Rapid City Summer by Connie Richardson
TITLE INFORMATION
Rapid City Summer
Connie Richardson
Black Rose Writing, 244 pages
9781685135928, 5.1.25
Overall Rating = 4.17
Storyline & Concept = 4
Writing & Delivery = 4
Editorial = 4.5
In this coming-of-age novel, Rapid City Summer follows fifteen-year-old Natalie Ryba as she navigates the challenges of moving to a new state, reconnecting with estranged family, and discovering unexpected passions. Leaving behind her familiar life in Illinois, Natalie finds herself in the vast, untamed beauty of South Dakota, where she is forced to step out of her comfort zone in more ways than one.
At the heart of the novel is Natalie’s journey of self-discovery, framed through the lens of fly fishing, a sport that takes a front and center role in the novel and, along with competitive running, mirrors Natalie’s struggles and triumphs. Although Natalie seems exceptionally mature for a fifteen-year-old who has had her life upended, the novel strives to capture the emotional turbulence and awkwardness of adolescence. Natalie’s relationship with her grandmother adds a nice dynamic, and the reader is immersed in a vivid sense of place, both in South Dakota and Montana. This novel is perfect for fans of contemporary young adult fiction with strong character development and emotional depth.
Sublime Line: “A touching exploration of change, courage, and the power of stepping beyond the familiar—a reminder that the biggest risks can lead to the greatest rewards.”
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