Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House | Dial Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the sophomore book by Justine Champine. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!
Ida is a teenager, neurodivergent and with a hole in heart, bullied at school and just never fitting in. Her only place of solace is Needle Lake, where she can escape by diving into the lake and staying under as long as possible. Her older cousin, Elna, comes to stay with Ida and her mom, opening her up to new experiences. Ida is captivated. Until an event forces them to take a road trip to San Francisco where nothing will be the same.
I loved this book. Told from Ida's perspective in her thoughts, we are privy to a young susceptible girl who is entranced by this more-worldly cousin. It's atmospheric with beautiful prose, and very character driven. It's a short novel, but one that packs an emotional punch. It's suspenseful, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful.
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