Penn & Ava - by Susan Victoria Becher (Paperback)

About the Book

Torn between a fractured family, past trauma, and the future, Ava must choose between standing still or running toward finally making Westwood feel like home.

Book Synopsis

Growing up in Westwood, Pennsylvania, Ava Pierson is perfectly content to exist in the shadow of her older sister Jacklyn. That is until Jacklyn unexpectedly stops speaking to her and leaves for college. It takes only weeks into Ava's Junior of high school for her to realize she's trapped in a life that doesn't feel like her own.

Paired with the class know-it-all Penn Abrams for an English project, Ava wishes he'd kindly go back to scribbling in his day planner. She quickly learns Penn has no intention of minding his own business. Instead, he leans in and invites her on a path filled with community, creativity, and adventure.

Just as Ava feels she's discovering a life of her own, Jacklyn arrives back in Westwood. Her sister's arrival triggers memories of the very incident that tore the two of them apart. While Ava reveals to Jacklyn what actually happened the previous summer, Ava can't admit to herself how much pain she is still in.

As Ava continues to hide her truth from Penn, he welcomes her further into his world. He insists she meet his best friend Kaysar, but Kaysar can't see past Ava's privilege. When Kaysar pushes too far, Ava musters the courage to stick up for herself. It's not until Ava finds herself face-to-face with her abuser does Kaysar prove to be the best kind of friend to have around.

With healing on the horizon, Ava begins to take back her narrative by building her support system and exploring interests in art and mental health. As devastating as it is when her father leaves their family behind, Aunt Brene shows up to be the loving presence the remaining Piersons are in desperate need of.

Through all of this, Ava discovers she cares for Penn as more than just a friend. Feelings abound as they go on their first official date, but it doesn't end with the kiss they hoped for. Ava's worst fears are confirmed as Penn opens a college acceptance letter, knowing she'll have to tuck away her feelings once more as he sets off to follow his dreams.

With Ava still processing Penn's plan to leave Westwood, Mrs. Pierson addresses the family, promising to try to be a better mother. Strengthened by this shift, Ava goes to her mom to report her assault. With their decision to sue both her abuser and the Westwood Police Department, Ava feels in control of her life for the first time. But this doesn't make it any easier to wave goodbye as Penn heads off to Stanford.

A year passes before Penn and Ava meet again to celebrate Ava's graduation and acceptance into college. With a heartfelt speech at dinner to her abundant community of friends and family, Ava can't quite convey how much Penn has impacted her life. After the meal they revisit their favorite spot and Penn brings up the acquittal of both the Westwood Police Department and her abuser. Though Ava tries to deny her impact on Westwood, Penn reminds her, once again, just how much value she brings to the town.

Before they part ways, Ava shares a small but vulnerable piece of herself with Penn, hoping it will hold the two of them together as their lives carry them apart.