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The Bermudez Triangle
What happens when your two best friends fall in love...with each other?
Their friendship went so far back, it bordered on the Biblical -- in the beginning, there was Nina and Avery and Mel. So says high school senior Nina Bermudez about herself and her two best friends, nicknamed "The Bermudez Triangle" by a jealous wannabe back on Nina's eleventh birthday. But the threesome faces their first separation when Nina goes away the summer before their senior year. And in ten short weeks, everything changes. Nina returns home bursting with stories about Steve, the quirky yet adorable eco-warrior she fell for hard while away. But when she asks her best friends about their summer romances, an awkward silence follows. Nina soon learns the shocking truth when she sees Mel and Avery...kissing. Their friendship is rocked by what feels like the ultimate challenge. But it's only the beginning of a sometimes painful, sometimes funny, always gripping journey as three girls discover who they are and what they really want.
Their friendship went so far back, it bordered on the Biblical -- in the beginning, there was Nina and Avery and Mel. So says high school senior Nina Bermudez about herself and her two best friends, nicknamed "The Bermudez Triangle" by a jealous wannabe back on Nina's eleventh birthday. But the threesome faces their first separation when Nina goes away the summer before their senior year. And in ten short weeks, everything changes. Nina returns home bursting with stories about Steve, the quirky yet adorable eco-warrior she fell for hard while away. But when she asks her best friends about their summer romances, an awkward silence follows. Nina soon learns the shocking truth when she sees Mel and Avery...kissing. Their friendship is rocked by what feels like the ultimate challenge. But it's only the beginning of a sometimes painful, sometimes funny, always gripping journey as three girls discover who they are and what they really want.
370 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2004
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February 9, 2017
In a search of recent "LGBT" young adult novels, Maureen Johnson's The Bermudez Triangle (recently republished as On the Count of Three) pops up pretty early on. I procrastinated reading this for a long time, partially because I have learned what to expect from so-called mainstream queer YA. I was mildly intrigued enough by the re-issued copy to splurge on it at Barnes & Noble, all in the name of research of course.
The thing is, I really want to like this book. I would have given it four stars, aside from a few things. I loved the three best friend characters and I think Johnson did a really great job of developing the three of them individually. It helps that the book is entirely in third person, switching between the perspectives of Mel, Avery, and Nina. The reader learns how these three think without having to delve completely into a first person account of their inane ramblings (we all have inane ramblings, after all). I think the premise of this book is really great. It's not just a coming-out story; it's the story of three girls coming of age and figuring out who they are and who they want to be in the future. This is definitely one of the more realistic YAs I've ever read and although I found some of the details (particularly the random brand-name references that appeared throughout) to be overwhelming, I'd rather have an over-detailed world than one with no details at all. It was easy to get attached to these three girls in their world, especially their varying relationships.
I'll be honest: I was rooting for Mel and Avery the whole time. A romantic relationship with your best friend? Count me in. I've read reviews commenting on the "innocence" of the book, in that all we ever see the girls do is make out, but I don't necessarily see this as a bad thing. The early stages of their relationship made me smile in spite of myself. I certainly liked Mel and Avery better than Nina and Steve. Steve felt rather under-developed and definitely stereotyped, so I don't know how Johnson expected the reader to root for him and Nina. It's not that I don't believe in long-distance relationships, but Nina was clearly putting in more effort and had more invested. Parker is probably my second-favorite character in the entire book. He's quirky and weird and nice. Maybe he doesn't have his whole life figured out at 17, but who does? I wanted him to end up with Nina so badly, From an outsider's perspective, Nina is pathetically holding on to someone who's only interested in a relationship if it's convenient.
But the relationship disappointments are the least of my concern when it comes to my rating for this book. Most of my issues come down to the way Johnson deals with the queer aspect of the story - arguably what the entire book is about. We have Mel, who--thank god!--isn't your stereotypical closeted lesbian. She has always known that she liked girls, but "the only thing she'd never done was write the word in the caption of the self-portrait that she'd kept in her head" (45). This is the beginning of the struggle with labels in this book. Other than a few instances, Mel refers to herself (and is referred to) as gay, not lesbian. I don't know enough about lesbian politics to know if this is intentional and realistic, or just a slip on Johnson's part as a heterosexual cis-woman. That being said, I think Johnson deals with homo/lesbo-phobia very realistically, particularly when you consider this book is almost a decade old. Mel and Avery's entire relationship seems to revolve around visibility, especially Avery's fear of it. Where Mel reacts to being outted pragmatically with a minimum of embarrassment, Avery seems to live in fear of being seen as gay, . The reader is led to sort of hate Avery for being so secretive and scared of her own sexuality, but can you really blame her when you see the environment she lives in? Both Avery and Mel have some serious internalized homophobia (and biphobia, which I'll get to later). Mel's mom's reaction to finding out Mel is gay is a great example of this; she points out all the ways this is going to "ruin" Mel's life. While Mel is portrayed as girly and cute, Avery realizes that she "would be seen as the rough dyke who lusted after the cheerleaders and couldn't be trusted in the locker room after gym" (161). The irony is that Mel actually is a lesbian, whereas Avery refuses to admit what she is at all.
