I just finished reading the latest book from Croatian author Maya Berger. It is the stand-alone sequel to Girls with No Plans titled Zagreb, Milan, Nice, Barcelona: The Summer of Heartache and Fickleness. Not only does it make me crave a European adventure, but it also serves as a reminder of the drama and loyalty that young people have in their friendships.
Maya, Una, and their friends are traveling by vans with an end destination of Barcelona. That is where Maya's boyfriend is studying. For those who are in college or recently out of college, they can easily relate to the struggles of long-distance relationships and wondering about its longevity. But what I also found true and satisfying is how European young adults meet up with others on their vacations. They may not always be looking for a hookup, but they know how to socialize and make the best of their time together. They may become lifelong acquaintances or international romances.
Of course there is always conflict, and nothing can bring conflict into a circle of friends than a couple who fight on the trip. Their choices change all organized plans, but also allow them to see these wonderful cities in the most sporadic ways. For me, it is those unexpected moments that make a trip more memorable and so difficult to duplicate.
Maya has fiction and nonfiction books available on Amazon. She has a strong Croatian voice but still breaks it down for international, English-language readers so they can understand the differences of culture and traditions. You can link to her author page on Amazon here.
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for my honest review. All of these statements are my own.
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