It starts off with Jena, not happy to be going on vacation in Paradise (that's the name of the resort). She'll have to wear a bathing suit, and her face just got a new crop of zits. Of course, it doesn't help that Skye, the perfect daughter of her mom's best friend will be there too. Leaving her real friends behind, Jena hopes for a good vacation. At least there is one cute boy there for her to look at, right?
Then there's Dakota, he didn't mean to hook up with Jena and then ditch her for her friend. He's been messed up since the whole Natalie thing. He didn't mean to be a jerk, but that's who he is right? That Jena girl was cute, but way too into him. He just needs everyone to get off his case and let him be. He doesn't need to spend a week at his grandparents house, even if he just got expelled.
Next there's Skye. Everyone thinks things are perfect when you look perfect, but she can't hide her dark feelings. She's dropped out of school to pursue her acting career, even if that move had more to do with her break up with her boyfriend, and his new girlfriend. She's starting to wonder what was wrong with her, and why can't she be happy? Of course, always changing for the next audition isn't helping her figure out who she is.
Finally there is Owen. This weekend he is supposed to be at an anti-technology conference, but there's no conference in the world that will teach him how not to be nervous around cute girls or talk to people he doesn't know. There is a girl, one who knows him from his blog, wants to meet him. This is something very real and very scary.
Four teens share one story, as each one weaves in and out of the lives of the others. Each teen is real, complex and still learning what it means to be an individual. Even when the point of view shifts, you hear about the others. Some of the interactions are funny, some romantic and sweet, and some heartbreaking and all of the events are real. Each teen is trying to figure out their own life and how to interact with others and the world around them.
Readers who enjoy stories with multiple narrators, such as Jumping off Swings or Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist , will enjoy this tightly written story. All four characters could be friends you have, or people you know from school. Each one has their own issues and insecurities, even if they seem perfect to others.
I'll see you @ the library!
Katie (Still reading Pastworld, I left it @ the library this weekend!)