The Summer of Naked Swim Parties

Jamie is 14 in the summer of 1976. I am close to her age, but my summer was vastly different than hers!
Jamie’s parents head off for a camping trip leaving Jamie home alone. Her two friends come over to keep her company, end up having boys come over, and Jamie nearly has her first sexual encounter.
Jamie is nervous about everything, she worries all the time. Her parents are free spirits, having naked swim parties, leaving their children home alone for days, smoking pot, and drinking a lot. All of this makes Jamie very uncomfortable. When Jamie has her first boyfriend, and they progress from kissing to sex, her mother wants to talk to Jamie about Jamie’s sexual awakening. After a tragedy at Jamie’s house, Jamie goes into a deep show more depression. She struggles with her sexuality, drinking, eating, and friendships. In the end, on whom can she depend?
This is a coming-of-age story unlike any other! show less

It was the title of this book that led me to pick it up while browsing at Borders, I have to admit. But this turned out to be a great book!

Jamie's parents are far from traditional, 70s hippies hosting naked swim parties, smoking pot,and letting their 14- and 16-year-old daughters do pretty much anything they want, without curfews or limits. Their daughters are more responsible than they are, and long for a "normal" family.

This is the story of Jamie's first boyfriend, her deteroriating relationship with her best friends, and Jamie's changing place in her family. A great coming-of-age story, with lots of teenage angst, sexual awakenings, and parties on the beach.

A quick, easy read - not laugh-out-loud funny, but you'll definitely be show more amused by Jamie's parents and their hippie behavior.

And, if you grew up in late 70s Southern California, you'll appreciate the references to local culture. :) show less

14-year-old Jamie is not sure what to make of her hippie parents who smoke pot and have naked swim parties at their Santa Barbara house. During a summer in the '70s, she discovers boys and sex and grows up fast. I didn't like any of these people.

I enjoyed the style that this was written in - very evocative of the period. I found the characters interesting but for me it didn't go "far enough". I felt there could have been more surprises/developments and it ended rather abruptly for me. It was however a nice conclusion and the story did tie together with the style throughout

Absolutely laugh out loud funny. The characters are quirky, true to life, and hilarious. I love the setting and the details that the author throws in to create a fabulous scene in the book. I am so glad those weren't my parents, but I laughed so hard at the memories she had, and could see it all happening. Great read.

I loved this book. The only compaint I have is that the end fell very flat.

How can Jamie be straight when her parents are aged hippies with lots of pot, casual nudity, and no restrictions?

How can Jamie remain friends with her BFFs when they are more interested in boyfriends, beach and sex than she is?

What will her Outward Bound sister think when Jamie takes up with her long-time, unrequited, crush?

And what happens when it all crashes apart?

Readable and interesting.

Bookcrossing: http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/6389218/