The Potter's Wheel is one of the best books I have ever read about the trials of growing up. 16 year old Laura Blair goes to her grandmother's celebration to open many attractions to the public in a small Pennsylvania town. When she is there, she becomes attracted to her handsome cousin, but her family has suspicions that he is a thief. Something is wrong with her youngest cousin Beth, a skilled dancer, but no one knows what. Her English punk rocker cousin has serious problems that she expects Laura to solve. Her great aunt has Alzheimer's Disease. Then, her mother who is in London on business, commits a shocking betrayal that leaves Laura feeling helpess. Will she find the strength inside herself that her relatives can already see?