400 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2006

About the author

I'm a veterinarian and author of two young adult novels: Ten Cents a Dance, which was named a 2009 Top Ten Book for Young Adults by the American Library Association, and Tallulah Falls, which was named a 2007 Book for the Teen Age by the New York Public Library. I currently write and practice veterinary medicine in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not one of those people who normally likes a "simple coming-of-age story." Phrases like that always make me think of Little House on the Prairie, or The Outsiders. Not that those aren't fine books, I'm just saying that it's not something that makes me think, YIPPEE! I'll read that TODAY! So keep that in mind when I say that this coming-of-age story was AMAZING.

Tallulah (formerly known as Debbie) is on her way from Portland to Florida to help her friend Maeve when Tallulah's life implode. She's essentially running away from home, but thinking that once she helps Maeve out of whatever her mysterious emergency is, their lives will be all beaches and margaritas. Unfortunately, Tallulah gets stuck in a small Tennessee town, broke, lost, and angry. Slowly, though, Tallulah's life starts coming together, just when she thinks it should be falling apart even more.

Wonderful writing! Brilliant characters! I was fascinated, too, by how different this was from Fletcher's other book, Ten Cents a Dance, which I recently read. Both great books, both completely different. Wonderful stuff.

[Kristia Seabolt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book. ^_^

It's one of the first books that got me really into reading. It interested me by the doggie on the cover. And I'm a sucker for dogs!

The story moves really well paced and the character is very realistic. Tallulah is one of those rebellious teens that thinks she knows it all. And she thinks she can do whatever she well pleases. Or well, whatever Maeve does.
So she travels across country to follow her not-so-good friend Maeve to Flordia. Then come to find herself stranded in ohio, working for a Vet and his traveling eye assistant. Of course, Tallulah has a thing for him.

But anyways, this book is pretty good. A re-read for me? Not so much. I may re-read it again sometime, maybe when I'm on my camping trip. But for fun re-read? Not likely.

I think the ending could have been better, and the realtionship with the Vet's assistant could have been played out better. That's the only thing I have against it. The romance. But I guess I need to see it more realistically, then. ^_^ That's what this book is. A realistic read.

[dameolga · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rarely read non-fantasy YA books, but I read Tallulah Falls for my high school book club. I was surprisingly hooked. I could not stop reading the book once I started to read it. Overall, the writing and pacing is fluid and engaging; however, the plot is something I could not really relate with. The protagonist is too unlike myself that I sometimes could not logically understand the relationships she had with the other characters. Of course, I have a bias towards most things non-fantasy.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read it

[John Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

One aspect of a really good book is how well it weathers the passage of time. This was published fifteen years ago and feels quite relevant today. Readers liking a tale with lots of realism and grittiness, as well as those who relate to teens struggling to find their way and who are constantly demeaned for their decisions, will like/relate to this story. Plenty of sympathetic characters, both teen and adult in this one.

[aarifa · Rating 2 out of 5]

If it has an animal in it, I would read it, but this book in particular I didn't enjoy. I would like to try it again, though.

[Amee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story and especially the characters. I’d love a sequel. It’d be interesting to see where everyone is and what they’re doing a few years down the line.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teen angst.

[Laura Sapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the characters in this book, however, I thought the ending was terrible. I felt like Tallulah hadn't learned anything.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tallulah Falls snuck up on me. I honestly don't remember hearing about this book and it was random pick at the bookstore off of the bookshelf. When I finally sat down to read it I wasn't sure what I would think. I can tell you that I wasn't expecting this, a fantastic ride on a journey with a girl who needs to find her way. And fantastic it was!

Straight away I wasn't sure about Tallulah. She wasn't a character I liked much, as she wasn't very nice to others and kind of seemed like she mostly thought of herself. But it wasn't long before I was 'getting' her. I understood her anger and hurt and frustration. I saw where she was coming from. No, she didn't need to be a bitch about things, but it was a sort of defense mechanism. And she wasn't like that all the time, it was just moments here and there. And right away we see growth in her as one thing after another happens.

Most of the characters in this book were very strong and well fleshed out. They weren't all nice, but we saw their big hearts underneath their exterior attitudes. We saw their true colors in their actions and through the ways they subtly helped Tallulah in finding her way. It was subtle, but kind of perfect. I do have to note that I wish we had gotten a bit more romance, but it's not a real complaint, it wasn't a negative exactly, just something I wanted more of. And in a way I sort of feel it was perfect with how it went.

This was a quieter and more slow paced book, but I was never bored and quickly discovered that everything that went down was important to the story, to the whole story. From Tallulah helping save animals at the clinic to going further than that and saving a human. From her day to day activities and her interaction to the others. It was all Tallulah finding her way and discovering she is worth more.

I can't say I'm completely satisfied with the ending. But I like things tied up all nice, and that doesn't really fit with this book. We're not left hanging, and we're not left with some horribly bad ending, but it's not really a HEA after either. That's really my biggest complaint about this book, but it definitely didn't ruin it for me.

I most definitely recommend you pick this one up!

