Alex, Approximately

When she moves across the States to live with her dad, Bailey has a plan - to seek out the boy she's been chatting with, and falling a bit in love with, online. The only problem? She doesn't know his real name, nor what he looks like. While she finds her feet and gets to grips with her summer job, Bailey's search for Alex begins, but then she meets Porter and her plans for the summer begin to go awry... Why does she feel so attracted to someone so infuriating...? This is a perfect summer read, it breathes sunsets on the beach and oozes small town charm. The author has said it was inspired by the film precursor of You've Got Mail, about twisted identities. As the reader, you soon put two and two together and this is part of the fun of reading Alex, Approximately - knowing what the characters don't, yet. What really drives the story, though - apart from wanting to know at what point the penny will drop for them both - is the zinging dialogue between Bailey and Porter, which is clever and great fun and helps develop each of the characters. The teenagers have had troubled backgrounds and as their pasts are gradually revealed, we're reminded - like the characters - to never judge by appearances. If you're concerned at all about the story's message of meeting up with online pals whose real identity you don't know, this is carefully handled by the author and the safety message is strong. I should also mention the film recommendations that come fast and furious throughout the book - this is a great story for those who love film, or who might be inspired to go and watch some of the classic movies the characters recommend. A wonderfully enjoyable read. 400 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Alice Short.

Suggested Reading Age 11+