I think I need many people to tell me why this dreaded thing was on all the summer reading lists. I saw so many people compare it to stories of the Manson Family that I was all hyped to read this book. Now I wish I had pulled out all my fingernails instead. Lets start of with it is NOT like the Manson Family. Yes there is a cult, and yes people die. But you don't get to enjoy that.

This story follows Evie, a 14 year old girl who is in her head more than she is in life. She falls for this girl Suzanne, and does what ever she can to be in her good graces. That is how she is initiated into the cult. The entire story is about Evie, her life in the cult, and her life at home. There are two stories taking place at once; modern Evie and the two unwanted house guests at her door, and 1969 Evie, in the midst of a hot summer.

This book is well written, I have to give the author that, but it is so boring. You keep reading hoping to get to the action but it never appears. You "hear" about the action second hand as Evie watches it from the TV at her dad's place. Unless you really need a nap, leave this at the book store. If you really want to read about cults, or Manson Family like cults, just read about the Manson Family and pick up Helter Skelter.