Carpe Diem by Autumn Cornwell is a young adult novel that follows 16-year-old Vassar Spore, an overachiever who values academic success above all else. Her parents, both high achievers, have instilled in her a relentless drive to be the best, and she plans to spend her summer vacation taking advanced classes. However, her grandmother, Gerd, intervenes and convinces her parents to send Vassar backpacking through Southeast Asia. Initially resistant, Vassar finds herself in a world of unpredictability, far from her carefully controlled life. As she navigates challenges, including a mysterious art project and a blossoming romance with a charming boy named Hanks, Vassar learns to embrace the moment and let go of her rigid plans. Through unexpected adventures and personal growth, she discovers the importance of living freely and experiencing life beyond academic success.
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