This brings me to the major reason I can't say I like The Bermudez Triangle: the somewhat random and unacknowledged biphobia*, and the result of turning against Avery. While Mel is a "gold-star lesbian" who knew all along and never really dated boys, Avery admits that she's confused and insists several times that she's not gay. At one point, she considers sitting with the other queer kids in the cafeteria, but then rejects that idea since she doesn't relate to any of them--nor does she want to be associated with bisexuals like "Felicia Clark, the outspoken 'if you have a pulse, I'm interested' bisexual sex addict" (121). When Nina asks Avery about her sexuality, Avery becomes embarrassed when asked if she likes guys and girls. Bisexuality becomes associated with excessive sexuality. For Avery, "something about that question made her feel like..a glutton. Like she wanted everyone. Guys, girls, dogs, cats, populations of whole cities" (186). A conversation between Avery and Mel reveals Avery's resistance to labels of any kind, a kind of confusion that delegitimizes almost everything Avery does.
While at the time, what Avery says sounds sort of romantic, setting her and Mel apart from labels, her statement appears invalid when viewed in the context . I glanced through a lot of other reviews, a lot of whom were very adamant about hating Avery as a character. In so many ways, Avery is the stereotypical confused, slutty bisexual: she gets involved in a serious, monogamous 'lesbian' relationship, but then her inherent bisexuality gets in the way and she goes off and sleeps with a guy because she can't handle the pressure of being a lesbian. She has heterosexual privilege since her relationship with Mel represents her lesbian phase. And because she's so sexually confused, she ends up pushing away her two best friends. She's so confused she can't even decide if she wants to apply to music school or not.
I feel like the queer community is supposed to just love Maureen Johnson for writing this ground-breaking lesbian young adult novel as a straight woman. And then on top of that she's representing bisexuals too! The thing is, it's not enough to write queer characters. It's not enough to represent multiple sexual identities, especially when they're portrayed stereotypically and not analyzed whatsoever. I wouldn't have minded the slut-shaming and the biphobic stereotypes if Johnson had just paused to analyze them, rather than portraying them as a statement of fact. Ultimately, this book really upset me. Sure, it's almost ten years old, but the reality is that bisexual people are still erased, still stereotyped, and no one wants to talk about it. So yes, I'm angry at being represented by unquestioned stereotypes. I'm also angry that this is one of the 'best' lesbian young adult books out there. Ladies, we deserve more.
*For this analysis, I'm indebted to 's Bi: Notes for a Bi Revolution, which I'm currently reading alongside other books.
The thing is, I really want to like this book. I would have given it four stars, aside from a few things. I loved the three best friend characters and I think Johnson did a really great job of developing the three of them individually. It helps that the book is entirely in third person, switching between the perspectives of Mel, Avery, and Nina. The reader learns how these three think without having to delve completely into a first person account of their inane ramblings (we all have inane ramblings, after all). I think the premise of this book is really great. It's not just a coming-out story; it's the story of three girls coming of age and figuring out who they are and who they want to be in the future. This is definitely one of the more realistic YAs I've ever read and although I found some of the details (particularly the random brand-name references that appeared throughout) to be overwhelming, I'd rather have an over-detailed world than one with no details at all. It was easy to get attached to these three girls in their world, especially their varying relationships.
I'll be honest: I was rooting for Mel and Avery the whole time. A romantic relationship with your best friend? Count me in. I've read reviews commenting on the "innocence" of the book, in that all we ever see the girls do is make out, but I don't necessarily see this as a bad thing. The early stages of their relationship made me smile in spite of myself. I certainly liked Mel and Avery better than Nina and Steve. Steve felt rather under-developed and definitely stereotyped, so I don't know how Johnson expected the reader to root for him and Nina. It's not that I don't believe in long-distance relationships, but Nina was clearly putting in more effort and had more invested. Parker is probably my second-favorite character in the entire book. He's quirky and weird and nice. Maybe he doesn't have his whole life figured out at 17, but who does? I wanted him to end up with Nina so badly, From an outsider's perspective, Nina is pathetically holding on to someone who's only interested in a relationship if it's convenient.
