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Culbertson, Kim
3 Reviews
(3)
YA
Alternating accounts convey odd-couple best friends Abby's and Riya's contrasting perspectives on an epic European trip, planned as a way to reconnect after Riya moved to Berlin and Abby remained in California. The breezy travel narratives slowly reveal a layered, complex relationship struggling to survive secrets and individual change; nuanced characterizations make the evolving friendship feel both relatable and believable.
Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum
(4)
YA
When high-achieving Mara's breakdown during a calculus test is posted to YouTube, she escapes humiliation by fleeing to Tahoe to spend time with her heretofore minimally involved biological father. Amid the ski slopes, she reevaluates her priorities and has a brush with romance. Mara's privileged background will distance her from most readers, but themes such as excessive testing and college-prep pressures will resonate with many.
Reviewer: Norah Piehl
(3)
YA
When small-town girl Carter is hired to pose as a movie star's girlfriend for the summer, she finds it more and more difficult to determine where the false relationship ends and real emotion begins. A predictable plot is kept fresh by tight writing, an evocative setting, and warm, relatable characters. Carter's relationship with her compulsive-gambler brother is especially well rendered.
Reviewer: Siena Leslie
3 reviews
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