If you want a great book about friendship, Just Visiting by Dahlia Adler is the perfect fit. No major realistic fiction issues. No abuse, neglect, rape, drugs, etc. Quite refreshing, actually.
Reagan and Victoria are social outcasts for two vastly different reasons. Reagan is what most people would call trailer park trash, despite her 4.0 cum while putting in as many hours as possible at Joe’s diner. Vic on the other hand is of Latino descent in the lily white mid-Kansas town of Charytan. Having been expelled from school in Arizona, her professor parents moved the family to Kansas where they both found jobs at the local community college.
Despite their differing backgrounds, Reagan and Vic become fast friends, although each hide something of importance from the other. Having realized that the only way out of their personal hells is to go away to college, we come upon them (Vic actually) planning their college visits, knowing that they want to go to the same school and be roommates.
Reagan and Vic are a contrast in opposites. Reagan wears the same battered jeans and t-shirts while Vic is into fashion design, making her own clothes and looking gorgeous. Having been through a bad relationship, Reagan is avoiding boys while Vic wants to meet some hot boys. While Reagan is interested in classes and the library, Vic is interested in sororities.
To find out whether their dreams will be fulfilled and what stumbling blocks they encounter along the way (which they do, otherwise, why write the book?), you’d be wise to read Just Visiting, in some ways a more realistic portrayal of friendship and in some ways a more idealistic friendship. Nevertheless, we’d all be lucky to have such a friendship. In the meantime, let’s vicariously enjoy theirs.
P.S. A good end of summer beach read…Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend.
Two Heads Together 
Leave a Reply