I met Sarah Ockler at Denver's Teenage Literature Convention last year. Previously, this book hadn't interested me because it seemed a little shallow. After hearing her talk about it, I realized that I had just read a bad description. I bought the book, and Ms. Ockler was nice enough to sign it for me.
Things I liked:
The narration is in the present tense, with all memories and flashbacks in the past tense. I've read books before that were narrated in past tense, and this caused memories and flashbacks to be more confusing. But in Twenty Boy Summer, Anna relates her story to you as it happens.
Things I didn't like:
A few parts of the book feel a little faked. The way that Frankie always messes up SAT words even after just hearing them is a little off, but believable for her character. There are a few coincidences that are a little hard to swallow, but they're woven into the plot well enough that they aren't too noticeable.
Things I liked:
Both main girls, Frankie and Anna, have changed after Matt's death. I liked that the novel depicts sadness realistically, showing that it's different for everyone. Anna and Frankie are struggling to move on, despite being constantly assaulted with memories of who they've lost. I think the book does a beautiful job of explaining this.
Other Things:
Despite universal themes of grief and recovery, Twenty Boy Summer is very much a girl book. I have doubts that it would be as enjoyable for boys, but if you want to try it, by all means do so. Also, I'd recommend it for slightly more mature readers. Someone who has lower maturity than a fifteen-year-old may want to look elsewhere.
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