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Amber Gibson for TeensReadToo.com

Perennial screw-up Tallulah might not be the well-behaved little daughter that her mom would like her to be, but nobody can say that she isn't a loyal friend. When she receives a cry for help from her bi-polar best friend Maeve, Tallulah immediately leaves behind her family in Portland and takes off across the country to save her. But on her way to Florida, Tallulah finds herself needing some saving. She's stuck in some small town in Tennessee all because her ex-boyfriend robbed her and just up and left in the middle of their road trip.

Tallulah is wandering aimlessly down the highway, wondering how in the world she is supposed to find her way to Florida. When she stumbles upon a dying dog under a highway underpass, she feels compelled to save it, if only because that's what Maeve would want her to do. After bringing the poor dog to the local vet and begging Dr. Poteet to save the dog, Tallulah somehow ends up with a job assisting the vet.

Tallulah knows nothing about animals, but she's a quick learner and manages to earn her keep at the veterinary office. At the same time, she can't wait for Maeve to come and rescue her. In between phone calls to Florida and saving horses and human babies, Tallulah realizes that she's beginning to grow fond of the odd collection of people that work at Dr. Poteet's office. Maeve does return, but it's not exactly the return that Tallulah was expecting. The ending brings several surprises that will keep you hooked until the last page!

Christine Fletcher does a remarkable job in her first young adult novel, incorporating her experiences as a veterinarian. Animal lovers will particularly enjoy the several scenes focusing on Tallulah's connection with the animals she is working with. TALLULAH FALLS is a very touching story and Tallulah is an easy character for teenagers to identify with; she's brave, stubborn, and just trying to find herself.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tallulah Falls is a book I had never heard of until my good friend Candace read it and highly recommended it to me. She even bought it for me because she wanted me to read it so much. Candace knows me well because I loved this book and I’m thrilled she put it on my radar.

Tallulah Falls really has lots of elements I love. Tallulah ends up working in a veterinarian’s office after being stranded in East Tennessee. I live in East Tennessee and not many books take place here, so of course I loved that. I also really enjoyed all the vet aspects of the story. Christine Fletcher is actually a veterinarian and her knowledge definitely shows through.

Tallulah wasn’t the easiest character to like. She was rude and pretty self centered, but I think she showed great development throughout the story. All the minor characters were great too. I loved that they all took Tallulah under their wing and got her back on her feet. Even if Tallulah didn’t want their help at first. I loved seeing Tallulah’s relationship grow with the dog she rescued. It was really a great way to show her character growth.

Tallulah Falls is one of those quiet, slow paced coming of age stories. I was engaged in the book the entire time. I was so curious to see where Tallulah’s story ended up. While it didn’t end exactly how I was expecting, I still really enjoyed it. This book certainly hasn’t gotten all the attention it deserves. I highly recommend to any contemporary lovers and animal lovers.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Tallulah Falls" is the story of Tallulah Addy and her spur of the moment trip cross country to help her friend Maeve, whom she knows is in terrible trouble. Tallulah first meets Maeve at a motorcycle convention and is immediately drawn to the charasmatic, free spirited girl. Maeve confides in Tallulah that she is bipolar, and that she has plans to change the world, which she dutifully records in her private notebooks.

One day Maeve just up and disappears and a few days later Tallulah receives an email from her stating that she needs her help. She says she's in Orlando and needs Tallulah to bring her notebooks. No questions asked, Tallulah leaves her home in Oregon and sets out to save her friend.

Tallulah encounters a lot of difficulty that she didn't anticipate. For starters, the guy she was travelling with just up and stranded her in the middle of nowhere, but not before he took all her money from her. Homeless, vehicless, and broke, Tallulah is forced to take a job as a vet tech, in which she not only learns a lot about vetinary science, but about human nature, and most importantly, about herself.

The story is sad, uplifting, real and raw. It's geared for young adults, eighth grade and up, and the feelings that Tallulah struggles with are ones that most young women will find themselves relating to.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Tallulah Falls" by Christine Fletcher is a story about a girl named Tallulah. After meeting Maeve, her life has changed, including her name, which was originally Debra. When Maeve suddenly disappears with only an email left for Tallulah, asking for help, Tallulah decides to go and rescue her friend. After all, there's nothing holding her back, especially her family, who doesn't seem to understand her. Tallulah sets off, but gets stranded in Tennessee without money, food, or a place to stay. She ends up getting a job at a veterinarian office after saving a dog she finds lying on a road. At first, throughout her stay, she keeps wanting nothing more than to leave, but as time passes, she starts to question the choice she should make.

I really enjoyed this book while I was reading it. It shows how life comes with many challenges we have to face and gives us an example of how hard it can be to make the right choice. I would recommend this book to anyone, believing they would become more interested in it as they go on. Overall, "Tallulah Falls" is a great book anyone should consider picking up.

