I decided to read this for an easy start to the year. I got that. It's an uncomplicated, breezy read, but that doesn't stop it being so dull. The story was a half-baked rehash of the many, many teen coming-of-age tales I've encountered, the "shy protagonist taking risks thanks to the influence of a mysterious friend/love interest" coming up constantly. None of the characters gripped me, the risks were tame, and I'm glad I went for the audiobook (narrated wonderfully by Suzy Jackson, whose voice prevented this being a DNF) so I could get on with other tasks because I was bored.

Admittedly, I'm not the target age or audience for this book. The number of five star reviews shows that it is loved by many, I'm just not one of them. I'm pleased that it is written in a clear voice, and Matson does have a knack for story structure, but it's not a book I'd read again.