{"genre":"Contemporary Fiction","title":"Private Lessons","author":"Ellen Wittlinger","review":"Diving into Ellen Wittlinger’s ‘Private Lessons’ is like taking a refreshing dip in a crystal-clear lake on a sultry summer day. The novel, brimming with the sweet-and-sour taste of first love and the bittersweet pangs of growing up, will leave you both entertained and enlightened. Wittlinger masterfully weaves together the complexities of adolescence with the raw realism of human connection, serving up a novel that is as intoxicatingly delicious as a ripe peach. The story follows Teresa, an inquisitive and headstrong fifteen-year-old, who hires a private swimming instructor, Rick, to help her perfect her strokes for the local swim team tryouts. What unfolds between these two is a tale of tantalizing tension and heartfelt discovery. With each turn of the page, the reader is drawn deeper into Teresa’s world – a world filled with the intoxicating smell of chlorine, the crackle of fireworks on the Fourth of July, and the palpable electricity that sparks between two young people on the cusp of adulthood. Wittlinger expertly captures the essence of first love, painting a vivid picture of the intoxicating mix of fear, excitement, and confusion that comes with it. The prose is simple yet evocative, making for a quick and engaging read. But beneath the surface lies a deeper exploration of themes like identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships. So take a break from your busy life and immerse yourself in the world of ‘Private Lessons’. Trust us – you won’t regret it. This novel is a must-read for anyone who remembers the thrill of their first love or is curious about what lies beneath the surface of adolescence.