LOLA AT LAST

A modern-day Lydia Bennet learns to love the outdoors and her own company.

Lola Barnes comes alive when she’s the center of attention, even though the attention isn’t entirely positive. Which is how she ends up accidentally setting off a flare gun on a boat at a party where her former best friends have snubbed her. The boat, which belongs to her sister and brother-in-law, is seriously damaged, and Lola is presented with a choice: participate in Hike Like a Girl, the summer wilderness program her brother-in-law sits on the board of, or face criminal charges. Meanwhile, Kat, Lola’s twin sister, is distant, and Ezra Reuben, Lola’s old lab partner, seems to pull back every time Lola tries to get close. Over the course of the summer, Lola must deal with blisters, a poop shovel, and her own culpability in her damaged relationships, but she also finds new friends, new love, spectacular vistas, and the peace that comes with being comfortable in her own skin. Austen fans will appreciate the parallels with Pride and Prejudice, but familiarity with the novel is not required to enjoy this tale of a selfish party girl growing into someone who is still exuberant but more generous and responsible. Central characters are White.

An engaging read for anyone who’s used to being underestimated—by others as well as themselves.