Just Read:

This novel came across my desk as a Junior Literary Guild selection.  Apparently the author, Jane Harrington has never been a library cataloger, for the full name of the novel is My best friend, the Atlantic Ocean, and other great bodies standing between me and my life with Giulio.  This is a sequel (or spin off novel as the author calls it) to Four things my geeky-jock-of-a-best-friend must do in Europe.  These titles would have been a nightmare in the days of 3×5 cards.  Thank goodness for OPACs! 

As the mother of three daughters (who apparently have only recently flown the nest), Harrington’s YA girl voice is authentic.  Delia is fresh and funny.  Her best friend Brady is proof that opposites attract, for Brady is well rounded both physically and intellectually.  Brady is intelligent, thoughtful, well read, athletic, and academically successful.  Delia is none of those…and she’s OK with that.  Well, except for the physically well rounded part, anyway… 

The story unfolds through Delia’s poetry journal for high school Lit class.  (Never fear – it isn’t really poetry.  She writes in short stanzas so what the teacher views over the shoulder appears to be poetry.)  The journal is never dull, containing conversations and text messages along with the narrative.  Brady has returned from Europe with a first boyfriend – the Italian exchange student Giulio.  (Perhaps I missed something not reading the prequel – how did someone Brady met on a European cruise happen to end up as an exchange student at their high school?)  Of course, Delia is in love with him, but as a true good friend she waits for the inevitable breakup.  While she is waiting, however, life happens and things change, Delia most of all.

The novel contains entertaining references to quirky movies such as Airplane and Wayne’s World.  Delia IS a dumb bunny, but the novel manages to blend quirky with thoughtful and intelligent.  (Delia surprises herself with words like metaphorically.)  An interesting cast of characters surround Delia and the book focuses on the human relationships without stooping to Sex in the City complications.  Neither is this a maudlin teen sob novel that leaves the reader depressed.  As a matter of fact, for all the realistic teenage angst displayed in the book Delia remains positive and upbeat.  A clever book, best for high school or advanced middle school readers.