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.

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.

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.

“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 was everything that I wanted from this type of book, it had that concept that I was looking for from the description and enjoyed the characters and how they developed from it. Jaime Townzen has a strong style for this genre and that the characters worked overall in this story.

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!

I thought the book was geared more for a teen crowd in the first half. But as I got further in, the story grew more relatable, the author’s words seemed to flow effortlessly, and my interest in the story grew stronger. By the time I had reached that point, I found it hard to put down. Most readers will connect with their own awkward moments of pubescent days and relate to the struggles of being a teen, and trying to figure out where you fit in. I enjoyed the book and think others will, too.

Thank you to NetGalley and Palm Tree Press Books for providing this book, with my honest review below.

I wasn’t a teenager in the 90’s but Absorbed gave me all kinds of nostalgia for that time. While marketed as a book for teens, this story takes the reader to a very real place which is realistic for a teen but would also appeal for many adults.

Stacey lives with her mother and has a massive crush on Jesse, a boy who seems to be perfect. With the paid working together as lifeguards for the summer Stacey is hoping to spark a romance. This all sounds very YA, no? With the initial opening it undoubtedly is but we learn more about Stacey, her self doubt despite her artistic talent and vitality, her strained relationship with her obviously caring mother, and her isolation from most of her peers. The nostalgia had me interested in this book, but in any decade those feelings and experiences can be shared. As the story takes a serious turn with Stacey getting what she most desired - Jesse - but not in the way she fantasized, and series of terrible accidents, Stacey brings the reader along as she deals with some very adult issues, which once again I think reflects some of the struggles we still face or may reflect on when growing up.

This hit a chord, and I think other readers would find it to resonate for them as well.

In Jamie Townzen's debut novel, "Absorbed", you become transported to a very unique time and place- high school in the late 90s. She creates a vivid yet nostalgic environment naming places and songs that immediately stir up your own memories of the emotional rollercoaster during those formative years. Through various, fully formed characters, Townzen tackles the timeless struggle against the pressure not to compromise your character, friendships or values in order to fit in and be accepted by your peers. I was struck by how Townzen uses poignant dialogue between all of her characters, forcing them to confront their own misconceptions about one another and how they all struggle to belong. This book is a great way to begin conversations with your own teens or loved ones as it shows that honest discussions can lead to healing and reconciliation.

The characters in Absorbed feel so real I want to talk to them in real life. Jaime Townzen has done a wonderful job bringing the characters to life and painting a very realistic and nostalgia-inducing setting back in 1996. It was fun to revisit the drama of a high school senior trying to figure out how to navigate issues related to self-identity, body image, and friendships. What started out as a nice beach read, or more appropriately, poolside read, took a more serious turn towards the end and this elevates Absorbed from a good book to one worth recommending to friends.

The title says it all! I was one hundred percent absorbed in this story from the start and absolutely loved it. The characters are fantastic and the writing is superb. Loved it!

I was totally “Absorbed” in this book from page one. It magnificently pairs the excitement of teenage life with the bittersweet consequences that are often out of a young adult’s control. The arc of a group of teens who work together at a pool intertwine inextricably with the universal angst that plays, sometimes heartlessly, with the songs, emotions, and consequences of lives barely lived. This first book by Jaime Townzen does not disappoint. It is a must-read for young adults and their parents alike.

“Absorbed” is one of those rare novels that doesn’t just tell a story; it takes you back in time. Set in the late 90s, it immerses you in a world that feels familiar and nostalgic, full of the scenery and nuanced emotions of being a teen at the cusp of adulthood. For anyone who lived through that era, every page is a reminder of moments long past but not forgotten. The author perfectly captures the music, food, pop culture, and energy of that period, creating a beautifully authentic backdrop for Stacey’s journey.

As I read, I found myself not only empathizing with Stacey but also revisiting my own teenage years—memories that felt so relatable to her experiences. This story is a true page-turner, and even when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about Stacey and reflecting on similar moments from my life. The title, “Absorbed,” couldn’t be more fitting because I felt like a character in the book, observing events as they unfolded in real time.

This novel is perfect for anyone looking to revisit the magic and messiness of late-90s youth, as well as for younger readers curious about what life felt like before the digital age truly took over. It’s a captivating story about growth, self-discovery, and the universal challenge of finding your place in the world.

