Charlie Reynolds, raised the only girl in a family full of boys, is your typical tomboy. She spends most of her time with her three brothers, either playing sports or watching the game on TV. After her mother passed away when she was just six years old, Charlie’s father has done his best raising her, but when it comes to girl stuff like makeup and clothes she’s absolutely clueless.
When Charlie is forced to get a summer job she’s thrown into a world that she’s never understood full of girl friends who aren’t teammates, makeup, and dating boys rather than competing against them.
Boy next door and her brother’s best friend Braden has always been like another brother to her. However, suddenly they’re having secret late night talks through their fence that have brought out feelings that Charlie never even knew were there. Feelings she’s afraid to act on. And, nightmares about her mother’s death are bringing up other bigger questions. Is there something she doesn’t know about that night? Could Braden ever see her as more than just one of the guys?
This was the first Kasie West book that I’ve read though I’ve had my eye on a few of the others that she has published. After reading On the Fence I think I will end up reading more of her work.
It isn’t the most complicated book or the most well written, but it was an enjoyable read. It’s really the perfect summer romantic read to take along with you to the beach. I picked this up the day it came out and I flew through it in just a couple of days. It kept me interested the entire time.
Charlie was a unique character. I loved the playful relationship she had with Braden and her brothers. The tension between Braden and Charlie was great. The way that their relationship developed from friends to more than friends was very believable. This was a story that could have happened to anyone in real life.
It was funny watching her Dad trying to figure out raising a daughter and even funnier watching Charlie trying to figure out how to be like other girls. I liked her relationships with Amber, Skye, and Linda also. Amber was the polar opposite to Charlie, yet she still tried to pretend that she was like her. I liked that the story focused on the idea that it’s important to be true to yourself rather than trying to be someone you’re not.
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All in all On the Fence was a good read, but nothing that I am going to remember for long. If you are looking for something short and sweet to read I would recommend it.
Rating: 6/10
On the Fence by Kasie West is now available.
Book Info:
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• Publisher: HarperTeen (July 1, 2014)
• Length: 320 pages, Paperback
• Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
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