The Season of You & Me by Robin Constantine - Reshelved Books

Hey Dewey Readers!

Growing up and living in New Jersey, we love books that are based in our home state,  but do you know what we love even more than books that take place in Jersey!?  Books that take place down the shore.  Robin Constantine's novel The Season of You & Me is just that.  It's a young adult Jersey Shore romance that I have now read twice!  

So a bit about the novel.  This novel is told in the alternating perspectives of two main characters, Cassidy and Bryan.  Cassidy has decided to spend her summer down the shore at her father and step-mother's bed and breakfast.  She needs an escape from her home life, especially because she's struggling with and trying to come to terms with her first real heartbreak.   Is she running away from her problems?  Maybe one can say so, but she IS spending time with family in the form of her father, step-mother, and little brother she doesn't get to see that often.  So, I think it's safe to say the change of scenery is welcomed for many reasons.  Plus, I'm a firm believer that the ocean can heal just about anything.

Bryan lives down the shore.  He's recently paralyzed from the waist down after a skateboarding accident, which could have been prevented.  Rather than be bitter about his injuries, he shows acceptance and has a great sense of humor.  That's not to say that he isn't upset that he can't walk.  He is, he's just doing an excellent job of trying to be okay.  Bryan has had some romantic interests with girls that live in his hometown, but nothing has panned out.  Is it because of his injures? Is it because there was just no chemistry?  Maybe it's a mixture of both.  So when Cassidy begins to work at the same summer camp as Bryan during the day, they begin to develop....a friendship.  

More than just a summery young adult beach read that happens to take place down the shore, this novel tackles issues such as heartbreak, disabilities, divorce, family dynamics, friendship, acceptance, and so much more.  I adore this novel to the point where I am going to give it 55 out of 5 Coffee Beans, because I can.  Even my Grandma loved this novel, which just goes to prove how ANYONE of ANY AGE can read and enjoy y.a. fiction.    

I am also super excited, because Robin has agreed to come up to my library for an author visit!  You can check out all of her upcoming events, on her website.   

Now I am craving a trip down the shore.  

Jillian, can we take a day trip to Point Pleasant!? 

Until the next read!

~Jessica