Perennials by Mandy Berman

Rachel Rivkin and Fiona Larkin used to treasure their summers together as campers at Camp Marigold. Now, reunited as counselors after their first year of college, their relationship is more complicated. Rebellious Rachel, a street-smart city kid raised by a single mother, has been losing patience with her best friend’s insecurities; Fiona, the middle child of a not-so-perfect suburban family, envies Rachel’s popularity with their campers and fellow counselors. For the first time, the two friends start keeping secrets from each other. Through them, as well as from the perspectives of their fellow counselors, their campers, and their mothers, we witness the tensions of the turbulent summer build to a tragic event, which forces Rachel and Fiona to confront their pasts—and the adults they’re becoming. - penguinrandomhouse.com

I never had a real summer camp experience as a kid, after a week at a Girl Scout day camp, I had enough of bugs, dirt, and awkward swimming lessons.  However, Rachel, Fiona and the girls of Camp Marigold relished their youthful camp days. Unfortunately all that changes as the girls age and face adulthood but that’s where the root of this story really takes hold as alternating narratives by Rachel, Fiona and other campers and counselors give us a fuller picture of the dynamics at Camp Marigold.  Perennials by Mandy Berman is a summer treat that manages to perfectly counterbalance the froth and fun of childhood summer camp friendships while also exploring the complex dynamics of long standing female friendships. ****/5

For additional information, visit the author’s website and look for Perennials by Mandy Berman at your local bookstore online retailer. 

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying me with a digital ARC for review.