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Set in the 1960s, this novel features high school students Brian Wheeler and Deanie Cummings who are madly in love with each other. But recently, Deanie has been quite distant towards Brian after their first time having sex. To make matters worse, Deanie’s ex-boyfriend, Bill Slater, is back in town. The last time they saw each other, things did not go so well. Since his return, he has been pursuing Deanie, even though he knows she has moved on with someone else. One day, Bill forces her to have sex with him. Deanie is in shock and doesn’t tell anybody about it. Brian senses that something must have happened between Deanie and Bill, so he breaks up with her. This break-up affects her deeply, and she spirals out of control with consequences that will affect her future.
Nardella dives into the characters’ emotions and psychological state. For instance, she shows how Deanie is conflicted by her sexual activities. She feels guilty and remorseful, which leads to tears after she has sex with Brian. From there, she wants to take things slowly. She had planned to remain a virgin until marriage. However, as a result of her actions with Brian, she feels like she has broken a promise to herself. Nardella uses a confessional technique popular in narratives by having her protagonist reveal these thoughts to her friend, Karen. Deanie then establishes a sharp contrast between Karen and herself. Karen was able to stand firm and refuse to sleep with her boyfriend, while Deanie feels that she gave up too easily. Deanie’s intense struggle with her thoughts and emotions helps make her relatable to the reader. Many will likely appreciate this book because the characters express their emotions with honesty.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review