Winter Town by Steve Emond

Winter Town by Steve Emond
Publisher: Little, Brown
Release date: December 5, 2011
Pages: 336

Summary: Evan and Lucy grew up together, but a few years ago Lucy moved away with her mother when her parents divorced. Now Evan and Lucy only have winter break together each year. Most years, their reunion goes well, but this year something’s different. Lucy has cut her hair short, died it black, and wears an excess of black eyeliner, as well as a nose stud. Evan is confused, and sets out to uncover what went wrong and why Lucy changed.

My thoughts: Winter Town is an adorable and simultaneously powerful story about two people growing apart and growing close once again. Stephen Emond paces the novel perfectly; it takes place over the course of a few short weeks, but the story still feels well-rounded and whole. Stephen Emond also succeeds in evoking tremendous nostalgia with Winter Town. Descriptions of family Christmases and snowy days will bring back the days of yore for any reader. This is a book definitely best read during December.

Lucy and Evan are completely opposites: she is a dark, spontaneous girl while he is an Ivy-league hopeful with not a lot of guts. Still, they have excellent chemistry, and their banter is written in a way that evidences their strong friendship. The change in Lucy has made her a bit of a curious character, and it’s hilarious to watch Evan stumble over questions and try his hardest not to offend this New Lucy. Both characters get the chance to take a half of the book, but the half that gets inside Evan’s head is probably the one most readers will relate to. He has overbearing parents, but his life is ultimately good. Lucy’s half of the story, on the other hand, will appeal to those more interested in internal conflicts and darker themes. The way Stephen Emond gradually eases the two back into familiarity is absolutely perfect, and he leaves the reader with a comfy, warm feeling.

Something that makes Winter Town stand out amongst other contemporary stories is the fact that it includes illustrations! Stephen Emond inserts little drawings and comics to enhance the reading experience and really set the mood. Emond’s style is at times sophisticated and at others just plain cute. The fantasy comics that are supposedly drawn by Evan are simple and adorable, but if read closely do subtly reflect the story.

Winter Town will appeal to all readers, but especially to those who are fond of realistic fiction. Evan and Lucy’s stories are unique, heartfelt, and utterly enjoyable.

5/5 stars
Source: BEA