A nostalgic coming of age story with a hard lesson to be learned
Drew is thirteen; a student, aspiring writer, and hard worker who mows his neighbors’ lawns for cash on the weekend. Drew also has a crush on the stunning thirty-something year old Sasha who lives a few doors down from him. After the pair get to know each other a little better, Sasha agrees to “tutor” Drew in more intimate matters and even hires him on to be her assistant for her blanket making business. When a neighbor reveals her dying wish to Drew, he and Sasha devise a plan to carry out her instructions, but this comes at a high cost to Drew. Some lessons in life are hard pills to swallow, some secrets left unshared, and some relationships have lasting memories. The summer of 1976 will be a season that Drew is not likely to forget soon.
I didn’t hate this book, but I also didn’t love it. Drew and Sasha’s relationship is scandalous at best and downright illegal at worst and there were many times I felt a serious motherly “ick” at reading some of the scenes. One thing I will say is that Black refrains from any explicit scenes, which was a good thing as the thought of this sort of relationship was already hard enough to read as I figure it will be for many. The setting is 1970s Canada which hearkens back to a simpler time without the constant connection that we enjoy today. I thought Black did a good job of bringing that era to life and this really did feel like one of those movies that were so popular back in the eighties. The age gap romance reminded me strongly of “Risky Business” or “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” without any of the extra explicit scenes that made those titles border on obscene. Overall, Drew’s character was endearing and likeable, but I had a hard time warming up Sasha, and maybe it was my mothering instincts kicking in. As the story progressed and the more of her characteristics were revealed she really struck me as a person who was using an innocent teen for more than a bedroom dalliance.
Full disclosure: I was provided a copy of this title by the author or their authorized agent, however, have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.
Jennly Reads 