Summer I Found You

January 15, 2014
Aidan and Kate meet soon after each has experienced a devastating change in health and are surprised to fall in love. As if it wasn't bad enough that high school senior Kate must deal with diabetes and its attendant shots, carb-counting and parental worrying, her boyfriend has just dumped her. Soon after, she meets Aidan, who has his own struggles, having recently returned from Afghanistan, where his arm was blown off. Kate's startling honesty ("How do you open jars?") is refreshing to Aidan, who tells her, "It's like they all try to pretend my arm's still there and it isn't." Chapters alternate between Kate's and Aidan's first-person narrations, and each perspective rings true as their romance progresses from awkward-but-direct conversations to kissing and eventually sleeping together. The novel's thoroughly chick-lit cover (complete with a heart of flowers) will prevent most guys from picking it up, and that's a shame, as Perry conveys Aidan's physical and emotional journey evocatively and with authenticity: "A lump stretches at my throat, and I nod. Unable to do more." The romance is sweet and believable, but the only real momentum driving the plot is readers' knowledge that Kate's disability is an invisible one that she hasn't yet revealed to Aidan, which may not be enough for many. Likable main characters, lively dialogue and a timely topic of returning soldiers fill out this low-key romance. (Romance. 13-18)

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April 1, 2014

Gr 9 Up-Romance fans will enjoy the unexpected love that blossoms between 19-year-old, disabled Afghanistan Army veteran, Aiden, and recently heartbroken high school senior Kate who is learning to live with diabetes. Telling their stories in alternating chapters, Aiden and Kate reveal their personal challenges, insecurity, fears, hopes, and attraction. Aiden struggles to live with a missing arm, confront his nightmares of war, and decide on a future. Kate has been dumped by her boyfriend, can't wait to go away to college, and bristles under the scrutiny of protective parents who take her diabetes more seriously than she does. Although Aiden opens up to Kate about his anxieties, she keeps her diabetes and virginity secret, choosing instead to convey a carefree demeanor and savor their mutual feelings. When Kate suffers a hypoglycemic episode, Aiden rushes her to the hospital and learns that she has not been honest with him. Kate realizes that trust is an essential part of a caring relationship and that she must begin making more mature decisions. Through realistic dialogue, believable scenarios, and candid reflections, this story offers insight on both the personal trauma of a young, wounded warrior and the multiple challenges of teen diabetes. Despite disparities in age (two years), emotional maturity, and life experience, Kate and Aiden's developing relationship rings true. In addition to their intense physical attraction (including one night of protected sex), they share humor, the support of family and friends, increasing self-awareness and understanding of others, and a climactic break that prompts each of them to thoughtfully address their futures.-Gerry Larson, formerly at Durham School of the Arts, NC

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2014
Grades 9-12 Kate Walker thinks that her life is over. She just learned she has diabetes and has been dumped by her boyfriend. Aidan Connelly believed he would spend his career in the military, but barely one year in, he lost his best friend and his arm during a bombing, and he has been sent home. Although both feel lost and broken, maybe all they need to start recovering is someone who understands. So begins a unique romance between two young adults who have almost given up hope of living normal lives. Perry's narrative flip-flops between the two voices, which allows for an interesting change of perspective. In realistic fashion, this novel addresses society's stigmas about disease and disability as these characters struggle to have an identity beyond their health problems. This is a romance that tactfully touches on difficult issues while still offering a sweet love story any teenager could enjoy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)