As you might recall, I started a book club earlier this year with my fellow book loving friends, Kirby and Carmel. June was our third month and it was my turn to select. I chose based mainly on what books were already available on my Kindle App on the iPad (it’s a family account and my mother in law has a vast library as she reads a ton!) and also what she told me about each book. When I approached her she had just started reading Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore and it seemed to be holding her interest. I looked it up, and it sounded like something I would love.
I’ve always been fascinated by books whose characters are currently attending college or prep school. I can’t explain why, but several favorites like Catcher in the Rye, The Bell Jar, The Perks of being a Wallflower all rank up there as some of my favorites. They all feature awkward teen characters and I think some part of me (OK, most of me) can relate to having once been being a little weird.
So when I read the synopsis of Bittersweet, naturally I was intrigued.
Mabel Dagmar is an ordinary college girl, uncomfortable in her own skin, and paired up with the rich and gorgeous Genevra Winslow as her roommate. The two form an unlikely friendship and Genevra (Ev) invites Mabel to spend the summer with her wealthy family at Bittersweet, Ev’s cottage at the remote summer estate of the Winslow family. Mabel is swept up in the magic of Bittersweet, and the glamour of the Winslow lifestyle; but as she falls deeper and starts to “become” one of the Winslows, she learns of many dark and horrible secrets she can never forget. She is forced to make decisions that will affect the rest of her life, as well as come to terms with her own hidden secrets.
I truly enjoyed this book….. I loved the variety of interesting and well developed characters, the mystery, and the relationships along the way. I also love reading books riddled with moral dilemma, and this definitely one of those. The fact that it takes place on a lake during a New England summer only makes it all the better (I’m a New Englander once and always!). This page turner will keep you guessing, and will make an excellent summer read!
For July we have moved on to The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls
Have a great Thursday- go out and embrace your awkwardness. Awkward is the new hot.