But the relationship disappointments are the least of my concern when it comes to my rating for this book. Most of my issues come down to the way Johnson deals with the queer aspect of the story - arguably what the entire book is about. We have Mel, who--thank god!--isn't your stereotypical closeted lesbian. She has always known that she liked girls, but "the only thing she'd never done was write the word in the caption of the self-portrait that she'd kept in her head" (45). This is the beginning of the struggle with labels in this book. Other than a few instances, Mel refers to herself (and is referred to) as gay, not lesbian. I don't know enough about lesbian politics to know if this is intentional and realistic, or just a slip on Johnson's part as a heterosexual cis-woman. That being said, I think Johnson deals with homo/lesbo-phobia very realistically, particularly when you consider this book is almost a decade old. Mel and Avery's entire relationship seems to revolve around visibility, especially Avery's fear of it. Where Mel reacts to being outted pragmatically with a minimum of embarrassment, Avery seems to live in fear of being seen as gay, . The reader is led to sort of hate Avery for being so secretive and scared of her own sexuality, but can you really blame her when you see the environment she lives in? Both Avery and Mel have some serious internalized homophobia (and biphobia, which I'll get to later). Mel's mom's reaction to finding out Mel is gay is a great example of this; she points out all the ways this is going to "ruin" Mel's life. While Mel is portrayed as girly and cute, Avery realizes that she "would be seen as the rough dyke who lusted after the cheerleaders and couldn't be trusted in the locker room after gym" (161). The irony is that Mel actually is a lesbian, whereas Avery refuses to admit what she is at all.
This brings me to the major reason I can't say I like The Bermudez Triangle: the somewhat random and unacknowledged biphobia*, and the result of turning against Avery. While Mel is a "gold-star lesbian" who knew all along and never really dated boys, Avery admits that she's confused and insists several times that she's not gay. At one point, she considers sitting with the other queer kids in the cafeteria, but then rejects that idea since she doesn't relate to any of them--nor does she want to be associated with bisexuals like "Felicia Clark, the outspoken 'if you have a pulse, I'm interested' bisexual sex addict" (121). When Nina asks Avery about her sexuality, Avery becomes embarrassed when asked if she likes guys and girls. Bisexuality becomes associated with excessive sexuality. For Avery, "something about that question made her feel like..a glutton. Like she wanted everyone. Guys, girls, dogs, cats, populations of whole cities" (186). A conversation between Avery and Mel reveals Avery's resistance to labels of any kind, a kind of confusion that delegitimizes almost everything Avery does.
"I'm not gay." Avery said it again, very clearly and sternly.
"Okay," Mel said, trying to be conciliatory. "You're bi."
"Stop trying to tell me what I am!" Avery snapped.
Mel stepped back in shock. She could understand that Avery might not feel comfortable being labeled gay--Mel still had trouble with this sometimes--but being bi wasn't exactly something she could deny.
"This isn't the same as other people," Avery went on. "The bi girls, they go back and forth. We're just…together (152).
While at the time, what Avery says sounds sort of romantic, setting her and Mel apart from labels, her statement appears invalid when viewed in the context . I glanced through a lot of other reviews, a lot of whom were very adamant about hating Avery as a character. In so many ways, Avery is the stereotypical confused, slutty bisexual: she gets involved in a serious, monogamous 'lesbian' relationship, but then her inherent bisexuality gets in the way and she goes off and sleeps with a guy because she can't handle the pressure of being a lesbian. She has heterosexual privilege since her relationship with Mel represents her lesbian phase. And because she's so sexually confused, she ends up pushing away her two best friends. She's so confused she can't even decide if she wants to apply to music school or not.
I feel like the queer community is supposed to just love Maureen Johnson for writing this ground-breaking lesbian young adult novel as a straight woman. And then on top of that she's representing bisexuals too! The thing is, it's not enough to write queer characters. It's not enough to represent multiple sexual identities, especially when they're portrayed stereotypically and not analyzed whatsoever. I wouldn't have minded the slut-shaming and the biphobic stereotypes if Johnson had just paused to analyze them, rather than portraying them as a statement of fact. Ultimately, this book really upset me. Sure, it's almost ten years old, but the reality is that bisexual people are still erased, still stereotyped, and no one wants to talk about it. So yes, I'm angry at being represented by unquestioned stereotypes. I'm also angry that this is one of the 'best' lesbian young adult books out there. Ladies, we deserve more.
*For this analysis, I'm indebted to 's Bi: Notes for a Bi Revolution, which I'm currently reading alongside other books.
February 3, 2015
Maureen Johnson used to be "an author I really want to check out." Now, she is a kick-ass author whose books I must own.
