This book was really good. I read this book in the summer. It is a great beach read. It was simple and cute. ( )

Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

What do you get when you combine a bus load of senior citizens, a couple of teens, a mailman with a fear of squirrels, and a stowaway Chihuahua? Pick up a copy of WISH YOU WERE HERE, and you'll find out.

Ariel Flack, not named after the little mermaid, is about to embark on the adventure of her life. Her mother recently divorced her gambling-addict husband and has decided a road trip is just what they need. However, Ariel and her younger sister are shocked to learn that their dear mother has not been completely truthful. Instead of traveling by car, they are joining their grandparents and their eccentric uncle on a week-long bus tour.

The prospect of spending even a short time in the company of a bus load of senior citizens being escorted by a wacky husband and wife tour guide team has Ariel ready to lace up her favorite running shoes and head for the hills. She had to leave behind her new boyfriend and her beloved cat for this! Fortunately, the seating arrangements place her next to another frustrated teen named Andre who was also tricked into the tour by his controlling mother.

Together Ariel and Andre find ways to endure the agony of the Leisure-Lee bus tour company's idea of a good time - endless listening to the soundtrack of Oklahoma, visiting scenic wonders like the one of the world's largest ball of knitting yarn, and eating buffalo burgers in the Badlands. At times the two seriously consider ditching the tour and heading off on their own, but in the end, they both discover more than they bargained for on this crazy adventure.

I've always been a fan of Catherine Clark's work, and I'm happy to say, I think WISH YOU WERE HERE is her best yet. There are wonderful characters, great humor, and heart-warming family moments that make this a delightful read. ( )