Bloom by Elizabeth Scott

Bloom by Elizabeth Scott

Reviewed by Suzanne Dlugolonski, Teen Services Librarian

Lauren has always played it safe.  Abandoned by her mother when she was six, Lauren does not want to follow in her mother’s footsteps—act recklessly and hurt those who love her.  So she stays with her super-perfect (but super-boring) boyfriend, Dave.  Dave earns excellent grades, excels athletically, and gets along famously with his family.  He treats Lauren with the utmost care and respect.  Every girl in school would kill to be in Lauren’s shoes.  But Lauren cannot be herself with Dave, and she is uncomfortable with the future he has planned for them. 

When Evan Kirkland, someone from Lauren’s past, shows up in her American History class, Lauren is overwhelmed by her physical attraction to him.  As they forge a friendship, Lauren discovers how much they have in common, how they never run out of things to say to each other, and how deep her feelings for Evan truly run.  But who would break up with the most popular boy at school?

Elizabeth Scott’s Bloom is a wonderful story of falling in love for the first time and realizing that maybe sometimes it is better to throw caution to the wind and follow your heart.  Not only did I enjoy Lauren’s story tremendously, but Bloom earned a special place in my heart when her career aspirations were revealed.  It is recommended for grades 9 and up.  To read more about Elizabeth Scott visit her website and her MySpace.  Bloom can be requested through NIOGA.