The Casting Dilemma

The Casting Dilemma by Lynne Stringer (Rhiza Press) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN: 9781761113246

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Insecurity at any age is hard to grapple with, but for teens who are often pulled between independent adulthood and the need to fit in, it can be debilitating.

For Year 10 student, Kate, it’s her appearance that causes her self-doubt – particularly her nose. Even with encouragement from her parents and best friends, Tash and Michael, she must force herself not to let it stop her from auditioning for the lead role in the school musical.

Kate knows she performed so much better than the others on the day – even top contender, Ashleigh – but then she overhears her teachers’ conversation and her initial hopefulness is once again muddied with doubt. Will she get the role? If she doesn’t, will she really want to settle for another role?

The weeks leading up to the performance are full of highs and lows as Kate continues to struggle with self-confidence and pride.

The Casting Dilemma homes in on the internal struggles that all readers, irrespective of age, will face at least once in their lives – the fear of failure, the feeling of never being enough, and the overwhelming desire to succeed.

A school musical is the perfect backdrop to explore these emotions, which could equally apply to other settings such as sport tryouts, job interviews and writing or art competitions – anywhere you must put yourself out there to be measured up against others.

Lynne Stringer has managed to capture this internal emotional hotpot, making Kate a relatable character we instantly connect with and want to cheer on as we ride the roller coaster of self-doubt, excitement and disappointment with her.

The Casting Dilemma is another addition to the Rhiza Press ‘Rhiza Shorts’ series of bite-sized but complete narratives with strong storylines for teens who may either be reluctant readers or time-poor booklovers.

In a world where our attention spans are in rapid decline at the hands of a technology obsession, the Rhiza Shorts series – with its Minimal Words Maximum Impact promise – aims to bring reading back on the agenda.