Book Review — Puddle Jumping by Amber L. Johnson

“It begins with a boy and it ends with a boy, but what story doesn’t?”

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Wow!! What an incredible story! Puddle Jumping took me by surprise in the best of ways and definitely was one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve read!

This is a mature YA standalone romance about two childhood friends, Colton and Lilly, who are reunited in the senior year of high school. Early on, we discover that Colton has Asperger’s and we also see that Lilly loves him unconditionally. This is their love story.

“I’m Lilly Grace Evans and this is the true account of how I ended up falling for a boy who made me believe love is anything but conventional.”

I read this in one sitting and did not want to put it down even for a minute! The writing was so fluid and just drew me right into these characters’ journies. We’re told everything through Lilly’s eyes and the writing perfectly captured the voice of a teenager telling us the story of how she fell for the boy she now loved.

Colton stole my heart! He was such a sweet guy! The author did a fantastic job of portraying him in a sensitive, yet realistic way. He was smart, talented, and kind, but also socially awkward, incredibly literal, and said whatever he thought. But deep down, he was just a 17-year old guy falling in love with a girl who’d stayed in his heart since they were kids. My heart really went out to him as I saw him try so hard to fit into a world where most everyone was different from him and where few people understood him.

With a small sigh, he squeezed my hand tighter. “I wish you were like me… Because then you would understand.”

But at the same time, I was so impressed with Lilly. The world would truly be a better place with more people like her in it. She was incredibly kind-hearted, open-minded, accepting, and loving. She saw Colton for who he was, without labels, and more importantly, without judgement.

“When you love someone, their differences fall away. I don’t look at him and see anything but HIM.”

Puddle Jumping has a lot of depth and a very powerful message. On the surface, it’s a very sweet and beautiful story of first love. But beneath the surface, it also delivers a very honest and profound commentary about society, and acceptance. The author really dealt with the subject matter in a very respectful and sensitive way. It was truly a joy to read.

“The one thing I wish I could explain to people is he’s not what they think he is. Words he’s been branded with could never describe him. He’s not special. He’s extraordinary. To me. And I feel like I am, too, when I’m with him.”

I want to reassure you that this is a feel-good story. There’s no bullying or extreme-drama or anything strongly negative in it. Yes, there are natural hardships stemming from the situation at hand, but it’s a gorgeous journey to go on with these characters.

This book truly leaves you with a wonderful feeling and my eyes were filled with tears by the end. The powerful message of unwavering love and acceptance we are shown is universal and I think everyone will be able to take something beautiful away from this story.

Rating: 4.5 stars. Standalone. Mature YA romance.

• Buy PUDDLE JUMPING (Kindle)
• Buy PUDDLE JUMPING (Paperback)