This book is short but packed full of meaning and skillful characterization. Jude's character is developed in a subtle but beautiful way. Although Jude and his family still suffer deeply due to his sister's death, Jude deals with it in his own quiet way. He doesn't talk about that day, but his friend Corey understands him and the two of them start a wonderful, chill summer together just hanging out with the guys and meeting new people.

I loved seeing Jude open up to Becka and in turn learning a lot about life from her. Everything about their interactions is realistic for teens in summertime. But then another unthinkable accident happens that shakes them to their core and they both deal with it in their own way.

This book, to me, was just simple and beautiful, dealing with deep life issues without veering into a cautionary tale sort of story like so many of these types of books do. It stays real and true in its presentation of the characters.