Who I Am

Diary of a Teenage Girl #3

by Melody Carlson

It's challenging enough to be a normal high school senior -- but Caitlin O'Conner has a host of new difficulties to deal with in the third book of Melody Carlson's widely popular and fascinating teen series. Time is critical to help the orphans in Mexico, missions-minded Caitlin believes, but Mom and Dad are set on her attending college. Meanwhile, her relationship with Josh takes on a serious tone via e-mail -- threatening her commitment to "kiss dating goodbye." When Beanie begins dating an African-American, Caitlin's concern over dating seems to be misread as racism. One thing is God is at work through this dynamic girl in very real but puzzling ways. A soul-stretching time of racial reconciliation at school and within her church helps her discover God's will as never before.

Genres: Young Adult, Christian Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Fiction, Teen, Romance

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2002

About the author

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.

She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.

Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

Reviews

[Rachel Phelps Shearer · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s so cool how all the kids at Caitlin’s school stop being depressed and/or gay as soon as they give their heart to Jesus. Maybe my OCD is because I haven’t fully given my heart to Jesus! (My gosh I wish I hadn’t read these as a young teen.)

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Powered through this re-read in one afternoon while home sick. I remember loving this cover when it first came out, and I still do, though Caitlin is referred to multiple times as having pale blonde hair and light blue eyes - nothing like the image on the cover. Talk about issues! This one is stuffed: racial tension/prejudice, questioning one's sexuality, suicide, and those are just the issues introduced in this book, not taking into account what's been brought up in the first two books.

All that said, I am still enjoying my re-read through this series. I like Caitlin's voice. Her earnest prayers (for her self and especially for her friends) remind me of my high school self and my own adolescent diaries. The dialogue recap is unrealistic in a diary, but I've come to expect it after It's My Life. I liked how Chloe was introduced as more of a central character, knowing that the author went on to feature Chloe as the diarist after the fourth Caitlin book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best book in the Caitlin series so far! Each book I read makes me want to read another one so I can find out what will happen next. I know I'm not a teenager anymore, but I figure an adult wrote the book, so why can't an adult read it?

This book deals with series topics, just like every other book in the series. This book tackles homosexuality, suicide and death.

I wonder what will happen when Caitlin goes to college? I guess I'll have to just sit tight and read the next book.

A few things I like about the book and want to do myself: 1) writing regurarly in her diary 2) I totally admire her for a mentoring someone younger than her 3) she works so hard to support a ministry she believes strongly in 4) boldly sharing her faith, but always trying to let God lead

[Dichotomy Girl]

Wow, this one was even worse. Particularly the part when Trent thinks he might be gay, and Caitlin refers him to Pastor Tony who "had someone plant the idea" that he might be gay in middle school and so knows how to deal with that situation. Right....everyone knows that gayness is a kind of insidious brainwashing....

[Andrew R]

i didn't like it it was boring through the whole 50 pages i read then i stopped reading it. also ms.peace i don't think you should give me a star

[a rose ♥︎ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trying out this series…
I had a lot of problems with this one. I felt like there were theological issues, and although the topics were heavy it did feel like the author was trying to cram everything serious that could happen to a teen girl in two books. I also didn’t get how Caitlin called herself Christian and went to church for years but then barely seems to know who Peter is or who Pharisees were, and that really irked me. Some characters felt like every stereotype pushed together, and I wasn’t completely satisfied with some of the author’s so called biblical responses to problems, like with Trent trying to figure out his sexuality. Now, I don’t support homosexuality because the Bible says it’s a sin, but I do think we called to love those people and I felt like this book in particular really skipped over it while that is really a huge topic nowadays, and is definitely something that should be talked about, not dismissed or treated lightly. There were also sins that felt like they were treated as okay, versus instead recognizing it as a sin and wanting to improve. So… in conclusion, a disappointing book compared to others I’ve read.

[Christy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's challenging enough to be a normal high school senior -- but Caitlin O'Conner has a host of new difficulties to deal with in the third book of Melody Carlson's widely popular and fascinating teen series.

Time is critical to help the orphans in Mexico, missions-minded Caitlin believes, but Mom and Dad are set on her attending college. Meanwhile, her relationship with Josh takes on a serious tone via e-mail -- threatening her commitment to "kiss dating goodbye."

When Beanie begins dating an African-American, Caitlin's concern over dating seems to be misread as racism. One thing is obvious: God is at work through this dynamic girl in very real but puzzling ways. A soul-stretching time of racial reconciliation at school and within her church helps her discover God's will as never before.

[Nadiac · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is about a girl named Caitlin. She likes this boy named Josh. there in highschool and Caitlin is a really big Christian. She takes God serious in every single way! Her and a group of kids from school went on a trip, and Josh was there. Any girl who went around him she got mad or jelous. Her friends arent taking od seriously any more and she has more concerns coming her way!....

[Joyfully Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And so I'm thinking that's it! It doesn't really matter so much who I am (like whether I become a writer or a missionary or a teacher or whatever..), but it really matters Whose I am. I belong to God. And knowing that fills me with such a sense of peace. It's like He's the rudder on my boat, and when the waves start tossing me around, I know I can make it safely to the other side. Because I'm His."

Very good, would recommend. :)

[Gloria Howard]

These books are soooooo amazing!

[Michele Urban]

These are the kind of books I read when Wes gifts me a novel. 😄

[Kayla Upchurch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really good for anyone about to start middle school or highschool I want to collect the whole series for my kids to read

[Michaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Good book.

[Anahy Tena Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book was good , it talked alot of having time for yourself and making time for yourself and about self love and trying to find time to breathe.

[Kaitlyn Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book "Who I Am" was wrote by Melody Carlson. This book was a very good book. The main character in this book is Caitlyn O'Conner and she is the one telling the story. Her two best friends are Beanie and Jenny, during the story she makes a new friend and her name is Anna. Caitlyn and Anna get really close. When Caitlyn was a juniors he made a commitment to God, because she was dating a senior and she was afraid things would go to far.
During senior year a bunch of events occur. Caitlyn's crush is living life at college and she doesn't really have a thing for dating. This book in the series mainly discusses suicide and death. It also deals with moving on and meeting new people. In this book a girl named Jewel started dating Jamal. They got together just a few weeks after Beanie and Jamal broke up. Whenever Jamal broke up with Jewel she thought it would be a good idea to commit suicide. Her attempt failed, but since she tried she had to have surgery on her head and training to start talking again.
Josh came down over the summer and him and Caitlyn caught up on some things. Caitlyn got to meet his little sister Chloe and they really seemed to like each other. When josh went back to college Chloe started to hang out with Caitlyn. She would go see Jewel with her and she even started going to church with Caitlyn. Caitlyn, Jenny, Beanie, and Anna all applied for the same college which was a Christian college. Everyone got accepted, but Caitlyn's parents couldn't afford the cost, so Caitlyn had to go the the State University instead.
I would recommend this book to anyone that is twelve or older. One reason why I recommend this book is because it has to deal with people moving on and meeting other people. When Caitlyn had to go to a different college by herself she wasn't sure who was going to be there. Also after a breakup you should move on to another person, but you can still be friends with your ex. Another reason why I recommend this book is because it shows you what could happen if your heart gets broken. When Jewel and Jamal broke up, she attempted suicide but failed. Since she friend she still suffered long term injuries. When you try things like this you need to think about the people who love and care about you, like your family. The last reason I recommend this book is because it shows how high school is overall. During high school you suffer through break up, you lose and make new friends, and sometimes you could even have to move to a different school. So overall this was a really good book and I would recommend that you read it if you have the time.

[Carly Leigh Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was brilliant! There was some sad parts, such as, Jewels death but this shows that we have to Trust God.

[Stephanie Ziegler]

I found in this diary, the author lacked with racial and ethnicity issues. She tidied everything up with a perfect bow, when in reality, this issue is going to be one of the most dominate throughout her life. "I get way too focused on the here and now and as a result I sometimes forget. I lose perspective. In fact, it's usually only when something tragic happens that I'm reminded of what's important and what's to come. And while it's usually sobering (at first), I am always thankful later on." I hope she expands more in the next two books.

The suicide part was a perfect way to show kids what happens if you die or if you do not die. How if affects your family and all of your friends. I wish there was the background story of Jamal and Jewel to show that no matter how hard a break-up hurts or how tough it is to grieve that loss, suicide is not the answer. When you think you cannot turn to anyone for help, this book shows how Jewel's friends wished she had asked for help. I would have also liked to see expansion with the gay feelings. While this book was published in 2002 and gay rights are more prominent these days, the author should not have brought up the issue if we cannot learn from it.

Until next time, live life one page at a time!

