I didn't really realize until I started reading, that Departures: Two Rediscovered Stories by Robin Jones Gunn was a teen novel, so I was in for a treat. It was like going back in time to middle school. Even though the book was a little out of my age range, I still thoroughly enjoyed it however.
Departures consists of two short stories about two very different fifteen year old girls. The first story focuses on Christy Miller as she travels with her family to her grandparents small town to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary. While there she encounters her old crush and begins to reevaluate herself and her relationship with this boy and with God. As she gets closer with her old crush she really begins to discover what's important to her and what she wants out of life.
The second short story focuses on Sierra Jensen as she vacations with her friend's family. She and her overly competitive friend discover that its more important to deepen their relationship with each other and with God, rather than chasing boys and getting into trouble.
Overall, this book was a fast read. It was a little predictable and a little churchy for me, but the writing was great and the characters realistic. A great read for middle schoolers.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
