Waiting for You by Susane Colasanti

At the beginning of her sophomore year, Marisa is ready for a fresh start and, more importantly, a boyfriend. So when the handsome and popular Derek asks her out, Marisa thinks her long wait for happiness is over. But several bumps in the road—including her parents’ unexpected separation, a fight with her best friend, and a shocking disappointment in her relationship with Derek—test Marisa’s ability to maintain her new outlook. Only the anonymous DJ, whose underground podcasts have the school’s ear, seems to understand what Marisa is going through. But she has no idea who he is—or does she? [via GoodReads]

This was a sweet, coming-of-age story of a young girl who is at the point in her life where she is discovering who she is and where she is going. Marisa is a very relatable character - she's a sophomore in high school and is looking for Mr. Right. When she lands the perfect boyfriend (handsome, popular, etc.) she begins to realize that sometimes love doesn't have to be perfect and can be found when least expected.

Although the story does have a light feel to it, it does touch on some rather serious subjects, making it not just a fun book but also an emotional story. I do have to say that I was drawn more to the lighter/more romanticer (yes, I made that word up) moments in the story. I also enjoyed the whole anonymous DJ bit... although I did guess who it was from the start.

I have to confess that I did wish that it would have been more fast-paced... I felt as if something was waiting around the corner the whole time, but it just never came. All in all, this is a classic coming-of-age story about friendship and first love that is easily enjoyed.