I became friends with the author through our mutual love of watercolor painting, so it is unsurprising that some of my favorite parts of this book revolve around the moments that the main character is exploring her artistic expression. The author has a real talent for taking the imagery from those art sessions and infusing them into other parts of the story. If you loved the 90s and especially the music of the 90s, you will enjoy the setting and immersive references. Without giving anything away, when you reach the end of the book you may find it hard to believe that only a summer has passed because of all of the things the main character has had to go and grow through. For the reader, this translates into a story that keeps moving and evolving - sometimes with plotlines that you can predict based on foreshadowing and your own life experience, but there are also plenty of surprises along the way!

“Absorbed” completely sucked me in from the very first page. It reminded me of my high school days, as a young adult, feeling insecure in my own skin and just trying to find my place in the world. Stacey’s struggles are timeless for high school girls, I saw not only myself in her, but my own daughter. Jaime Townzen has a way with words, and her descriptions of Stacey’s life created vivid images in my head, like a movie I could watch as I read. The characters are well developed and believable, and the story made it hard for me to put the book down. I can’t wait for more stories from Jaime Townzen.

Plenty of unexpected twists will keep you on your toes throughout the book. The plot could be a little tighter but all in all a good read.

A coming of age story set in the 1990s, “Absorbed”, by Jaime Townsen, features a girl, Stacey, with the dreams, fears and insecurities of any teen, and is a good depiction of adolescence.
Stacey is an intelligent and artistically talented girl, with problems of self-image and who sees herself as ugly and fat.
I liked her vibrant spirit and energy despite all the doubts and insecurities, and how she enrolls in such a different activity – lifeguarding – even though she’s afraid of failure and rejection.
Serious and tragic events take place in the story.
Some relationships become stronger and deeper with the hurdles; new people in Stacey’s life reveal hidden facets.
It’s a time of self-discovery and growing for Stacey and her friends and colleagues.
It’s an enjoyable read and a good foray into teens’ universe against the backdrop of the 1990s culture.

This story felt incredibly real, transporting me back to 1996. The references to grunge bands, familiar stores, and clothing styles definitely stirred up nostalgia, reminding me of my high school days. The depiction of teenage drama and struggles was endearing and relatable. Stacey's growth and confidence through her passion for art kept me totally invested. Watching the group of coworkers become close friends and form meaningful connections, even in the midst of a tragedy by the end, was truly heartwarming.

This book was amazing! It reminded me how crazy and emotional high school can be for our kids - we tend to remember only the good!!
It was a good reminder to step back and remember how intense high school was and to put ourselves in our kids shoes when the drama arises!!
Love this book and it was amazing how much happened in a short period of time!

Initially I didn’t think I was going to like this book. It started out slow, and with a protagonist that didn’t seem too likable. Gotta say, my mind was changed long before the end of the book.

Stacey struggles with self-esteem. She’s a tall teenage girl, who also isn’t the skinny model type. So when she’s picked to be a lifeguard over the summer at the local pool, she is anything but excited to have to wear a swimsuit every day. Once she attends the orientation, she’s even less excited since the girls are all, in Stacey’s eyes, perfect. The boys, well, at least one named Jesse, hot. How can she possibly wear a swimsuit around these people?

Yet as the summer goes on, Stacey becomes more comfortable not only with herself, but with her coworkers, forging friendships she never expected. Even the totally hot Jesse. Life is never perfect, nor as expected, and her newfound confidence and desire to be desirable causes a rift with her best friend Gabe. Stacey is going to have to figure out what she really wants and how to get it.

Stacey starts out kind of whiny and insufferable, but over the summer (and the book) becomes so much more of a well rounded human, flaws and all. It’s a great novel about being yourself and trusting your instincts. The teenage years are challenging for anyone. This novel points out that even when you thinks someone has it all, they might be hiding some real things from you.

Turned out to be a pretty good novel about growing up. I enjoyed it.

Absorbed was a nice read that told a really impactful story. I especially enjoyed reading about the main character’s relationship with her mother, the importance of friendship and art. Would definitely recommend this one!

Lifeguard Stacey Chapman is dreaming of love and drowning in bad decisions" perfectly sums up this book: a summer full of confusion, bad choices, and the weight of invisible struggles.

