Prose, F. (2008). Goldengrove: A Novel. [Electronic Resource]. Prince Frederick, MD: Recorded Books, LLC. Narrated by Mamie Gummer.
This novel, technically considered an adult novel, might hold some appeal for YA readers. The author, Francine Prose, has written YA novels in the past, and the main character is thirteen-year-old Nico. The setting is a lake house in Vermont (maybe New Hampshire? I listened to this on a Playaway, so I missed some of the details), and the story really gets going when Nico’s older sister (and role model) Margaret drowns in the lake. Nico, confused and upset by Margaret’s death, secretly befriends Aaron, who was Margaret’s boyfriend at the time of her death. They spend the summer together, as Nico comes to terms with what has happened to her sister, and how her life is directly affected. There are a few sexual situations, but I think the book missed the YA boat because of the complex relationships that Nico has with Aaron, her parents, and the family friend Elaine.
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