Love, Lucas

Gr 7–10—Oakley Nelson has just lost her older brother and best friend, Lucas, to cancer. Her parents are heading toward divorce in the aftermath of their grief. Oakley herself is struggling with depression. Her mother decides to take her to California for a stay at her aunt's beach house. After they settle in, Oakley's mother hands her a notebook, containing letters from Lucas. They are full of funny memories along with some good advice, like "Try something new" and "Don't be afraid of being embarrassed." When she gets to the one written by her mother, Oakley knows this is the last letter. Oakley begins to see a way to be herself without her brother. Along the way she meets Carson, a surfer and kindred spirit who becomes her first boyfriend. Carson has his own problems that he is working out with his family. Just as readers think they know how this story is going to end, a big plot twist changes the tale's course. Although the parents are rather simplistically drawn, their grief is believable. Fans of Sarah Dessen and realistic fiction with a poignant and sad slant will find this an enjoyable read.