For Love of Billie by Patricia Vido is about Finn, an eleven-year-old, whose family life changes in dramatic ways as he forms a crush on his father’s young co-worker, Billie, at the same time his father falls for her. Finn lives in Danton, a small town in Western Pennsylvania. We see him navigate the changing relationship between his parents, form a new friendship with a troubled, daredevil sort of boy, and initiate romantic relationships with girls his age. As he grows older and starts college, he figures out who is important to him and how to face challenges in life. Through these challenges and the support of friends and family, Finn’s character and identity mature and solidify. He discovers, like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, that there is no place like home.
Opinion:
In my opinion, Vido’s characters are engaging and relatable and the pace and plot, page-turning. Finn, the main character and narrator, is an intelligent and insightful boy who cares deeply for those he loves despite his competitive streak and anger, at times, at his parents. Vido shows us how Finn is caught between his parents as they argue and sides with his father but also competes with him for Billie’s attention. Aidan, Finn’s father, is an outgoing, lovable, and talkative guy whose personality is key to his being the best ad salesperson at the Monitor, the local newspaper. Vido deepens the father’s character as she reveals his conflicts and his deep love for Finn. She does the same in creating Monica, Finn’s mom; she is a respected elementary school teacher whose wisdom helps others and ultimately, she is able to overcome her anger and hurt and help Finn with his feelings.
The plot takes place mostly in Danton which Vido describes for us throughout the novel. We go on a tour with Aidan, Finn, and Billie in the beginning of the novel, meet the important people there and find out about the rich and poor parts of town. The reader becomes a townsperson and feels the comfort and beauty of growing up in a small place where you know everyone. We understand why there is no place like home.
I recommend this book to high schoolers and adults who are curious about how teenagers master the more difficult moments in their lives and benefit from love, friendship, and family support.