This story hit me in ways I wasn’t prepared for. Like Stacey, I’ve battled body image issues and once experienced something deeply traumatic—a situation where someone I liked tried to take advantage of me while I was sleeping. It didn’t escalate to the worst, but it left its scars. Reading Absorbed was like seeing my life on the page: the impulsive haircut, dangerous choices, and alcohol, all in a desperate attempt to forget. At times, it felt too real, and I genuinely considered not finishing it.

That said, I struggled with the pacing. The central plot didn’t unfold until halfway through, and the ending subplot threw me completely off guard—like, what was even happening there? Honestly, I couldn’t make peace with Jessie. In real life, I still haven’t forgiven the person who hurt me, so why would I forgive a fictional character? What happened to him was tragic, but Stacey didn’t owe him friendship.

This book stirred up emotions I didn’t expect to revisit. It’s raw, difficult, and honest, and I think it will strike a chord with many readers. It’s important to mention that this book deals with heavy topics like abuse, trauma, and emotional violence. I wouldn’t recommend it to readers who are still working through their healing journey, as it can bring up a lot of tension and difficult emotions. Be gentle with yourself if you choose to pick this up.

My ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC. It is definitely a relatable read for any age, but I took a star bc I don’t comprehend how Stacy can still be friends with Jessie and want to literally visit him in the hospital etc when he basically 🍇 her???? Like what??? But overall 4/5 stars.

This review is my own.

Loved all of the old school pip culture references throughout this book, and really enjoyed the crazy energy given off by the main characters.

I enjoyed the book but it has some triggers that I wasn't quite expecting but over all enjoyed the story.

In the summer of 1996, lifeguard Stacey Chapman navigates love, regret, and consequences after an encounter with skateboarder Jessie. Ashamed and desperate, she plots revenge, damaging her reputation and setting off a chain of events that ends in tragedy. Through art and self-reflection, Stacey seeks redemption.

Pub Date: January 1, 2025

4.5 stars (rounded up to 5)

What a pleasant surprise! Absorbed held my attention from start to finish as it explores the coming-of-age story of Stacey Chapman, a straight A student and summer lifeguard for the local pool. Nostalgia reigns supreme in this story, so all the fellow 80s babies take note - you'll be both horrified and overjoyed by the references. Was Tragic Kingdom your first album? Did you have every copy of Teen Beat? Can you still smell the Smackers? Even if you didn't live a 90s childhood, if you were ever once a middle or high schooler, you will relate.

Stacey has issues with self confidence, but she learns that her peers all have their own insecurities and fears and problems to deal with. No one is perfect, and decisions have consequences; but you may find silver linings you didn't expect. There are some rough points in Stacey's story that caused moments of second hand embarrassment, total discomfort and worry for her well being as a reader. Having lived through those years and now raising kids of my own, it was distressing to live life through Stacey's eyes; however, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Jaime Townzen.

This book also needs its own Spotify playlist - just putting that out there!

Thank you to Kate Rock Book Tours, NetGalley and Palm Tree Press Books for access to an early copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Nostalgic book set in the 90s. It is the summer before Stacey's senior year. Stacey lands a job as a lifeguard. Stacey has problems with self-confidence, and she believes that all of the other girls that work and swim there are perfect. She will be working with her crush, Jamie, as well.. She sets off on a plan to gain his attention. This is a humorous, coming of age story that starts off slow, but quickly picks up.

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, to NetGalley and the publisher, Palm Tree Press Books for the opportunity to read this book.

I went into this book completely blind and whoa, was this a wild ride. There is so much happening in this book; our main character, Stacey, is such a toxic individual. I had a really hard time finding her likable because all she cared about was herself. It never really felt like she cared about her friends or family.

The nostalgia factor of this book is what kept me interested in the book. Being set in 1996, it brought back so many memories of growing up in that timeframe and it was fun to read all of the pop culture references from that era.

This is a coming-of-age story and is set during a summer when Stacey seems to learn all of the life lessons all in one go. She certainly learns these lessons in the hardest ways possible.The book feels very abruptly ended and I would have liked to see more “meat” in the plot as it ended.