Bermudez Triangle tackles serious issues with wit, grit and humor. Characters are true and they make real mistakes with actions and reactions honestly and unapologetically portrayed. The dialogue is spot-on, as is the spontaneity unique to the young.
This was a quick, compelling and captivating read and I'm sure the start of a whole new obsession.
Bermudez Triangle tackles serious issues with wit, grit and humor. Characters are true and they make real mistakes with actions and reactions honestly and unapologetically portrayed. The dialogue is spot-on, as is the spontaneity unique to the young.
This was a quick, compelling and captivating read and I'm sure the start of a whole new obsession.
September 14, 2007
This is the book I wanted to read from Maureen Johnson; it's the story of Nina and her two best friends, Mel and Avery -- when Nina spends the summer at a pre-college program, Mel and Avery fall in love. Johnson handles the difficulties of coming out in high school deftly, and Mel -- who struggles with knowing that she's gay and knowing that Avery, her girlfriend, probably isn't -- is a wonderfully sympathetic character, possibly my favorite in the book. The real world of course doesn't always have a happy ending like the book does, but Nina's struggle with feeling left out when her two closest friends are in love, Avery's struggle with loving Mel but not being certain she's a lesbian, and Mel's broken heart all keep the book moving wonderfully, and unlike some of Johnson's other books, this felt like it played the emotional undertones out to their fullest extent. Wonderful.
June 26, 2008
Wow! I really liked it! This is the third book I've read by Maureen Johnson, and it was definitely my fave of her books that I've read so far; although 13 Little Blue Envelopes is a very close second, i thought parts of it were a little far-fetched. But I thought that The Bermudez Triangle was a really good and believable story, and addressed an extremely important topic that a lot of people are uncomfortable to discuss w/family and friends. The characters were very well-developed, and the plot was gripping. I loved it, and highly recommend it. :)
June 23, 2015
I love this book's premise so, so, so very much. I think it does a marvelous job with a marvelous idea, and becomes a rather useful story about gay teenagers and friendship. I'm really glad it's a book. Some of the stuff holding it up didn't work as well for me, so this is gonna go on the record with 3 stars, because that weakness holds it back from being a really wonderful book. But it is a wonderful subject.
A few things could have balanced a little better for me. My biggest problem was Nina and this long-distance email boyfriend story. Few things about that. First, Nina's emails to him are clingy and unflattering. It's realistic, almost as realistic as Mel's (more understandable, I think) clingy excitement with Avery, and when those were happening at the same time I thought we were going to get a lesson about the parallel. We didn't, but then when long-distance Steve went cold, I thought we were going to get a different lesson about it.
Not so: Steve came back. And Nina said ok. Said no to the charming good friend Parker, pawning him off to Scarf Girl in the last sentence like Ducky's random girl at the end of Pretty In Pink. Still realistic? But... unsatisfying for a novel. I can't help but think of how much I liked the boyfriend lesson in Johnson's story , because it feels almost like a rewrite of this one: Sometimes the perfect achiever amazing guys are actually very bad for you, because truthfully, their achievement comes first in their hearts.
Now some additional business.
I was going to mention in this review that it couldn't be more obvious that the book banners who come after this one couldn't be more wrong -- the characters' actual sexual feelings are handled very very discreetly, and a few teenage jokes are made regarding the subject at large, and that is it for "adult" content in the book. So it is completely clear: this book gets banned because two girls date in it.
So I was going to just say that, and then when this flared up again in Florida. But as you'll see -- the video's gone. So I'm completely thrown. Warner has inexplicably had it removed from the site for infringement. So that's... really nice and shady, there. What is going on? How could that be?
Here's what I remember about her statements: In addition to pointing out the above facts herself (that there is nothing at all to be considered "adult" in the novel), she highlighted that the main point is the positive response she has received about the book. She talked about teenagers who have contacted her to thank her for a book that they felt helped them. She said, what gives you the right to make the decision to keep this book unavailable to someone who might need it?
She did directly reference news footage from the time (which could possibly be owned by WB), mostly interviews with her accusers getting the mic. Though, to my memory she didn't use any footage, and just linked to some, which she suggested you watch so you know exactly what her attackers are saying. It was very well done.
Just thought it should be said, since it seems she can't even oppose her own censorship without getting censored. Which is about the most shameful thing I've ever heard.
Should you happen to remember more of the author's statements from this video, I think it could be good to collect comments about it.
