The Things I Did Last Summer

At the beginning of his summer on Long Island, the dreams of Greenwich Villager Andy Szabo (introduced in It Happened at Cecilia's ) seem to be coming true. Not only does the 17-year-old aspiring journalist land his first job with a ``real'' newspaper, he also embarks on a sizzling affair with a gorgeous au pair employed by one of New York City's richest families. Readers will suspect, early on, that Andy's good fortune is too swift and too sweet; as fate has it, his ecstasy soon changes to frustration, if not despair. At work, Andy does more filing than writing, and his few attempts to report the news turn into fiascos. Meanwhile, he is worried about his new girlfriend, Susan, who has been acting nervous, frightened and secretive. Those who have shed tears over Summer of '42 and The Great Gatsby will not be disappointed by this book's dramatic conclusion, which is set during a hurricane. While tragic heroine Susan is not as unique as Andy's previous flame, Kim (seen in The Truth About Kim O'Hara ), this romantic novel makes up for what it lacks in character development with extra doses of suspense and passion. Ages 12-up. (May)