I'm really loving young adult, contemporary books this summer, and The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith is no exception. I picked up this book at a signing at Barnes & Noble Union Square, and when I sat down to read it I couldn't put it down.The story begins with our main characters Lucy and Owen as they become trapped in their apartment building's elevator when the power goes out in New York City. They are rescued from the elevator, and spend the rest of the blackout together. While they both live in the same building, they come from very different worlds. Lucy's family is quite affluent, and Owen's is struggling. His mother recently passed away, and his father is the building's superintendent. Nonetheless, the two teens wait out the blackout by getting to know one another.
Once the power comes back on, Lucy and Owen go their separate ways – literally. Lucy moves to Europe when her father is transferred, and Owen and his father go on a road trip to the Western US to find a new job after Owen's dad is fired. The two attempt to stay in contact, but never get the chance to really build a friendship due to their geographical situations. The Geography of You and Me chronicles both Lucy and Owen's journeys as they spend time apart wishing they had they had gotten to know one another better when they had the chance.
I absolutely loved this book. It was beautifully written, and I especially loved Part III. I was glued to the story from the moment it began, and I really appreciated how real the characters are. Unlike many contemporaries, there is no "instalove" in this story, but real character development and relationship building. If you're looking for a great romance that isn't sickeningly sweet, The Geography of You and Me is a perfect choice.
I highly recommend this book, and will definitely be checking out more of Smith's works. Not only was the story great, but I appreciated the beautiful cover and the typography as well. Unsurprisingly, I gave The Geography of You and Me a full five star rating on Goodreads. You can purchase the book on Amazon HERE. Please let me know in the comments what Jennifer E. Smith book I should pick up next!
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