Jen Ferguson’s second YA novel, Those Pink Mountain Nights, builds on the success of her debut and introduces readers to new characters and themes in her gripping storytelling style.

In a small Alberta town somewhere between Calgary and Banff National Park, for one week the lives of Berlin, Jessie and Cameron are turned upside down. All work the night shift at Pink Mountain Pizza, a town institution, a place where the employees are trusted and allowed to follow their hearts, the three teenagers make some personal discoveries that will inevitably shape their futures.

Jen Ferguson packs a punch in this beautiful book. Alternating in voice between Berlin, Cameron and Jessie, readers delve into the minds of three very different teenagers, all trying to forge their own paths to adulthood and getting through the mess of adolescence.

There is SO MUCH to unpack about this story. Centering around very real and very intense happenings in the lives of teenagers. These teens are facing the fallout of the ending of a friendship, mental health struggles, abusive home lives, racism and learning disabilities. On it’s surface, one might assume that this story is sad and devoid of hope. Don’t get me wrong, its pretty sad at times and certainly intense but not without hope. Jen Ferguson gifts readers with an enemies to friends who kiss storyline along with the coming of age storyline that come from the very best of YA novels.

Those Pink Mountain Nights was extremely hard to put down. I found myself screaming inside about some of the choices these teens and their families were making but this was also a very gentle story. When the main characters themselves were together, they held each other with grace and dignity. This book is filled to the brim with compassion and a care for each other that is present in the best of friendships. 

I particularly thought the presence of the friendship coming to an end was an excellent choice. I also loved that the resolution was not rose coloured glasses. The ending of a friendship is something we all experience over time. People grow apart, make bad choices, or have an intense experience that makes the friendship impossible to maintain. Friendship breakups are sometimes more intense than romantic breakups. Jen Ferguson examines the intensity and the confusion with patience. As readers, we can’t help but be invested in what has caused the friendship to sever, thanks to the brilliant writing.

Kiki, the missing teen, is present throughout as Jen Ferguson slowly unravels her story through poetry mixed here and there between the chapters. Readers are given hints to what has caused her to disappear but she saves the ultimate reveal to the very end, leaving readers in suspense and speculating throughout the whole book.

I’m a huge fan and Jen Ferguson’s work will always be a must read in my opinion.