Six years ago, Bliss Walker’s mother left for Japan to pursue a modeling career, leaving her to live with her Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin Patsy in a rural, dusty town in Illinois. Now 17, Bliss is spending her summer before senior year trying to sort out her future. Not strong academically and feeling trapped by her attitudinally challenged boyfriend, River, Bliss becomes even more confused about life when her mother waltzes back into town promising to bring Bliss along to model with her in Europe. Add in Blake, the new guy in town whose very presence poses a threat to River, and Bliss is even more unsure of what she wants and who she is. 

Teens who are contemplating life post-high school and who may be grappling with who they are outside of the life they’ve been living, the expectations of others, and the future they always imagined will relate to Bliss and the tug-of-war she is having within herself. Wilson’s ability to capture small-town rural life will undoubtedly connect to readers who have grown up in such places. Predictable but enjoyable. 

Grades 9-12

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York