Problematic Summer Romance

Maya is the protagonist and point-of-view character of Problematic Summer Romance. Throughout the book, Maya exhibits confidence and uncertainty in equal measures, which are a symbol of her youth. As a result of her parents’ deaths, Maya learned to fend for herself, and this resulted in her making quick choices that weren’t always good for her (such as acting out during her early teens). However, making big mistakes allowed her to also learn big lessons early in life, and by the time the novel begins, Maya is not afraid to go after what she wants, except when she believes doing so will disappoint someone she cares about. As a result, she is bold in her pursuit of Conor because she knows she wants him and doesn’t see a problem with the 15 years between them since she’s grown up so much in a short time. In response to this, Conor tells her “you haven’t been easy a second in your life” (28), and this statement represents Maya’s determination to pursue Conor when she knows it is what they both want.

Maya’s confidence is challenged when she fears how others (particularly Eli) will view her actions and, by extension, her.