This One Summer
Summary:
Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It's their getaway, their refuge. Rosie's friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose's mom and dad won't stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. It's a summer of secrets and sorrow and growing up, and it's a good thing Rose and Windy have each other.
In “This One Summer” two stellar creators redefine the teen graphic novel. Cousins Mariko and Jillian Tamaki, the team behind Skim, have collaborated on this gorgeous, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful story about a girl on the cusp of her teen age — a story of renewal and revelation. (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)
Review:
This was a really good read. As Rose and Windy observe the older kids at the beach, they each react a little differently and try to understand the situation. Windy is particularly struggling to want to be both older and younger than she is at the same time. Rose in the meantime, is pulled along with Windy’s fight wanting to stay close to her friend even as she wants to be true to herself.
The secondary story of Windy’s parents was interesting and is intriguing to observe from Windy’s point of view. You can really relate to the horror and dawning realization even as your heart goes out to Windy’s struggle to balance independence with her need for attention.
Warning: Has some sexual references
Rating: 4 stars!
Who should read it? Anyone interested in re-visiting a touch summer in a coming of age.