Edna and the reader are forced to consider the consequences of our actions, to learn how to love much more fully and live a life that is richer. We learn to recognize Edna’s self-absorbed behavior as our own and it makes us think about what we could change to get us to be more in touch with the important people in our lives. Lederman’s writing draws in the reader and as we go on this summer journey with Edna, we find ourselves just as changed as the protagonist. She also becomes invested in getting to know her Grandma and Grandpa, the latter of whom is suffering from PTSD and rarely leaves the house. While she is initially resistant (to put it mildly) to spending the summer with her grandparents, her acquaintance and budding romance with Johnny seems to help alleviate her boredom.

But when she’s confronted with a situation in which she can’t use her usual methods of getting out, Edna is forced to find a different solution to her problem with what is available to her: a paper phone book and a rotary phone. I’m always in a place where I am surrounded by signals that allow me to communicate via text or to look something up on the internet. I can’t say I’m not guilty of hiding behind my cell phone just walking out on the street or even in social situations, but I’m trying to get better at this whole interacting-with-others bit. Why I finished it: My interest is always piqued when I hear about a story in which those of us obsessed with technology are forced to do without it. Why I picked it up: The author emailed me about reviewing the book and I loved the premise, so I agreed. Will her time in the desert cure her rebellious streak or will it create even more of a mess? Bitter and angry, Edna is about to give up when she meets Johnny. As a last resort, Edna is sent to spend the summer with her grandparents in Desert Palms where she is cut off from her phone and her computer. Their daughter is constantly in trouble at school and she needs a wake-up call, but no good solution has presented itself. Synopsis: Edna’s parents are at their wit’s end.

Salvaged by Stefne Miller