The Impossible Vastness of Us - Hardcover

Samantha Young is a New York Times bestselling author who resides in Scotland. Her novels have been published in thirty countries. When Samantha's not writing books she's reading them. Or she's shoe shopping.

Gr 10 Up—This well-layered novel is about India, whose life is turned upside down when her mom moves her across the country to live with her new fiancé. India goes from a small apartment to one of the biggest houses in the neighborhood but is still afraid that her peers think of her as "trash." While finding herself and living in a new city with a new family, the protagonist also comes to terms with a dark past and tries to move forward once and for all. This story is told from India's point of view, enabling readers to get inside her head. Though most of the book takes place in present day, there are flashbacks of India's past, which illustrate how she arrived at her current situation. This coming-of-age novel will appeal to readers who are in a time of change or feel a sense of flux in their lives. Seeing how India handles her transition and attempts to make her life the best it can be will resonate with those experiencing similar upheavals. With plenty of romance and some humor, this tale is a quick read. VERDICT A solid contemporary YA debut that will attract the author's teen romance fans. Give to fans of Kasie West and Sarah Dessen.—Tegan Anclade, Lake Villa District Library, IL