This book was unexpectedly great. To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I read the description of a summer in the 90’s, but I assumed it’d be a nice light read…
This is geared more towards New Adults, as it deals with some heavier topics and language. But I think the author did an amazing job at keeping the narrative fresh and entertaining. Even the concept of coming-of-age felt refreshing in this book. I liked how Stacey grew within the story and understood herself and the people around her better. It felt real. The 90’s vibes and various music references made for a unique and exciting setting that made the whole story feel relatable too. The author really captured that pocket feeling of summer when you spend your days with the same people in the same place. I found the characters all engaging and dynamic. And I liked that the lifeguards formed a tight-knit family while working at the pool.
Although Stacey was working with her crush, I wouldn’t really classify this book as a romance. This book focuses more on Stacey; the pressures and expectations of post-high school colliding with social strifes as a teen. Though I will say, near the end of the book there is such a tender moment with her best friend Gabe that really threw me off guard. His explanation of young relationships was an interesting take to see in a teen romance (even though it wasn’t really a teen romance.) But in tone with the rest of the book, it was a captivating.

Favourite Quote:
“If there was a bush of perfect roses, or a wall covered in paintings of perfect roses, they all would become really boring. A real rose bush is beautiful because of all the stages of blossoming. The ones that stand out are uniquely imperfect. That is the feeling I wanted to capture."

This was a fun and cozy read perfect to read during the Holiday break. Feel good and full of humour.

Stacey struggles with identity, peer pressure, and the consequences of her choices during the summer before senior year. The story tells of Stacey’s misguided attempts to find love and confidence while grappling with the fallout of a coercive relationship . A tragic pool accident leaves her ex lover paralyzed and Stacey is forced to confront her role in the events leading up to the catastrophe.

While the book attempts to tackle heavy topics like consent, peer pressure, and self-discovery, the execution falls flat. Stacey’s character lacks depth, making it hard to empathize with her poor decisions or root for her growth. The plot feels underdeveloped, especially with Stacey and Jessie's missing chemistry, and her love for art. The author also could not seem to balance serious themes with the melodrama of teenage life, making it hard for me to keep up till the end

It all started when Stacey daydreams of having the best life with a new boyfriend and lifeguard job during summer. In this coming of age novel, Stacey embodies many teens with her insecurities. I felt like the author did a really good job creating a well rounded character. As any teenager, mistakes are made, and it all matters how we handle them. I loved seeing how Stacey’s character grew as the story progressed and the time she spent with her art teacher. Just comes to show you how sometimes, a teacher’s job can be life changing for some. This book does have a tragedy and it was sad but I loved how all of the characters came together for one another. Perfect for lovers of the 1990's, coming of age, and self discovery. A beautiful reminder to be your true self.

I thought that this was such a well done coming of age story. I really enjoyed it a lot.

It's 1996, Stacey is a teenager struggling to fit in when she lands her dream summer job as a lifeguard at the community pool. Her life spirals out of control when she takes things too far, trying to fit in.

In my opinion, the blurb at the beginning of the book gives way too much away. it references an accident at the pool where one of the characters suffers a spinal cord injury. To me, this was a huge part of the book and would have been better left as a surprise, but since it is there, I am openly talking about it.

The book isn't all fun in the sun. Stacey faces some very real and very adult situations that she needs to figure out how to cope with.

I loved all of the 90's throwback references with TV and music, and everything else. The one thing that upset me greatly was a scene towards the end where Stacey and her best friend were driving to the beach and blaring Oceans Avenue by Yellowcard and singing at the top of their lungs. The book was set in 1996. Stacey was between her Junior and Senior year of high school. I was perturbed because that was a scene from MY life from between MY Junior and Senior year of high school. That song came out in 2004. It bothered me because it was such a defining time in my life, but other than that, I think the rest of the throwbacks were accurate.

Overall, I read the book in one evening. It was a great read if you are looking for what feels like contemporary fiction with a little bit of a throwback. Depending on your age, you will probably remember how cool it was to be a lifeguard at a pool or the beach in the 90's, and how desperately you wanted to fit it.

This was such a quick and easy read. Once I started, I did not want this book to end. Growing up in the 90s, this book took me right back to some of the best times in my life. With the band references, I was able to play a soundtrack of this book in my head while reading. This is a coming-of-age story about self-discovery with a character who I completely related with making this story so much more real. Highly recommend this one to all readers!

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

A book to read and share that reminds you how specific a time era can be to your growing up, but how truly universal growing up is.

