KISSING THE BEE

A slow, choppy start leads to a predictable conclusion in this teen-angst–drenched quasi-romance. Dana Parsons, aspiring science writer and bee aficionado, has her own little hive with impetuous “queen bee” best friend, Avra, and Avra’s boyfriend, Emil. The trio, getting ready for their commencement and prom, face challenges of their uncertain future and their wavering feelings for each other. When romantic emotions between Dana and Emil intensify the threesome must come to terms with their evolutions. The countless apiary allusions in the writing wear out quickly. Dana, Emil and Avra are flat characters, each is quickly stereotyped: logical Dana, fiery Avra and pusillanimous Emil. Instead of a gripping, emotional story portraying maturation and change, the author’s terse work feels more like an unrefined sketch. (Fiction. YA)