Philpot, Chelsey. Even in Paradise. New York: Harper, 2014.

I have a number of girls that will love this book. Charlotte meets Julia Buchanan during her junior year at St. Anne’s Academy and her life is never again the same. She becomes one of the Buchanans. Belonging means summers and vacations at the beach house, a new roommate, and the “responsibility” of making sure that Julia is OK. Julia, the only survivor of a car crash that took the lives of her sister and her sister’s boyfriend is fragile. The Buchanan family trusts Charlotte to make sure she doesn’t break on her watch. Through it Charlotte nearly loses many of her friends at St. Anne’s, becomes involved with Julia’s brother, and pursues her dream of attending art school upon graduation. If only it weren’t for the secret...the one that nearly costs everyone in the book something.

This title had a bit of the feel of Lockhart’s newest, We Were Liars. Like much of the public is fascinated by celebrity and the wealthy, so, too are many of my readers drawn to stories that feature the rich. Something in us likes to live vicariously the lives of those who have beach houses and throw the kinds of parties we can only dream of. Through Charlotte, the reader has just that experience. In the end Charlotte ultimately learns to be true to herself, EVEN at the expense of the loss of her first love. I do like a strong female protagonist who makes independent choices who learns and grows. Even in Paradise offers just such a protagonist. This is a book that deals with some pretty powerful topics: grief and loss, friendship, family relationships, and first love, but does so in a way that will not overpower the reader. While I would prefer it for my older readers, it will work well for the mature younger reader.

I can absolutely book talk this with Lockhart’s We Were Liars. Along for the Ride and What Happened to Goodbye could round out a lovely beach theme. For the final spring book talk, this would be a neat grouping. I have written before of my affinity for boarding school books as well. Even in Paradise could be a neat addition there to get it moving quickly in the fall as well. I look forward to sharing this title.