Title: Summer in the City
Author: Elizabeth Chandler
First published June 27, 2006
358 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780060847340 (ISBN10: 0060847344)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
City girl Jamie is not thrilled about spending her summer with her mother, a writer of romance novels. However, her perspective changes when she meets the charming Josh.
Suddenly, Jamie realizes that she could use some love advice from her mother’s books after all. Between attending lacrosse and basketball camps, shopping with her best friend Mona, and going on a date with the seemingly perfect Andrew, Jamie learns that love can be found in unexpected places.
But will she be able to navigate the ups and downs of romance without losing herself in the process?
About the Author
Mary-Claire Helldorfer goes by the name Elizabeth Chandler as a pen name. Her current residence is in the city of Baltimore, located in the state of Maryland.
Editoral Review
Summer in the City by Elizabeth Chandler is a heartwarming and relatable young adult novel that captures the essence of growing up and navigating the complexities of teenage relationships. Chandler is a prolific author of young adult novels, and Summer in the City is one of her most popular works.
The book is set in the bustling city of New York during the summer of 2006. The story follows the lives of three teenage friends: Sadie, Darcy, and Rosanna, who are all trying to find their way in the world.
Sadie is the protagonist of the story, and she is dealing with a recent breakup from her long-term boyfriend. Darcy is Sadie’s best friend, who is a fashion-conscious and outgoing girl.
Rosanna is the new girl in town, who is struggling to fit in and make friends. The three girls come from different backgrounds, but they are united by their shared experiences and aspirations.
The book explores the themes of friendship, love, family, and self-discovery. The story is told in a first-person narrative, which allows the reader to experience the emotions and thoughts of the characters in a more intimate way.
Chandler’s writing style is engaging and easy to read, making the book accessible to a wide range of readers.
Chandler’s characters are well-developed and relatable. Each character has their own unique personality and backstory, which adds depth and complexity to the story.
The setting of New York City is also well-described, providing a vivid and realistic backdrop for the story.
One of the strengths of the book is its pacing. The story moves at a steady pace, keeping the reader engaged and interested throughout.
The plot structure is also well-crafted, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
However, one of the weaknesses of the book is that some of the conflicts and resolutions feel a bit contrived and unrealistic. Additionally, some of the dialogue feels forced and unnatural.
Overall, Summer in the City is a well-written and enjoyable coming-of-age novel that will resonate with teenage readers. The book provides a relatable and realistic portrayal of teenage life in the city, and it explores important themes that are relevant to young adults.
While the book has some flaws, it is still a worthwhile read for anyone looking for an engaging and heartfelt story.
I would recommend this book to teenage readers who are looking for a relatable and engaging coming-of-age story. The book provides valuable lessons about friendship, love, and self-discovery, and it is sure to resonate with young readers.
I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
