Peaches

Peaches
Fiction
By Jodi Lynn Anderson
Reviewed by Katiee Stoughton
Rated 4 out of 5 stars

In a novel about broken hearts, broken spirits and the healing power of friendship, Anderson profiles three one-of-a-kind Georgia `peaches,’ a trio of teenage girls who converge at Darlington Orchard during picking season.When Murphy gets busted and Leeda gets packed off by her family, these three very different girls end up spending their spring break and summer vacations together on the Darlington Peach Orchard. As the summer goes on, they become unlikely friends, but can their friendship survive the addition of two hot guys?

Murphy likes to take risks. She’s always doing something a little more outrageous. Smart, sarcastic, and sexy, Murphy takes the lead and doesn’t listen to anyone.

Leeda’s life should be perfect. She’s rich, gorgeous, and popular. She also feels empty most of the time, and wishes more than anything that her mom would pay attention to her.

Birdie lives on a peach orchard, and feels more comfortable with the plants and animals than people. Everything seems to be going wrong with her life, and no amount of Girl Scout Cookies can make it better.

Enrico comes from Texas, only speaks a little English, and looks gorgeous while working around the farm. Will Birdie ever work up the courage to make a move? Rex is supportive, gentlemanly, and dating Leeda. But the chemistry between him and Murphy is undeniable

This young adult novel, Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson, is the story of a memorable, juicy summer. It hits a lot of young adult hot topics: self-confidence, family problems, romance/lust/first love, rebellion, finding yourself, and friendship.

 Anderson does a good job of establishing so many major characters in a relatively short book. The setting is fantastic. I could practically smell the peaches and feel the cool lake water on my skin. It made me want to go to Georgia, lie out on the grass, watch clouds, and eat peaches. She keeps the story moving at a steady pace, and includes a few surprises.

I liked some of the information it provided, but it was awkward to have random bits scattered sporadically throughout the book. On the whole, though, I enjoyed the book and I would recommend it to any teenage girl looking for a great read.