June is 'asked to leave' her North Carolina high school after being drunk during a school dance. Her best friend, Jess, is also asked to leave but when her parents make a substantial donation, she is allowed back. June is sent to live with her grandmother in Virginia and attend an all girls school.

She soon makes friends with lesbian couple, Claire and Kitty and Claire's cousin Sam. All the while, she is thinking about Jess and her feelings towards her. Jess, however, is absolutely straight and in a relationship with Patrick. June can't screw up. That's not an option.

As she gets closer to Claire and Kitty and Sam, she feels her connection with Jess slipping away. Is that the way it should be? Have they both changed so much or has one changed and one not?

Any Place But Here is an enjoyable exploration of friendship, love, high school and family. ( )

I’ve vowed to read more teen & young adult fiction this year, and this book was sublime. It started out strong and kept that momentum throughout. The author has crafted realistic characters, and I enjoyed the dynamic between everyone. There are also vivid descriptions of the surrounding scenery, so you’re able to perfectly imagine the sparkling river that June is looking at. Also, is Harold’s diner a real place? Because it sounds amazing!
The friendship between June and Jess might have been toxic, but it was also so utterly real. I have been involved in friendships like that in my teens and as an adult. I saw so much of myself in June, and I know other readers will too. As you journey with June on her road to self discovery, you’re aware of how far she has come and how much stronger she is, and you’re rooting for her the entire time. ( )