Recent Read: The Disenchantments

Colby has big plans. Now that he's graduated, he's going to go explore Europe with his best friend (and true love), Bev, in lieu of going to college. But before Europe, Colby's going on tour with his closest friends, a girl band called The Disenchantments. They'll play in nondescript basements and clubs in the Pacific Northwest before beginning their next big adventure. Only Bev drops a bombshell: she's abandoning Colby and their plans to go to Europe. She promises to tell him why, if he sees the tour through to the end. What does the future hold for both of them? How could she do this? And will their relationship survive?

Nina LaCour's The Disenchantments is a perfect summer read--it just has that summery feel to it. I was hooked once Bev drops her bomb. LaCour really drew me in with Colby's emotions--the pain and confusion and betrayal and his desire for answers. Each of the quirky main characters has his or her own story, and LaCour developed these characters and their relationships with one another well. She also did a good job at depicting this transitory time of life--wanting to grow up and move on, but not wanting to say goodbye, trying to figure out the future, making decisions alone, etc. It was thoughtful and reflective, with a distinct road trip feel. It's definitely a book with hipster, artsy appeal (in fact, I don't think there's a single "mainstream" character in the whole book). Some things about the book were a little too convenient, and I had some doubts/questions about the ending resolution (specifically with how Bev and Colby's conflict plays out) which I won't get into b/c of spoilers. If you're a John Green fan, there's a good chance you'll enjoy this, too.