A review by kimwritesstuff
The Lightning Circle by Vikki VanSickle

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was such a sweet story told through verse and little illustrations. I wish when I was going through teenage unrequited love I had read something like this. The story follows Nora who escapes to summer camp with her broken heart. There she is a camp counselor with five other counselors for 13-year-old girls. Throughout the summer, she works through her heartache and works with the younger girls as they have their own hurdles.

I thought this book was incredibly sweet, and I was honestly prepared for some nefarious twist. Like half the story, I was worried that Nora's heartache was with an inappropriate older man. I loved the reveal that it wasn't and that it was a much more common story (no spoilers 😊!). I thought the relationships between Nora and the rest of the counselors were beautiful and organic.

I did think there could have been better development of the relationships between Nora and her campers. There was a little detachment for me in this part of the story. Especially because her campers really rally around her at one point, but it didn't really feel like an earned moment for me. I'm also in my 30s, so I might not remember what it's like to be a teen girl lol.

Overall, this is a sweet story about overcoming your first heartbreak and female friendship.
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