The Summer of Us

Vinesse (Seven Days of You) takes readers on a tour of Europe in this novel about five friends who travel from London to Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, and Barcelona. In alternating points of view, best friends Aubrey, an American expat, and Rae describe their excitement as they embark on what seems the ideal summer trip before college, when they and their friends Jonah, Gabe, and Clara will go their separate ways. Soon, though, the trip turns rocky. Aubrey and Rae are both harboring secret crushes; Aubrey likes Gabe, even though she is already dating Jonah, and Rae likes Clara, though she doesn’t know if Clara is straight or bi. Vinesse never lets her story fall into melodrama, relying on solid character development and conflict rather than unlikely plot twists to heighten tension. Crisp prose, quick dialogue, and vivid descriptions of the friends’ travels add to the novel’s appeal. YA readers who fantasize about a summer of train-riding through Europe will enjoy the vicarious view through Aubrey and Rae’s eyes in this engaging romantic novel about the ups and downs of changing relationships. Ages 14–up. Agent: Molly Ker Hawn, the Bent Agency. [em](June) [/em]