Leaving Major Tela by J.E. O'Rourke is a story that is a journey towards independence. It is never an easy thing for a teenager to achieve their own path, but it can become even more difficult when their parents get divorced and they are thrust into that journey all too soon. Caitlin and her siblings must go and live with their father when their mother is shipped overseas. Caitlin is allowed to explore life more and make her own choices; she even meets a friend named Luka who is a free spirit. Life is never as easy as it seems, however, as Caitlin navigates through being the school paper editor, dating, and the kids around her using drugs. Can Caitlin move through life and find her own path without alienating her parents?

This story has a lot of drama, but you expect to find that within the pages of a YA novel. I can remember being a teenager when every little thing around me seemed to be life or death. That seems to be how things are for Caitlin as she navigates all of it. This is a good story and well fleshed out. J.E. O'Rourke put a lot into the workings of the characters and everything going on around the characters fits. I could certainly feel for Caitlin. I am from a divorced home myself and it was interesting to go through life being shuttled back and forth. If you are someone who enjoys YA drama, this is going to be a good book for you.

Leaving Major Tela by J.E. O’Rourke is the story of Major Tela and her daughters, which begins with Tela's visit to her motherland, as a member of a foreign army. At that time, schooling, games and other activities of growing up, like training in martial arts, are progressing at a good pace. Events related to these, like classes and out of class activities, happen in quick succession for her son and daughters, true to the spirit of adolescence. Intra School and other competitions take place, where all of them take part, and the involvement of parents and other elders reach its crescendo. Events of acute emotional strain continue taking place in their lives, with Major Tela being an active participant in her children’s activities till her return to army duties.

Leaving Major Tela by J.E. O’Rourke is a story full of action, a gripping account of juvenile and teen contests liberally interposed with the narration. Instances of nervous exhaustion, which is a staple part of any description involving adolescence, also do find a place in this. Competitions, both in academic topics and that of the sports field, are given large coverage. One nonconformity, I couldn’t but notice though, is that words of oriental origin, - karma, tabla drums, Nehru jacket or yoga - are lavishly dispersed in this story without introducing a logical connection with the Indian sub-continent or thereabouts. On the whole, a good book for the intended audience, where the content and the presentation are well expressed.

My cousin wrote this book and as with all his creativity Leaving Major Tela is just another example of J E O'Rourke's many talents. He gets 5 stars on the book and on living life to the fullest!
I'm certainly no teenager and I enjoyed the book that tells of growing up the with a strict military mother that is all about her children being in control but in the end getting a good taste of independence because of Major Tela.
Well worth reading and enjoying the action packed drama and adventures of the family.