Invincible Summer

Reader: Emily
Age: 16
Title: Invincible Summer
Author: Hannah Moskowitz
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub Date: 04/19/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Invincible Summer is about a normal teenage boy experiencing what it means to grow up while dealing with a deaf younger brother and parents who want a divorce. Told from Chase's perspective, from age 15 to age 18, it is an emotional story about Chase's obsession with a childhood friend and his realization that there is much more to life than lust.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The most compelling aspect about this book is Gideon's (Chase's younger brother) lack of hearing. A majority of the book is centered around learning to incorporate ASL into the family life and learning a new way to work together. Invincible Summer is both captivating and difficult. The book does not have a happy ending, but it has hope, which in some ways, makes the book even more thought-provoking.
Comments: Invincible Summer an extremely realistic book from a very unique perspective. Being told from four summers allowed the character to develop more and as each year was centered around Chase's birthday, it created a very strong focal point. The character of Melinda should have been better explained. The fact that she was raped is elusive to the reader, something that should be addressed in more detail. Gideon's death should have been more pronounced also. A deeper impact would have been better due to his previous influence on the family.
Cover: Interesting cover, certainly very sexual. As a girl, I was at first reluctant to read it because of the almost naked body; reading the book changed that. The cover accurately represents the sexual awakening in the book and the alluring effect of Melinda.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal