Review: The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson

First words
When I found this book, I was actually looking for a different book by Maureen Johnson. I picked this book up instead when I couldn't find the other, but was slightly skeptical because of the pink and purple overly girl cover that adorns my copy (Note: it's not the one in the picture here!). However, once again I'm glad that the cover is the last thing I judge a book by, because it was actually brilliant!

So, what's it about?Nina, Mel and Avery - The Bermudez Triangle.

Best friends, inseparable from the age of 11, but when Nina leaves for the summer to go on a pre-college course, that changes.

When Nina returns, (with a eco-geek for a boyfriend), her two best friends are acting strange. They no longer want to do everything together with Nina, yet she can't figure out why.

Then she catches them in a changing room . . . and they're kissing.

"It used to be a triangle, but now three's a crowd."*

Thoughts and opinions
Well, I can think of more than a few books I've read that focus around, or at least have secondary characters that are gay, yet a much fewer that are lesbian. I feel books like this are so, so, so important to have, especially when we're seeing it from three different peoples point of view. Not only does this book deal with coming out, discovering sexual identity and the views of society on homosexual relationships, it also shows the struggle behind the relationship, and the fact that in that respect and so many more, it's like any  heterosexual relationship.

Also, as well as seeing it from both Mel and Avery's point of views, we follow Nina as she discovers their relationship,  and how it feels to be the odd one out, when your best friends start going out. Nina doesn't have it all easy either - she's dealing with having a long distance relationship, and also keeping up with her position as head of the student council.

Also, I want to give a mention to Parker, who works at a restaurant along with Mel and Avery. Basically, I love him. He's sweet, funny and kind - but I'll let you learn how he fits into the story yourself!

The only thing that ever annoyed me in the story, is a couple of choices Nina makes about her relationship. Really though, that's completely personal, and a different reader may feel that they understand the final choice she makes.

The pacing of this book is, of course, brilliant, as is the writing style. I always sit down with a book by Maureen Johnson and then don't get up again before I'm finished! She manages to keep humor and laughter right on the surface, yet can quickly change in an instant to deal with the more serious and difficult scenes.

Final verdict
Incredibly funny, yet highly thought provoking, this book doesn't shy away from the confusion and conflict surrounding a homosexual relation ship. It highlights the love that can bloom between best friends, and the ways in which love can change the dynamics of friendship, both between those in the relationship, and those who surround it.

About the author
Maureen Johnson has written nine YA books, including 13 LITTLE BLUE ENVELOPES and THE NAME OF THE STAR. She has also written short strories along with other YA authors, for the collections VACATIONS FROM HELL and LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW.

Visit her website at:  http://www.maureenjohnsonbooks.com
Read her blog:  http://www.maureenjohnsonbooks.com/blog/
Follow her on twitter: @maureenjohnson

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