ANYONE BUT YOU

Pitch-perfect narration and a meandering plot give this story real life appeal, but readers may be frustrated with the equally realistic lack of resolution that will leave them wondering what happens next—and why they should care. Critter, 17, and Seattle, 15, alternate telling the story of the first few weeks of summer. Raised as siblings after Seattle’s father Frank walked out on his girlfriend Layla (Critter’s mom), the two have been best friends. Now, however, things are changing. Critter finds himself getting turned on by Seattle’s suddenly lush body. Seattle, meanwhile, is attracted to a visiting skateboarder but finds her feelings running hot and cold. Sexual situations, including a scene in which Critter masturbates while thinking of his sister and another in which he receives a blow job, are handled matter of factly, adding to the edgy, contemporary tone. Other complications include Critter’s crush on an upper class lifeguard, Frank’s unexpected (and temporary) reappearance and Critter and Seattle’s dread of their upcoming stint at summer school. Engaging but ultimately unsatisfying. (Fiction. YA)