Echoes of the Coast

This book is a young adult drama that explores the lives of a group of teenagers caught between the expectations of their families, social pressure, and their own internal struggles. Set in Palm Beach in 2005, the story follows Christian, Elliot, Hannah, and Barbara as they navigate the ups and downs of university life, complicated friendships, and personal conflicts.

Christian, the popular and outgoing water polo player, hides his true identity and fears disappointing his ultra-religious family. Meanwhile, Elliot, a sarcastic geek and comic book lover, starts to see Hannah in a different light, moving beyond her superficial image. Hannah, trapped in her own world of insecurities, struggles to maintain the perfect facade that society expects of her, while Barbara faces a deep sense of disconnect with her family, especially after the death of her brother, seeking solace in drugs and alcohol.

Through parties, family tensions, and small personal revelations, the book addresses themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and the struggle to find a place in a world that seems more concerned with appearances than with what truly matters. With complex characters and a deep backdrop, the story reflects how, despite all that hides behind perfect smiles and seemingly happy lives, everyone is struggling with their own demons.