Books › Seventeen and in Between
Seventeen and in Between
First published 1984 · 180 pages
An earnest, nostalgic journey through the messy intersection of lingering childhood insecurities and the complicated dawn of young adulthood.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like flipping through a cherished, slightly faded high school yearbook, offering a deeply relatable snapshot of teenage transition. The narrative unfolds at a steady, conversational pace, wrapping the reader in an atmosphere of earnest introspection and gentle nostalgia. It captures the specific, tender ache of outgrowing the person you used to be while still carrying the ghosts of old insecurities. The prose is straightforward and unpretentious, prioritizing emotional honesty over stylistic flourish, which makes the protagonist's internal tug-of-war feel incredibly authentic. It is a perfect comfort read for anyone who delights in vintage realistic young adult fiction, delivering a quiet but resonant exploration of self-acceptance, romantic crossroads, and the messy, beautiful process of finally coming into your own.
- Mood
- nostalgic
- transitional
- tender
- introspective
- Tone
- earnest
- reflective
- relatable
- gentle
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- lingering insecurities · coming of age · romantic crossroads · self-acceptance · teenage identity
- The writing
- Straightforward and conversational, offering an authentic, unpretentious window into the inner life of an eighties teenager.
- The arc
- The protagonist navigates a maze of romantic confusion and lingering childhood self-doubt to arrive at a place of quiet confidence and self-respect.
- Who it's for
- Fans of vintage realistic YA who appreciate gentle, character-driven stories about outgrowing past versions of yourself.
Content notes
- body image discussions
- references to past bullying
About the book
At seventeen, Elsie Edwards, once the fat girl of fifth grade, later slender but insecure in ninth grade, now has boyfriend problems that once would have seemed too good to be true.
Description from Open Library.
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