Vidalia in Paris

Vidalia is thrilled--this summer, she's headed to Paris. And as if it weren't enough to simply be there, she'll be studying under the famous artist and teacher, Laurent Benoit. Despite her reservations about leaving her mother alone for six weeks, she sets off, excited for what her visit will bring. Once in Paris, she meets two guys--sweet, studious Julien who works at the bookstore Shakespeare and Company, and mysterious Marco, who is impulsive and passionate--and not altogether truthful. Soon Vidalia is caught up in the excitement and wonder of a beautiful city, freedom, and the thrills of first love...but when she finds herself in over her head, will she be able to help herself? One thing that stands out the most in Watson's debut novel is her exemplary use of imagery and her highly descriptive language that brings Paris and the surrounding French countryside to life, lending an air of authenticity to the book that is hard to achieve otherwise. Likewise, Vidalia is a very multi-faceted character whose strong emotions are palpable, and readers will empathize with her conflicting feelings for Marco, her exasperation with her mother, and the hurt of a friendship that seems to have run its course. These convincing and heartfelt feelings, along with Watson's smooth style, make it easier for teens to buy the slightly far-fetched details of the book, like Vidalia and Marco crashing an elite party. However, Watson keeps surprising the reader until the very end with plot twists and turns that you won't see coming without unnecessarily complicating the structure of the story. Overall, the Vidalia in Paris captures the beautiful rush of independence, and best of all, the coming of age.

"Vidalia in Paris" is a transporting read: Sasha Watson deftly captures those moments of great change in a person's life that are at once scary and exhilarating. Vidalia is at once intensely familiar with her insecurities and yet inspires with her strong character. As others have noted, I could hardly put the book down!

I loved this book!!!!! Finally, a compelling young-adult book heroine who is interesting, brave and ambitious.

My favorite quality in a book is not being able to put it down, and this one is truly addictive! I could so relate to the heroine, who is trying to forge and stand up for her own creative identity in a world overrun with beckies and eccentrics. This book rocks.

I really enjoyed this book; it beautifully captures two very exciting, important events in a teenager's life: first love and living away from home for the first time. Vidalia Sloan is an intelligent, complicated girl longing to escape her small town. She gets the chance to study at a prestigious art school in Paris, France and jumps at the chance. When she arrives, she encounters difficulties and opportunities she never expected, the most notable being a very handsome, very charming young man who is involved in the art world. Not in the way you'd think, however ;) To say more would risk giving away some of the twists and plot points, so suffice to say it's a great read, beautifully written, and really captures a teenage perspective in a strange and exciting place. Highly recommended!