Book Review: Boys, Bears, and A Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald

Title: Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots
Author: Abby Mcdonald
Links: Website | Twitter
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: April 13th 2010
Format: Hardback
Pages: 304
Add it: Goodreads
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Summary from Goodreads:
Jenna may hail from the ’burbs of New Jersey, but Green Teen activism is her life. So when her mom suggests they spend the summer at Grandma’s Florida condo, Jenna pleads instead to visit her hippie godmother, Susie, up in rural Canada. Jenna is psyched at the chance to commune with this nature she’s heard about — and the cute, plaidwearing boys she’s certain must roam there. But after a few run-ins with local wildlife (from a larger-than-life moose to Susie’s sullen Goth stepdaughter to a hot but hostile boy named Reeve), Jenna gets the idea that her long-held ideals, like vegetarianism and conservation, don’t play so well with this population of real outdoorsmen. A dusty survival guide offers Jenna amusing tips on navigating the wilderness — but can she learn to navigate the turns of her heart?

Thoughts:
Yes, like most people who see this novel, I was attracted by the cute cover and the totally creative title. I couldn't help but laugh and wonder what the novel was about .. besides, you know, boys, bears and a serious pair of hiking boots. Pun intended ;) But seriously, I was so curious and just had to get it so I did, and do I regret it? No! The cover and the title held up to my expectations. I had a fun time reading it. It was a light read yet it had some depth to it. The writing was nice and easy to follow. Overall, this was an enjoyable read.
Characters:
I have to admit, I didn't exactly connect with the main character at first... However, she sort of grew on me and I came to understand why she was the way she was and I even came to support some of her ideas. The love interest was a bit of a jerk but I loved that because hey, in real life not all boys are flowers and rainbows. No, I'm not saying I like jerky guys (Trust me, I like my Etienne just fine) but I love how the author writes realistically and she portrays how things and people really are. And again, not saying that the interest is a jerk, he was actually really sweet and nice to Jenna. The friends were hilarious and along with Jenna, they all had some character development going on with them. I wish I'd seen more of the best friend but I can say though, the development in some weren't all for the better. Some people turned into people you didn't expect them to act like.
Romance:
The romance. Adored it! Realistic yet completely adorable! I really enjoyed the way the romance influenced some of the character development. There's also romance aside from the main characters which isn't really focused much on but you see enough to see the romantic development between the other characters.
Ending:
In the end I was so proud of Jenna and the love interest and her friends and completely annoyed with the best friend. I really enjoyed the book and after reading the novel, some parts would come back to me as I was doing my homework or someone triggered a certain scene with some simple words. I really would recommend this novel to people looking for a nice, fun and adorable read.
Other Covers: I have to say, I love the covers for this book! I mean, look at this one! Isn't it so cute? :D