Mothers Laurel and Sussanah have been best friends since they were young. So, it became a tradition for them to bring their families together every summer to the summer house at Cousins. Laurel’s kids Belly and Steven come together with Sussanah’s kids, Conrad and Jeremiah. As the kids settle into the home, it becomes apparent that something has changed this summer. Belly has grown up into a young woman. Not only are there physical differences but Conrad is acting differently. The book goes through the summer as the kids change, and romantic feelings develop. I loved this book so much.
Summary: In the gripping novel, The Catcher in the Rye, we meet Holden Caulfield, a rebellious teenager expelled from his boarding school. Holden wants to find realness and authenticity in a phony world, but his own self-destructive tendencies and inability to connect with others hinder his progress. Throughout the book, Holden embarks on a journey through New York City, encountering various people and situations that further challenge his beliefs and push him to confront his own demons.
Taking place in the 1930s, protagonist Janie Crawford’s upbringing, adolescence, and adulthood is narrated from a third person perspective. The story touches on especially sensitive topics at the time of its publication: sexism, racism, socioeconomic inequality. A beautifully flawed story, Jaine struggles to find true love - filing 3 marriages throughout the process. As Janie moves from town to town, her psyche and mentality develops, embracing her environments. This book was a great read and thoroughly highlighted many disparities that still exist today.
Summary: The Catcher in the Rye is a coming-of-age novel that centers around Holden Caulfield, a young protagonist who seeks to protect innocence. Holden's desire to shield children from the hypocrisy and artificiality of the adult world drives him on a journey of self-discovery. However, he faces numerous obstacles, both external and internal, as he grapples with isolation, disillusionment, and encounters with insincerity.
Summary: The Last Summer of the Garrett Girls by Jessica Spotswood is a heartfelt contemporary young adult novel that follows the lives of the four Garrett sisters: Des, Bea, Kat, and Vi. Each sister yearns for something different. Des dreams of a career in fashion, but finances and societal expectations stand in her way. Bea seeks love, yet she fears rejection. Kat craves independence but is weighed down by responsibilities. Vi, the youngest, yearns for adventure but feels held back by her age.
Hatchet is a book about Brian who starts out flying to visit his dad. After an unexpected accident, the plane is thrown off course leaving Brian stranded in the middle of the Canadian forest. Brian has to learn to survive with only a hatchet and the resources around him until he’s rescued. This book has a lot of suspense and cliffhangers. The writing in this book is really great because the author uses a lot of figurative language and descriptive words.
Spy School by Stuart Gibbs is a book about a boy named Ben Ripley who has wanted to be a spy his whole life. He has the best math skills anyone has ever encountered and can recite any sequence of numbers by heart. One day his dreams become a reality. He is sent to the mysterious Spy School of espionage. Once there he understands that spying is not like the movies, there is pain, destruction, and betrayal. Along with that, there are also friends, family, trust, and bonds.
Summary: Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan is a heartwarming novel that follows the story of Willow Chance, a 12-year-old genius with an unconventional worldview. After the sudden death of her adoptive parents, Willow finds herself navigating a world that seems chaotic and unfamiliar. The narrative combines together themes of grief, resilience, and the power of unexpected connections as Willow forms a unique and diverse makeshift family.
Summary: Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil is a young adult novel that revolves around the life of Sam Kinnison, a high school student with a passion for filmmaking and a love for science fiction. Set in a typical Australian high school, the story explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery. Sam and his group of friends navigate the challenges of adolescence, dealing with the complexities of relationships and the pursuit of personal goals.
