A superbly told, poignant tale that is filled with heart and soul.
Matt is a self-conscious, introverted teen from a stable, caring family. Lia is a free spirited girl carrying greater burdens than her carefree demeanor would ever let on. When the two of them meet, their connection is instantaneous. However, between Matt’s taunting peers and his distinctly stern father, not everyone approves of their quickly developing relationship. Add in a preacher that many think is losing his marbles and you’ve got all the makings of an engaging character-driven small town drama. Will Matt and Lia’s bond be able to survive beyond the summer? And will Lia be able to help Matt to come out of his shell?
Fanning is a true artist with his words. While other authors may tell you about a hot summer day, when you read Fanning’s writings you can practically feel the beads of sweat dripping down your back as you crave a sip of that ice cold lemonade. Besides the endearing Matt and Lia, all of the supplemental characters are deliberately included to add depth to the narrative. The curiously unconventional Preacher Higgins in particular adds a little bit of intrigue into the storyline. While teens are the target audience of this book, no matter how old you are, this coming-of-age story is sure to bring you right back to all of the excitement and emotions you felt for your first crush. Important topics such as prejudice and inclusion are expertly woven into the storyline in an honest, yet casual manner. The Girl in My Treehouse is a superbly told, poignant tale that is filled with heart and soul.
