[Second Look] Roomies by Sara Zarr & Tara Altebrando

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Title: Roomies

Authors: Sara Zarr (Twitter, Website) and Tara Altebrando (Twitter, Website)

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: Young Adult - Contemporary Fiction

Release Date: December 24, 2013

Source: Public Library

Synopsis via Goodreads:

When East Coast native Elizabeth receives her freshman-year roommate assignment, she shoots off an e-mail to coordinate the basics: television, microwave, mini-fridge. That first note to San Franciscan Lauren sparks a series of e-mails that alters the landscape of each girl's summer -- and raises questions about how two girls who are so different will ever share a dorm room.

As the countdown to college begins, life at home becomes increasingly complex. With family relationships and childhood friendships strained by change, it suddenly seems that the only people Elizabeth and Lauren can rely on are the complicated new boys in their lives . . . and each other. Even though they've never met.

This story was a nostalgic trip down memory lane and hit all the truth points along the way. The reality and uncertainty that comes with transitioning from high school to college is illustrated through duel point-of-views of two very different characters. Exploring topics on family dynamics, diversity and tolerance, romance, and lifelong friendships you laugh, cry and grow with the girls as they take their first steps onto a college campus. There are a number of YA novels that approach the college transition topic but I have yet to read one that challenges how much you change in the days after graduation to move-in day.

The story follows Elizabeth (EB) and Lauren (Lo) as they exchange emails throughout the summer and discover that sometimes you just need someone to listen. Someone you don't have to say goodbye to but hello. EB and Lauren have a number of questions as they navigate through the summer filled with questions about what is to come, however it's how each of them handles the hurdles that makes this story one of growing pains and aspiration. Just reading scenes about Lauren's family are enough to make you feel like you've run a marathon but that you'd also do it all over again. On the opposite end you can feel the pain behind EB's parental disjointedness as her mother seeks companionship and her father is absent. Both girls navigate first loves in two different fashions, but kudos for showcasing positive relationship building and sex positive scenarios.

With alternation chapters between their narration the pacing is on point to keep you flipping the pages as you read the east coast-to-west coast friendship grow and the transitions at home come to light. The flow from one point-of-view to the next is smooth and reads like two friends swapping stories over coffee. You can tell the authors took the care develop EB's and Lauren's personalities, writing styles and even means of communications. Lauren doesn't even have a smart phone and doesn't use technology extensively. (I really liked the challenge to being digital natives.) 

• I was once a residence hall director at a public university... this should be mandatory summer reading. CANNOT stress the importance of roommate agreements. :)
• I still work in higher ed so there were a number of scenes where I'm giggling because it reminds me of my afternoons with my freshman work-study staff gossiping in my office. 
• Life transitions are nerve-racking and it all happens so fast. As the book says, put down the phone, live in the now, cherish the time you do have with people and be prepared to move forward.
• WARNING: There were tears and feels but not where you'd think...

3.5 Stars -  Great gift idea for graduating high school seniors!

What concerns do you/did you have about moving away from home for the first time?

Have you ever had to "let go" of someone in your life as you moved on?

What are you looking forward to the most in college?