I just finished reading this new incredible book “Absorbed”. By Jaime Townzen. I couldn’t stop reading this book and I really didn’t want the book to come to an end. It took me back to HS literally. I loved how she identified different music groups and artists by name that was fun because I had some of these in my own personal collection. I really enjoyed Stacey’s character and how confident she was even if she didn’t feel confident her self. The ending was a surprise to me but a GREAT surprise. This book is a must read. You will definitely not be disappointed.

It just goes to show, no matter where you were raised , we all experience similar growing pains! Jaime Townzen’s debut novel, “Absorbed” delves into the life of 17 year old Stacey Chapman during the summer of the mid 90’s!

This book is so relevant, whether you are 16, 36 or 56, there is something so identifiable in every chapter! A page turner for sure, I actually denied myself reading the whole thing at once as I didn’t want it to end!
Be prepared to be taken back with music references you may have forgotten; be prepared to relive those teenage moments and be thankful we’ve all turned out just fine! Be prepared to read one of the best stories you’ll ever come across.

Thank you, Jaime, for allowing me to read this before it’s even published. It was an honor and privilege. I’m so proud of all you have achieved in the past couple of years. You, my dearest friend, are going places and I couldn’t be happier to be on the ride!

“Absorbed” is a fast-paced, coming of age novel set in the summer of 1996, with imagery that evokes the sounds, smells, feelings and visuals of high school. As we age, we tend to remember HS in the best ways – not the anxiety, self-doubt, insecurity and relationship drama with friends and family. Through Stacey Chapman, the reality of what that time was like comes alive – for better or worse. Few novels make me stay up late to read and also have me thinking about them when I wake up, but with “Absorbed” I wanted to know what happens next with the well-developed characters and engaging plot. I highly recommend this book for teens and their parents to heighten their awareness of how alone kids feel and ways to support them through the tumultuous HS years. I’m already looking forward to Jaime Townzen’s next novel!

This novel, set in the summer of 1996, beautifully captures the intense, emotional turbulence of coming of age. As someone who was a teen in the 90s, the music and pop culture references instantly transported me back to that era, stirring up memories of my own experiences. The band and song references throughout the story were so much fun - I found myself grinning each time a familiar track was mentioned and being inspired to listen to those same songs I loved back then. These details added such depth to the scenes, bringing the time period to life and evoking the mood and energy of the 90s music scene. The characters are incredibly relatable, especially Stacey, whose struggles with identity, self-esteem, and the pressure to fit in. Her journey is both raw and real. This is a fun and nostalgic read for anyone who remembers the emotional rollercoaster of being a teen in the 90s and is interested in the timeless story of self-discovery.

Such a nostalgic read for me. I graduated high school in 1996 so the song references got me! I liked the characters and the lifeguarding aspect along with the self-discovery and friendship aspect. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Very interests unexpected book. I thought it was going to go one way and it completely took me in a different direction. I love the 90s throwback aspect to it’s well. It was a whole different world back then.