Looking for Alibrandi, by Melina Marchetta

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For as long as Josephine Alibrandi can remember, it’s just been her, her mom, and her grandmother. Now it’s her final year at a wealthy Catholic high school. The nuns couldn't be any stricter—but that doesn't seem to stop all kinds of men from coming into her life.

Caught between the old-world values of her Italian grandmother, the no-nonsense wisdom of her mom, and the boys who continue to mystify her, Josephine is on the ride of her life. This will be the year she falls in love, the year she discovers the secrets of her family’s past—and the year she sets herself free.

Told with unmatched depth and humor, this novel—which swept the pool of Australian literary awards and became a major motion picture—is one to laugh through and cry with, to cherish and remember.

Things that I love:

1. Realistic YA fiction.  It's true and honest.  Even better are coming-of-age novels where you see how the characters grow and evolve into the adults they're going to be.  
2. Australian accents.  Marcella Russo did a fantastic job with the narration.  I especially love how Nonna said Josie's name: "Jotzie."  Totally endearing.
3. How books written in the early 1990s don't have to feel dated.  This may have been written 20 years ago, but it's still perfect for today's teens.
4. Melina Marchetta.  Seriously.  She is so talented and I've loved every single one of her books.  As I neared the end of this audiobook, I kept thinking don't let it be over yet, don't let it be over yet.

If you love any of the four items above, you will love this book, too.