Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Stephanie

In her fifteenth summer, Haven is nearing six feet tall and feeling every bit as awkward as a fish out of water. That summer is particularly tumultuous for her: in addition to her embarrassingly rapid growth spurt, she also has to suffer through two marriages, her fathers remarriage and her sister Ashleys.

Its hard for Haven to see her father moving into a new life with his new bride, leaving her and her mother behind. Meanwhile, Haven thinks that Ashley is being too selfish with her impending marriage. But it is not only that. Ashley has always been pushing Haven away her whole life and acting like a pain. Wistfully Haven remembers the summer Ashley went out with Sumner Lee. He made Ashley loosen up and allowed Haven to get close to her sister.

All of a sudden, Sumners back being his usual comfortable, friendly self, taking Haven along for the ride. Hes just what she needs this summer, when she feels disconnected from everyone else. In a way, shes also secretly hoping that Sumner will help bring her and Ashley closer together, just like he did all those years ago.

But sometimes things arent always how Haven wants them to be. This summer, shell learn that people will let her down, but she can grow into her body, soul and all. It only takes one summer.

Sarah Dessen is a consistently impressive author, and her debut will not let anyone down. It has heart and realism, two things that many YA books nowadays are sorely lacking. Dont miss this rich story.