[Stephanie A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd never heard the name "Tallulah" before I read this book, but I've never forgotten it, and consequently never forgotten this character. At first glance she's everything I dislike in a teenager, a hostile and rebellious runaway, but right near the beginning she saves a dying dog and it's impossible to dislike a person after that. I picked this up because of the description of her finagling a part-time job in a vet's office, and that does indeed dominate the story, interspersed with talk of the friend she's trying to reach, how they met, and other backstory.

There are enough patients rotating in and out to delight any animal lover, Dr. Poteet is one of the most memorable adults in YA, in spite (or because of?) his uneven temper, and his colleague Ruth helps ground him. All in all, a really solid story of friendships, genuine and otherwise, with a setting that works its way into your heart and stays there forever.

[Yan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have to say I was fairly disappointed in this book. I felt that at least one-third to one-half of the book could have been taken out. While reading the procedures of treating various animals is quite interesting in the beginning, reading about it for 100 pages or so isn’t.

I thought that some of the relationship Tallulah had with the many characters could have been developed quite further. The characters themselves could also have been further developed themselves. They seemed very much monotone.

The scenes that I happen to do like were very well done. Great tone, great description, and great atmosphere. If only the entire novel was like that.

Overall: Many of the things the author wrote could have been taken out and elaborated on the characters and character relationship. A decent attempt at a coming of age story.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tallulah Falls is the story of a girl who goes on an search for her friend but ultimately finds herself.

Tallulahs trip is a rocky road, that begins with Tallulah running from family issues with her jerk boyfriend (who abandons her with no money) to help her best friend Maeve, to an unexpected job she learns to love and odd mixture of people who become her family. Through self-discovery Tallulah discovers a passion for animals and that friends come in all kinds of packages. She eventually learns she doesn't need Maeve anymore than she can help her.

Its a heartfelt book that touches on the issues of bi-polar disorder, friendships and love all through the eyes of a angsty teenager.

Its a good book, with an interesting and unique main character and a topsy turvy journey of self discovery.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. Especially leading up to the climax, even thought the stereotype is that the climax and after is better.
The only thing I didn't like about it was the ending/after the climax. I thought that the author rushed it, even if she was trying to surprise the reader. I think I was surprised a little too much. The scene where she has you worried came at an akward time and it seemed to me like she only did that one strange part because she had to close the book, and she didn't want to end it at Clark Station (which I think would've been a better choice.)
Bottom line: At the end I thought: Umph. Well. Interesting. But the events leading up to it were great and the writing was pretty good. Recommended.
And sorry. I still don't get the title.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tallulah Falls by Christine Fletcher - 2006- Realistic Fiction, High School/Young Adult – So glad I was sick and had time to read this gorgeous novel. One of those perfect coming of age novels packed with honesty, heart, and beautiful characters. Loved that a portion of the book was set in a veterinary clinic and there were life risking actions going on as well. Such a special book, loved the main character but also appreciated how another character was presented with bi-polar disorder and how that can impact others. There’s also a powerful message about friendship throughout this book. Highly recommended.

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of one girl's journey to find who she really is and what she's capable of even though she's been told all her life she can't do anything and is always in trouble. When most young girls, people in general, would give up, Tallulah finds the inner strength to ramrod her way through the situation and does a fantastic job. She begins to find herself and realizes just how much inner strength and character she really has.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adored Fletcher's book Ten Cents A Dance and approached this one with happy anticipation. It, like Ten Cents, is well-written and complete, but it just didn't have the same emotional punch for me. While I felt a certain sympathy for the rag-tag collection of characters in Tallulah Falls, I didn't particularly enjoy spending time with any of them and never really warmed up to any but the receptionist and the assortment of animals.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, it was a pretty good book. I liked the writing style. It was personal but not overly sentimental. It described things perfectly though the senses so that the reader could decipher the feelings themselves. The story line was confusing at times (maybe bc sometimes I skimmed) but in the end, it was inspiring. The characters are real and fun to read about. Definitely recommend this book for teens. (:

[AnnaBnana · Rating 2 out of 5]

My expectations for this book were really, really high because of how much I LOVED Ten Cents a Dance. I didn't love Tallulah Falls, but I thought it was A-OK. It was a quick read. I did wish it had been written in first-person Tallulah voice instead of in third-person.

[Afton Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked all the references to Portland in this story. This was a fun read that did not go where I expected it to go, which was great. Parts of the story were very typical "young adult" and others were not and caused a bit of deep thinking and reflection. Hmmm.

[Allyson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave it a chance until the first f-bomb, 30 pages or so in.

[Evon · Rating 3 out of 5]

actually i struggled rating this a 3 or 4 star - hard to choose. 3 1/2 stars really.... i like to authors style of writing. i will read more of her books.

[Leisl · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book kept me reading. Cute story. I can see why it's aimed somewhat at teens. Written by a part-time vet at the vet hospital I take my dog to!

[Alexa Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I prefer the author's second book, Ten Cents a Dance. This book was interesting but as realistic fiction, it doesn't cover a whole lot of new ground.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

YA Book. Not a great read but a good summer read.

[Amy Wunderlich · Rating 4 out of 5]

the story was great, i really enjoyed reading the parts about places i've actually visited. :)