Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of The Summer of Skinny Dipping

The Summer of Skinny Dipping
donkeycheese avatar reviewed on + 1255 more book reviews


Mia Gordon is just your average sixteen year old. Shes really looking forward to summer vacation; the beach, her cousins, and she can forget about Jake. Jake recently dumped her and Mia is still reeling from it.

Mia and her cousin used to be like best friends, and with the economy the way its been, Mia hasnt been back to the Hamptons in three years. She cant wait to spend time with her and let her heart heal from Jakes rejection. But her cousins are not what Mia remembered. They are cold, beautiful, and snooty. Mia feels like the third wheel, and definitely feels out of her element when they throw big lavish parties with drugs, alcohol, and sex.

Mia wants to fit in, but it just isnt her. Then she meets Simon, the boy next door. Simon is easy to talk to and he convinces Mia to skinnydip with him late at night in the dark. Mia finds herself falling in love with Simon, but Simon has his own problems at home. They find themselves looking forward to the night when they can be together. What started out as a disappointing summer for Mia is turning into the best one yet. But when something tragic occurs, Mia isnt so sure it is the best summer ever.

The Summer of Skinnydipping is a great young adult novel. It involves peer pressure, sex, drugs and alcohol, and not being something your not. Mias story is fresh, sweet, and tragic. The interaction between her and her parents and the other characters is depicted in a reality setting that lends truth to the story. A wonderful beach read this summer from debut author Amanda Howells.