This book was a real surprise for me. I thought it was going to b a cutesy rom.com I realizing the 90s in a movie montage mashup of now classic summer movies my own youth, granted I was a little older than Stacey and her friends, but this book was so much more than I thought. This was high school as I remember it, the world of simmering passions, high feelings, confusion, uncertainty, and all the insecurities and fears that a person can conceive. I saw a lot of myself in Stacey and her friends and also in their classmates and rivals. Literally this book will transport back and leave you reflecting on what you survived. Luckily for most of us, these sad and tragic events the Stacey must experience are ones that will only play out in fiction, however the power and nuance of Jaime Townzen's writing comes from.bringing us along for every feeling, thought, and conversation that just captivated me. This was a true bildungsroman that covered so much more than just growing up, but showcased how Stacey fights to become the woman she is in the process of becoming during this one summer in 1996.

This is a powerful female coming of age story that will make you nostalgic for the 90's and make you think how much of looking back at that era is so powerful because the distance and pop culture.

Thank you Jaime Townzen, Palm Tree Press, & netgalley for the ecopy of this book that I read

Stacey Chapman: relatable, infuriating, and the embodiment of every time I thought I could handle life solo at 17 (spoiler: I could not). She’s got big dreams, even bigger blind spots, and the kind of self-sabotage skills that make you want to reach through the pages and shake her by the shoulders.

Reading Absorbed felt like watching teenage me make every frustrating mistake possible while refusing to ask for help because OBVIOUSLY, the world was out to get me (Stacey gets it). Stacey’s spiral is equal parts cringe-worthy and heartbreaking, but that’s what makes her feel so real. Who hasn’t been the captain of their own disaster parade at some point?

At first, I thought I was in for a lighthearted ‘90s nostalgia romp with skateboards, lifeguard shenanigans, and dreamy summer crushes. But nope, this book had other plans—plans that involved a gut-punch halfway through, leaving me muttering “Oh no, Stacey. Oh no.” The stakes skyrocketed, and suddenly, I wasn’t just reading a lighthearted YA novel anymore.

It’s not just a book about mistakes, though—it’s about the messy process of figuring yourself out. Watching Stacey untangle her bad decisions and start to see her worth beyond her mistakes was the kind of catharsis I didn’t know I needed.

Bottom line: Stacey’s journey is a rollercoaster of relatable teen angst and maddening decisions, but it’s also a raw, unflinching look at growing up and finding your voice.

The perfect Millenial Romance story for everyone who liked to be in the 90s

The plot, the caracters was perfect.

I adored the story from the start.

This was an easy read for me (and a perfect winter time beach read.) I was immediately taken bake to the 90’s - the author did a great job describing the time and the setting. I was a life guard in high school and I definitely connected with Stacey.

As a proud elder millennial I LOVED the 90’s references, especially the music ones (if you go to the author’s page, there is a link to a Spotify playlist that I highly recommend!!)

This story takes us back to high school and we revisit so many of the social pressures of being a teenager (who do you want to be vs trying to fit in vs peer pressure) along with sometimes not making the best decisions - to me, that made the story and the characters relatable.

There are some tough topics and tragedy and I thought they were handled well and in a very realistic way. We see friendships have ups and downs and there is one particular scene towards the end that was so honest and really touched my heart regarding high school relationships.

We get to see Stacey have some good character growth as she tries to navigate her life. She really connects to art and music and I loved that she really discovered her passion for it.

✨What to Expect:
☀️YA/New Adult Fiction
💿90’s Nostalgia
❤️Coming of Age
🎨High School Angst & Discovery
🛟Lifeguard FMC
🎸 90’s Music References

Reading this book brought back the nostalgia. What with names like Lands End, Baskin Robbins, and Mervyn's to name a few. One of my jobs when I was in college was working at Mervyn's. So, I really enjoyed the flash back to this time period.

Stacey finding herself in the situation that she did with Jessie was overwhelming. Jessie should have listened to Stacey. Yet, Stacey feeling the pressure to fit in, found herself giving into the peer pressure and bad-mouthed Jessie.

This is a character driven story. I felt for both Stacey and Jessie. What they both did was not right. As the saying goes..."Two wrongs don't make a right."

Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher for the ARC in exchange of my honest opinion. The book is good. I read it in one sitting. It is a very realistic tale of how, when we are young, most of the things we think we want, are not what they seem to be. This book navigates the life of Stacey, a teenager in the path of self discovery, finding her voice and cultivating her self love. It shows how some experiences can help you identify the true meaning of the relationships in your life and how they shape the person you’ll become. It was a very enjoyable read and I believe it has all the qualities of a great coming-of-age story