You've probably heard about the upcoming movie, "The Kids are All Right." This book has absolutely NOTHING to do with that movie. I'm still trying to figure out how they came out in the same year without someone suing someone else over the title. With that in mind, there will probably be some disappointed readers and viewers who either go tothe movie or read the book expecting the same plotline. I had no such expectations, and therefore, was free to enjoy this memoir as it was. Amanda, Liz, Dan, and Diana Welch each tell, from their own perspectives (through alternating the author each chapter), the story of their family's experiences from the late '70s til present-day, with the emphasis on the early '80s.
The three eldest Welch children grew up living a privileged life, complete with ponies and country clubs. Their mother was a soap star, their father an "entrepreneur." However, when their father suddenly dies, he leaves behind a pile of debt that forces their mother to reassess the family lifestyle and the children to abandon their carefree existences. It only gets tougher when their mom is diagnosed with cancer. Amanda gets bossier and angrier; Dan turns to drugs; Liz tries to keep everyone together and maintain a "normal" high school experience; and baby Diana is lost in the shuffle. While the story is depressing and full of difficulties (definitely NOT a fun summer read!), I enjoyed learning about the kids as they persevered and learned to value one another above all else.
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