Chronically Dolores

Chronically Dolores by Maya Van Wagenen, published by Penguin on March 26, 2024, is a young adult fiction novel that explores the complexities of friendship and the challenges of living with a chronic illness. The story follows Dolores Mendoza, who is grappling with a recent diagnosis of interstitial cystitis, a condition that disrupts her life. As she navigates her struggles, Dolores encounters Terpsichore Berkenbosch-Jones, a glamorous and autistic girl, leading to an unexpected partnership that aims to help both girls confront their personal challenges.
Readers will find a narrative infused with humor and heartache as Dolores and Terpsichore work together to reclaim their social lives. The book delves into themes of diversity, neurodiversity, and the intricacies of adolescent relationships. Through their journey, the characters face the realities of their situations, revealing the nuances of their experiences. With 320 pages, this edition presents a thoughtful exploration of social themes and the bonds that can form in the face of adversity.
Official synopsis Publisher
Winner of The Schneider Family Book Award, for excellence in portraying the disability experience!
Maya Van Wagenen, bestselling author of Popular, tells Dolores’s story with humor, heartache, and an occasional bit of telenovela flair.
“A striking fiction debut.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“An insightful, funny, and realistic coming-of-age story.” —Kirkus
Dolores Mendoza is not thriving. She was recently diagnosed with a chronic bladder condition called interstitial cystitis. The painful disease isn’t life-threatening, but it is threatening to ruin her life.
Just when things seem hopeless, Dolores meets someone poised to change her fate. Terpsichore Berkenbosch-Jones is glamorous, autistic, and homeschooled against her will by her overprotective mother. After a rocky start, the girls form a tentative partnership. Beautiful, talented Terpsichore will help Dolores win back her ex–best friend, Shae. And Dolores will convince Terpsichore’s mom that her daughter has the social skills to survive public school. It seems like a foolproof plan, but Dolores isn’t always a reliable narrator, and her choices may put her in danger of committing an unforgivable betrayal.
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