
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the messy aftermath of a friendship breakup or the heavy weight of a first major loss. It is an ideal choice for a child who feels socially displaced or is struggling to maintain their identity when a peer group shifts suddenly. The story follows Cricket, whose summer plans are upended by a family tragedy involving her best friend, Jules. Instead of being the pampered guest, Cricket finds herself working a service job on Nantucket, dealing with grief, class dynamics, and a complicated new romance. It explores the painful reality that people we love can become strangers overnight. The book is most appropriate for ages 13 and up due to mature themes of grief and romantic tension, offering a realistic look at finding independence and grace under pressure.
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Sign in to write a reviewIncludes kissing and significant romantic tension.
Deals with the sudden death of a parent and intense mourning.
Brief mentions of underage drinking at parties.
The book deals directly with the death of a parent and the resulting grief. The approach is secular and highly realistic, focusing on the ugly parts of mourning: anger, isolation, and lashing out. The resolution is hopeful but grounded, acknowledging that some relationships cannot be fully mended.
A 14-year-old girl who feels like she is living in the shadow of a 'cooler' best friend and needs to see a protagonist find her own voice and value outside of that social circle.
Parents should be aware of a few scenes involving underage drinking and mild sexual tension. The book is best read by teens who can handle the nuances of social betrayal. A parent might see their child being suddenly excluded from a long-time friend group or witnessing their child's first experience with the death of a peer's parent.
Younger teens will focus on the 'forbidden' romance and the beach setting. Older teens will resonate more with the class distinctions and the difficulty of maintaining childhood friendships during major life transitions.
Unlike many summer romances, this book highlights the reality of working-class life in a luxury destination, contrasting the 'haves' and 'have-nots' while dealing with profound grief.
Cricket Thompson expected a golden summer on Nantucket with her best friend Jules and her crush, Jay. Instead, a sudden death in Jules's family causes a rift, leaving Cricket to navigate the island alone. To stay on the island, she takes a job as a chambermaid. Along the way, she falls for Zack, Jules's brother, leading to a complicated web of loyalty and desire as she tries to rebuild her own sense of self.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.