Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald

Can a boy-hungry Jersey girl survive the wilds of Canada with her eco-identity intact?

Jenna may hail from the ’burbs of New Jersey, but Green Teen activism is her life. So when her mom suggests they spend the summer at Grandma’s Florida condo, Jenna pleads instead to visit her hippie godmother, Susie, up in rural Canada. Jenna is psyched at the chance to commune with this nature she’s heard about — and the cute, plaidwearing boys she’s certain must roam there. But after a few run-ins with local wildlife (from a larger-than-life moose to Susie’s sullen Goth stepdaughter to a hot but hostile boy named Reeve), Jenna gets the idea that her long-held ideals, like vegetarianism and conservation, don’t play so well with this population of real outdoorsmen. A dusty survival guide offers Jenna amusing tips on navigating the wilderness — but can she learn to navigate the turns of her heart?

This was exactly the change of pace I needed after some of the books I've read lately. I thought this was a great light read. Honestly, I'm a little bummed I didn't save it for summer--it would have been a great "beach read". It was kind of nice having some "summer" in the midst of our winter-that-finally-looks-and-feels-like-winter though.

Jenna cracked me up. From page one, I loved her. Yes, she was immature and a bit overbearing at times, but I loved her growth in the book as she learned when to "stick to her guns" and when to compromise. I don't think there was a single character in the book that I didn't like. I felt like every single one contributed to the story and made it that much better. Even the hilarious book store owner, and her "real" romance novels. Oh how I laughed. :)

If you can get past the unrealistic tales of Jenna kayaking, mountain biking, and rock climbing like a pro *on her first try*, it's a really cute story. I'd definitely recommend this-even to actual teens! :) There's only the "f-word" once at the end, and an awkward-for-Jenna-scene that has to do with a drawer full of "protection" from Susie. Like I said though, it was just cute. Definitely worth a read.

Happy Reading!