My review:

I will admit, at first I was put off by the disagreeable main character of Ms. Lederman’s story, Edna. I wasn’t sure how this book and I would get along. Would I arrive at a sour teenager who redeems herself or not allow myself to get there; frustrated and closing the book, unable to take her unpleasantries, along with her grouchy grandparents for another page?

Edna made me roll my eyes and for a brief moment I wanted her to die out there in that desert. Ms. Lederman writes her so well. Edna was me as a teenager, the girl I want to go back and smack from here to next Sunday. Then, with the introduction of a gentle local boy, I became lost in the story. A little romance will do that to me, you know. Finally I wanted to see the change in Edna, I wanted to hear grandpa speak, and most of all, I wanted to keep my book open.

Ms. Lederman’s characters are deep and set among the beautiful backdrop of a simple desert life. Her writing is solid, with admirable character and plot growth. This is truly a wonderful coming-of-age tale that all teenagers should sink their teeth into. By the end of the book I was moved and satisfied with how Edna’s summer wrapped up.

Rating: * * * * *

Cool (Little to no naughties)

This book was given to me by the author in exchange for honest review.

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