The View from the Top

Echoing the premise of Lynne Rae Perkins's Criss Cross, this wistful novel shows how the lives of smalltown teens, all at crossroads, intersect one summer. The central focus is on recent high school graduate Anabelle, a talented musician who plans to attend Oberlin. Anabelle breaks up with her boyfriend, Matt, but after doing so, decides against pursuing her crush, Jonah, Matt's best friend. Readers are given an inside view of how Anabelle's actions and inactions affect those in her life: Jonah, who goes on to have an affair with Matt's mother; Matt's sister, Lexi, who has secretly been attracted to Anabelle for some time; and fellow musician Tobin, who would like his friendship with Anabelle to take a romantic turn. Delving into the psyches of each of her characters, Frank (I Can't Tell You) relates a slew of missed opportunities ("Should he just grab her and kiss her?" wonders Tobin. "No. He would not be a typical guy"). Those nearing the end of high school will best be able to relate to her intimate exploration of postgraduate ennui, regret, and angst. Ages 14–up. (May)