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not wait to have my 15 year old step daughter read this book. We have tried to take her to church and get her involved but she never seemed interested just bored. Just last week she sent a text stating she got her purity ring and understands what we were trying to teach her. In this book the girl is a new Christian and trying to figure things out. She made a vow not to date. She did this because she found that it was too hard not to get serious and maybe compromise your beliefs so she gave it up all together. That was also of heavy information in this book but it was well written and think something all teenagers should read. The main character is writing a journal and you get to read her daily prayers to God. I thought it was great that she said to be a Christian does not mean you are perfect that we all have things to work on. Perfect. I cant wait to buy this book and mail it to her. In the end is a copy of a purity promise to God for the teenager to fill out. I hope this book serves her well and that she gains alot of clarity from it and a closer relationship with God.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caitlin continues to tell her tale through diary entries in this third installment of the series. This time she is a senior, dealing with race issues, suicide, dating, and other typical teenage woes. Some of the references and situations felt a little dated, namely the prolonged "name dropping" of the prayer of Jabez.

It has been the weakest of the series so far for me, though still worth a read for those vested in the series. Something about the circumstances was a little cookie cutter and idealistic. I feel odd saying that, since some horrible tragedies take place, but even those tragedies felt too polished. I was excited to meet Chloe, since I had no idea that was coming, and am looking forward to quickly moving onto the fourth book.

As with the first two books, the story is in first-person diary format. There are some sexual situations, though they are dealt with in a realistic and meaningful way that are meant to teach.

[Savannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. These books are really easy to read. They're easy to zip through and they're interesting. Anyway, I just wanted to say that. I don't want to say too much about it since it's book number 3, though I don't really think there are many "spoilers" really. But I'll say that I think that it's great that Melody Carlson isn't afraid to deal with real life issues in these books.
Everything from race, teenage suicide, dating heartaches, and homosexuality. And she does it in a tasteful way.
The homosexuality bit that was in it I thought was kind of randomly thrown in there towards the end of the book.
But anyway, I put the last two books in this series on hold at the library and will be getting them soon and I'm looking forward to seeing Caitlin's story wrap up (in a good way! Not because I want it to be over! Haha)!

[$hanel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay! Caitlin is not at all far away from college! Boy does she have a lot to write about! Throughout most of Caitlin`s third diary she makes plans for college! Caitlin also trys to talk her parents into going back to Mexico to help the kids and familys that are very less fortunate. The third novel also is very touching since Caitlin gets closer and closer to God. There is more big news in the third novel but you will have to read it in order to figure out what happens! This has to be the longest Caitlin books that takes awhile to get into but is still a good read. I just love this author and how she makes Caitlin so inspiring and real in the third book! All Caitlin book fans must read the third book!

[Al · Rating 2 out of 5]

"I started reading this book and wasn't at all impressed, but as I got further into the story, it began to grow on me. The characters, though at times a little flat, are interesting and going through all those difficult life choices that most high schoolers must deal with, especially as Christians. I am not a fan of religious fiction, but I would recommend this book to those who appreciate the genre more than I. The book is written as diary entries always ended with a prayer; this really helps you get a feel for the main character and her relationship with God. It wasn't bad; I was pleasantly surprised."

[Danae · Rating 3 out of 5]

i really like this series. this particular book covers the topics of racism, homosexuality and suicide. it's pretty deep stuff, but it's not depressing or upsetting in the way it's presented. it also deals with growing up as caitlin applies to colleges. she's getting close to being my age.

there's a character named chloe in this book and there's a series written about her too. i'm going to have to read that one after this.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It's coming from a Christian teenage perspective. I really felt like I was reading a story of another teenage girl that could relate with me or something. Totally personal. A must-have book for every teenage girl.

[Caseyy =] · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow, this book is amazing and i bet all you girls out there would deff. get hooked. It talks about everything a girl wants to hear and know about. I like it a lot because it is easy to relate your self to the characters and easy to follow along on. BUTTT first you have to read book one and two!

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again - I just love Melody Carlson. The "diary" series are so entertaining to read, and while Caitlin wasn't the best character (she was REALLY preachy) I still really liked these.

The books started to get boring around this one, though.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally liked this book: decent plot, a good mix of characters, and was "connectable". I didn't like how abruptly the book ended though. I liked the part when the dressed up retro and went to prom :)

[Shea]

This book was interesting. I liked it. And i would totaly read it again.! I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read(preferably teens). You dont even have to start on book one because it is so easy to pick up whats going on.

[Kylin Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very interesting. It went rite along with the first one. It fit perfectly with everything. Its about this girl who going threw a lot of things in her life. Her parents had split up. Now she is trying to get them back to together.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was actually a pretty good read which really surprised me because I'm not a Melody Carlson fan. This book and the next two were given to me for my birthday and I finally got around to reading them. Pretty good, defiantly wouldn't give to book to someone under the age of 16 though.