Athena's Summer Picks
This book is full of people with super powers, but no heroes. I love how the supernatural was so seamlessly interwoven with science and framed around an academic setting. The writing jumps back and forth between present day and the characters college days in the beginning which makes it nearly impossible to put the book down. I have been recommending this book left and right since I have read it!
Emily has always been the quiet one but with her extroverted friend, Sloane, around it didn’t matter. That is until Sloane disappears, leaving behind a bucket list for Emily to complete, full of things she would never normally do. Now Emily is spending her summer far outside her comfort zone, trying to complete these tasks and hoping they’ll lead her to Sloane. A perfect YA summer contemporary full of adventure and finding oneself!
Set during the Great Depression in the Florida Keys as a major hurricane is swiftly approaching, THE LAST TRAIN TO KEY WEST does a fantastic job at blending both history and fiction. Since this story follows three women we get to see this era from many different perspectives. Having lived in Florida for a while, it was super interesting to learn about this hurricane and the damages it inflicted on the Keys.
I can’t help myself when it comes to Emily Henry’s books. PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACTION follows best friends Poppy and Alex who used to take yearly trips together but now haven’t spoken for a while. In an attempt to recreate what they once had, Poppy plans another trip. This story goes back and forth between their current vacation in Palm Springs and all their previous trips.
Out of all the Sarah Dessen I’ve read over the years, ALONG FOR THE RIDE has remained my favorite. In a small seaside town over summer Auden learns what it means to relax and act her age. While suffering from insomnia Auden makes friends with Eli, who also spends his sleepless nights on the boardwalk. Their friendship helps both Eli and Auden grow into the best versions of themselves. This is an amazing YA contemporary!
Get pulled into the Rock and Roll scene as Reid takes us to 1970’s Hollywood following the rise and fall of an iconic band. This post break up interview shows the band reflecting on the decisions they made and shows how different members interpreted the same events. This story is so realistic you’ll find yourself checking to see if the band really existed (spoiler: they didn’t). Perfect for anyone who loves music and historical fiction!
Q has been interested in Margo since they were kids. After she takes him on a midnight adventure and then disappears, Q is convinced he is the one meant to find her. Green does a great job and creating a cast of enjoyable characters and then utilizing them to analyze topics that transcend age. PAPER TOWNS looks at what it means to view your peers complexly and how a people project their ideas onto others.
Many people know of F. Scott Fitzgerald, but not many people pay attention to his wife, Zelda. Deemed the first flapper, Zelda lived a fast paced and exciting life. This book covers a fictionalized version of Zelda's life, beginning with her meeting of F. Scott. Zelda will take you from 1920s NYC to Paris, from parties to cafes, and readers will get a better understanding of how close relality was mirrored in F. Scott's stories.