Fake Skating by Lynn Painter follows Alec as he navigates the complexities of teenage life, including unexpected changes when Dani Collins moves to Southview. The story explores themes of friendship, love, and the challenges of growing up, as Alec grapples with his feelings for Dani amidst her family struggles. Set in a contemporary high school environment, the narrative captures the emotional turmoil and excitement of young love. This novel is perfect for fans of contemporary romance and young adult fiction, offering relatable characters and engaging dialogue. Readers will find themselves immersed in Alec's journey as he learns to confront his feelings and the realities of his relationships.

Key Points

  • Explores the emotional challenges of teenage life and relationships
  • Follows Alec's journey as he deals with Dani's move to Southview
  • Highlights themes of friendship, love, and personal growth
  • Set in a contemporary high school environment with relatable characters
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Lynn Painter
352 pages
Language:English
Type:Book
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Lynn Painter
352 pages
Language:English
Type:Book
326
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PROLOGUE
Alec
There was no way it was actually happening.
Dani Collins was moving to Southview.
“Impossible,” I muttered to myself as I stomped on the gas pedal.
An hour ago life had been normal. I’d walked through the front door after
practice, inhaled a few bowls of goulash while my dad talked about his buddy’s
new duck boat, and I’d been just about to leave the table when my mom gave me
the news.
She’d excitedly lled me in on the details of how Dani’s parents were getting
divorced and now Dani and her mom were going to move in with her grandpa.
She squealed about how incredible it was going to be to nally have them close
by.
Just imagine how often we can see them now!
I smiled and nodded like a good boy while trying not to lose my ever-loving
shit at the thought of having to see her every day.
Dani Collins.
Was moving.
To fucking. Southview.
I made up an excuse to get out of the house as soon as possible, because I
needed air—and music—while I tried to wrap my head around this unexpected
turn of events. I had a cousin who neurotically made playlists for every waking
moment of her life, and that slightly obsessive habit had rubbed o on me to the
point that I couldn’t deal with the harshness of reality anymore unless I rolled it
around in music rst.
So I got in Burrito (my piece-of-shit ’03 Olds Alero) and just drove, cranking
“Escorpião,” the Brazilian song that I didn’t understand but fucking loved. I
knew the translation was something along the lines of “ ‘I love you’ is bullshit,”
so that seemed good enough for me.
But almost as if Burrito had a mind of his own, I found myself turning down
the barely there dirt road that wound through the woods next to the pond. I
drove over the snow-packed path until I saw the old, abandoned shed that had
once been “our spot.”
What the fuck am I doing?
The night was quiet, the deep snow insulating the world so all I could hear
was the crunch of snow under my shoes as I got out of the car and walked
toward the structure. It’d always looked like it was ve minutes from collapsing,
and that hadn’t changed since the last time I’d been there.
The summer after seventh grade.
I pushed in the door of the abandoned shed and stepped inside, half
expecting a pack of raccoons to y at my face. It was darker than dark, but when
I turned on my phone’s ashlight, it felt like I’d taken a puck to the chest because
how could it still look the same?
The actual chairs we’d stolen from my dad’s shop to furnish our ridiculous
little shed were still there, and so was the massive hole in the roof that we called
our skylight.
Holy shit.
I swallowed and looked up at the moon. Everything about our spot”
remained the same. And, who was I kidding, so was the memory of her. Of
Dani.
And the last time I saw her.
Five-ish Years Ago
“I don’t want to go home.”
I looked at Dani’s prole as she stared up at the moon and couldn’t believe
she was already leaving. We were sitting side by side on a blanket in the pond
shed and I uttered the understatement of the century when I said, “This sucks.”
Dani and her mom came for one month every summer, one month where
our mothers (best friends) hung out twenty-four seven and we got to do
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FAQs

What is the main plot of Fake Skating?
Fake Skating centers around Alec, a high school student whose life is turned upside down when Dani Collins moves to his town. As he navigates his feelings for Dani, he also faces the challenges of her family situation, including her father's impact on her life. The story delves into the ups and downs of young love, friendship, and the struggles of adolescence, making it relatable for readers who have experienced similar emotions.
Who are the main characters in Fake Skating?
The primary characters in Fake Skating include Alec, the protagonist, who is trying to understand his feelings for Dani Collins, the new girl in town. Dani is depicted as a strong character dealing with her own family issues, particularly her father's influence on her life. Other supporting characters, like Alec's friends, contribute to the narrative by providing insight into teenage dynamics and the complexities of relationships.
What themes are explored in Fake Skating?
Fake Skating explores several themes relevant to young adult fiction, including the complexities of love and friendship, the impact of family dynamics on personal relationships, and the journey of self-discovery during adolescence. The novel portrays the emotional struggles that come with growing up, making it a relatable read for teenagers and young adults alike.
What is the setting of Fake Skating?
The setting of Fake Skating is a contemporary high school in Southview, where the characters navigate their daily lives, friendships, and romantic interests. The familiar backdrop of high school life allows readers to connect with the characters' experiences and challenges, making the story resonate with those who have faced similar situations.
What age group is Fake Skating suitable for?
Fake Skating is primarily targeted towards young adult readers, particularly those aged 12 to 18. The themes of friendship, love, and personal growth are relatable to this age group, making it an engaging read for teenagers who enjoy contemporary romance and coming-of-age stories.
Who is the author of Fake Skating?
Fake Skating is written by Lynn Painter, an author known for her engaging young adult novels that often explore themes of love, friendship, and the challenges of growing up. Her writing style resonates with teen readers, making her books popular in the young adult fiction genre.
What can readers expect from the writing style of Lynn Painter?
Readers can expect a relatable and engaging writing style from Lynn Painter in Fake Skating. Her prose often includes witty dialogue, emotional depth, and a strong sense of character development. Painter's ability to capture the nuances of teenage life makes her stories resonate with young adult audiences.