This is a hilarious and heartbreaking story of two teen girls and the summer when everything changes for them. Both Henry and Eva are New Jersey natives and excellent athletes: Henry's a master on the tennis court and Eva is a graceful ballerina. When opportunity knocks for both of them the summer before their junior year in high school they throw open the door: Henry sees freedom from her overbearing father and a chance to build her talents on the court. Eva sees the chance to be the best as well as even more pressure to be graceful, lighter, more perfect on the dancefloor.
Soon, Eva's obsession with physical perfection leads her down the path to anorexia, and her health issues overwhelm everything else. But through it all these two best friends know that Jersey Tomatoes are the Best, and nothing will come between them no matter the distance.
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Reviews
"Padian delivers, all rolled up into one, youth versions of the Natalie Portman film,Black Swan (without the creepy sexual riffs) and Andre Agassi's bestselling memoir, Open, which, like this book, I recommend to any serious-minded young athlete."
- Los Angeles Times
"With complex characters, a wrenchingly realistic portrayal of anorexia, and a friendship that is the true heart of the story, Padian offers a well-wrought tale that makes it crystal clear that New Jersey has much more to offer than a certain reality show might suggest."
- Publishers Weekly
"The interesting protagonists, details from both worlds and the well-drawn, flawed adult characters make this a worthwhile read."
- Kirkus Reviews
"Padian's writing is clean and clear, and her handling of the duo's dilemmas never stoops to melodrama. An excellent read for sports lovers who desire some meaty beefsteak in their stories."
- Booklist
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