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Water Tower Town #1
That Summer
"The whole of a young life is measured in its summers.” –Grandma McCurtis
Welcome to the summer of 1996 in Rutledgeville, Virginia. It’s a town that sits in the shadow of a large water tower, where everyone knows everyone, and the high school class each year has the same last names in the yearbook as the one twenty years before. Addison McCurtis has been visiting her grandma here in “The Rut” her entire life. But this summer is different; Addie’s grandma is sick. Addie and her wanderlust-afflicted mother are called back home to help with her care. But unlike trips of the past, this one lays the foundation for something Addie has never had: a permanent zip code. With the summer days stretched ahead of her, Addie befriends the girls of the Rut: McKenna Holt: The beautiful, fiery blonde who is in love with love. She’s Addie’s neighbor and the girl who always feels inclined to follow a good time… sometimes to her own detriment. Rhiannon Lowell: The smart girl who happens to be from the wrong side of town and who has a heart the size of the Commonwealth. Rhiannon is wise beyond her young 16 years; mostly because she has no choice. Together with new friends and an entire summer before them, the girls of The Rut will forge the new frontiers of first love, first loss, and first true friendship. Before those three months of summer are over one thing will be clear: That summer will be the one that stands out above them all.
Welcome to the summer of 1996 in Rutledgeville, Virginia. It’s a town that sits in the shadow of a large water tower, where everyone knows everyone, and the high school class each year has the same last names in the yearbook as the one twenty years before. Addison McCurtis has been visiting her grandma here in “The Rut” her entire life. But this summer is different; Addie’s grandma is sick. Addie and her wanderlust-afflicted mother are called back home to help with her care. But unlike trips of the past, this one lays the foundation for something Addie has never had: a permanent zip code. With the summer days stretched ahead of her, Addie befriends the girls of the Rut: McKenna Holt: The beautiful, fiery blonde who is in love with love. She’s Addie’s neighbor and the girl who always feels inclined to follow a good time… sometimes to her own detriment. Rhiannon Lowell: The smart girl who happens to be from the wrong side of town and who has a heart the size of the Commonwealth. Rhiannon is wise beyond her young 16 years; mostly because she has no choice. Together with new friends and an entire summer before them, the girls of The Rut will forge the new frontiers of first love, first loss, and first true friendship. Before those three months of summer are over one thing will be clear: That summer will be the one that stands out above them all.
- GenresContemporary
210 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2015
3 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
Alison Perry
11 books28 followersAlison Perry is a writer, reader, and momma who lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband Greg and their three boys. In previous lives she's been a singing waitress on a river boat, a limousine driver in Las Vegas, and front desk clerk at a dilapidated motel on the shores of the Floridian panhandle. She loves books about the south, drinking bourbon, and trashy reality television.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 3, 2015
This novel is so special. I love the tenderness that Addie has for her grandparents, the relationship was so sweet and special and I really enjoyed reading about that dynamic. The girls of the Rut were authentic and real-- and I loved how Perry really showed how important it is to have friends that have your back. Loved the summer romances-- they lean toward the sweet side -- not steamy -- and this would be appropriate for any teen reader. Also, I loved the 90's references! I am excited to read book 2 in this series!
October 15, 2016
I actually had this audiobook recommended to me by Amazon in my email and the summary looked appealing. So I thought, why the heck not. I'll admit that they do have good recommendations every once in a while. This was a good story, and the narration done by Kelsey Osborne was the perfect voice for the main character, Addie McCurtis. Filled with new friendships, strong family bonds, a little mystery and an unexpected romance all within a sprawling summer.
Addie McCurtis is an upbeat and easy going character that makes her instantly likeable. I could see some of myself in her in some ways. I just loved the close relationship that she has with her loving grandmother and it was probably one if my favorite things about this book. Then there is Ryan Kidson, who is loyal, kind, and considerate. He was definitely very loveable indeed.
The relationship between Addie and Ryan was endearing to watch, but I will admit it felt very insta-love and I'm usually not crazy about that type. I thought Addie's new friends were great and made her feel welcome to their group, There were also some family secrets that kept me wondering, and the ending that has me curious for the sequel.
Addie McCurtis is an upbeat and easy going character that makes her instantly likeable. I could see some of myself in her in some ways. I just loved the close relationship that she has with her loving grandmother and it was probably one if my favorite things about this book. Then there is Ryan Kidson, who is loyal, kind, and considerate. He was definitely very loveable indeed.
The relationship between Addie and Ryan was endearing to watch, but I will admit it felt very insta-love and I'm usually not crazy about that type. I thought Addie's new friends were great and made her feel welcome to their group, There were also some family secrets that kept me wondering, and the ending that has me curious for the sequel.
November 1, 2015
I laughed and actually cried
Great job, Alison! I really teared up reading this book. I can't wait for book 2. I almost started describing some of the screens but don't want to spoil the story for the next reader. That mom is something else and it sounds like there are more secrets that need to come to light. September can't get here fast enough.
Great job, Alison! I really teared up reading this book. I can't wait for book 2. I almost started describing some of the screens but don't want to spoil the story for the next reader. That mom is something else and it sounds like there are more secrets that need to come to light. September can't get here fast enough.
July 11, 2015
A truly heartfelt story that is heartwarming and, occasionally, heart-wrenching. It beautifully captures the joy, anxiety, and secrets that come with family, teenage friendships, and young love in a small southern town.
July 14, 2015
I absolutely love this book. It has an intriguing story line, love, small town living, mystery, and all set in a charming little town in the summer. It's a fabulous book! Read it and be prepared to fall in love with the characters!
August 16, 2015
Honestly such a great book. I cant wait to read what happens next. It made me feel all the emotions at once.
October 8, 2015
LIKED THIS BOOK VERY MUCH. CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE SECOND ONE
December 26, 2015
4.5 out of 5
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews