Summary: You'd think Polly Martin would have all the answers when it comes to love—after all, her grandmother is the famous syndicated advice columnist Miss Swoon. But after a junior year full of dating disasters, Polly has sworn off boys. Now she's just trying to survive her summer job at Wild Waves Western-themed water park (under the supervision of ex #3, Sawyer Holmes) and focus on herself for once. So Polly is happy when she finds out Grandma is moving in for the summer—think of all the great advice she'll get.But Miss Swoon turns out to be a man-crazy sexagenarian! How can Polly stop herself from falling for Xander Cooper, the suddenly hot skateboarder who keeps showing up at Wild Waves, when Grandma is picking up guys at the bookstore and flirting with the dishwasher repairman? And why, despite her best intentions, does Polly keep letting boys get in the way of her relationship with her best friend, Jane?
No advice column in the world can prepare Polly for what happens when Jane persuades her to go on a group camping trip with three too many ex-boyfriends and the tempting Xander. Polly is forced to face her feelings and figure out if she can be in love—and still be herself. (from goodreads.com)
Review: this was a great book that kind of sneaks up on you. On the surface it's a funny, lighthearted summer read about a girl named Polly who is dealing with her numerous ex-boyfriends and her new crush. Look a little closer though and you quickly realize that this book is about much more. Polly is also dealing with an absentee father, a mother who is trying to make it all work, and a grandmother who is seeing her livelyhood slip away. For Polly, trying to find a match in a boyfriend in a way to compensate for the craziness that exists elsewhere in her life.
Polly was a great charecter and I especially love how Salter looks at high school romance with a humurous eye, but without dismissing the real issues that lie therein. Even though Polly's escapades with her boyfriends led her to become an outdoor enthusiast, a car buff and a student council member- she also realizes that she can't just keep becoming whatever it is the boy wants, if she does she will lose herself. Which is where Xander comes in. A former outcast himself, he sees Polly for who she is, and likes her. He sticks by her as she tries to work it all out for herself and I love that.
This is a great summer read, it's not too heavy, but it isn't fluff either (it's just right...). I'm looking forward to reading more of Salter's books!
About Sydney Salter:
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