A few things could have balanced a little better for me. My biggest problem was Nina and this long-distance email boyfriend story. Few things about that. First, Nina's emails to him are clingy and unflattering. It's realistic, almost as realistic as Mel's (more understandable, I think) clingy excitement with Avery, and when those were happening at the same time I thought we were going to get a lesson about the parallel. We didn't, but then when long-distance Steve went cold, I thought we were going to get a different lesson about it.
Not so: Steve came back. And Nina said ok. Said no to the charming good friend Parker, pawning him off to Scarf Girl in the last sentence like Ducky's random girl at the end of Pretty In Pink. Still realistic? But... unsatisfying for a novel. I can't help but think of how much I liked the boyfriend lesson in Johnson's story , because it feels almost like a rewrite of this one: Sometimes the perfect achiever amazing guys are actually very bad for you, because truthfully, their achievement comes first in their hearts.
Now some additional business.
I was going to mention in this review that it couldn't be more obvious that the book banners who come after this one couldn't be more wrong -- the characters' actual sexual feelings are handled very very discreetly, and a few teenage jokes are made regarding the subject at large, and that is it for "adult" content in the book. So it is completely clear: this book gets banned because two girls date in it.
So I was going to just say that, and then when this flared up again in Florida. But as you'll see -- the video's gone. So I'm completely thrown. Warner has inexplicably had it removed from the site for infringement. So that's... really nice and shady, there. What is going on? How could that be?
Here's what I remember about her statements: In addition to pointing out the above facts herself (that there is nothing at all to be considered "adult" in the novel), she highlighted that the main point is the positive response she has received about the book. She talked about teenagers who have contacted her to thank her for a book that they felt helped them. She said, what gives you the right to make the decision to keep this book unavailable to someone who might need it?
She did directly reference news footage from the time (which could possibly be owned by WB), mostly interviews with her accusers getting the mic. Though, to my memory she didn't use any footage, and just linked to some, which she suggested you watch so you know exactly what her attackers are saying. It was very well done.
Just thought it should be said, since it seems she can't even oppose her own censorship without getting censored. Which is about the most shameful thing I've ever heard.
Should you happen to remember more of the author's statements from this video, I think it could be good to collect comments about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2019
I've read 113 pages and I'll stop.
The story is about three best friends in their senior year at High School. While dominant Nina had been at leadership camp during summer break, witty Avery and shy, fragile Mel became lovers, which somehow shifted the angles of their former perfect triangle into a mismatched thing that leaves Nina feeling superfluous / not really wanted. The only person Nina would like to chew this out with is her absent and busy long-distance boyfriend Steve (a summer souvenir), who is too considerate, too much in harmony with the environment and too friendly. Readers like me get suspicious by this kind of overzealous behavior on the spot.
It's not that I did not enjoy "The Bermudez Triangle" because of the lesbian love focus. In my opinion a good love story is a good love story. But apart from Jubilee and Steven in Maureen Johnson's protagonists and I do not seem to click. were kind of fun - although I observed the heroine in a kind of detached way, but fell completely flat for me, which I also hold Scarlett and the rest of her mottled crew responsible for.
In addition, the 'Triangle' plot runs on a rather depressing note. The elements strewn in for fun (Nina's underwear-stealing roommate etc.) were not strong enough to rise the gloomy mess out of the pit. But that may be just my point of view.
The story is about three best friends in their senior year at High School. While dominant Nina had been at leadership camp during summer break, witty Avery and shy, fragile Mel became lovers, which somehow shifted the angles of their former perfect triangle into a mismatched thing that leaves Nina feeling superfluous / not really wanted. The only person Nina would like to chew this out with is her absent and busy long-distance boyfriend Steve (a summer souvenir), who is too considerate, too much in harmony with the environment and too friendly. Readers like me get suspicious by this kind of overzealous behavior on the spot.
It's not that I did not enjoy "The Bermudez Triangle" because of the lesbian love focus. In my opinion a good love story is a good love story. But apart from Jubilee and Steven in Maureen Johnson's protagonists and I do not seem to click. were kind of fun - although I observed the heroine in a kind of detached way, but fell completely flat for me, which I also hold Scarlett and the rest of her mottled crew responsible for.
In addition, the 'Triangle' plot runs on a rather depressing note. The elements strewn in for fun (Nina's underwear-stealing roommate etc.) were not strong enough to rise the gloomy mess out of the pit. But that may be just my point of view.
November 30, 2017
Weer een prachtig boek van Maureen Johnson! Hierin wordt goed verwerkt dat een sterke vriendschap onvoorwaardelijk is, ondanks ruzies en moeilijkheden. Daarnaast nog het aspect uit de kast komen en het ontdekken van je geaardheid. Goed beschreven in dit boek! Het eerste stuk was wel even inkomen, maar daarna las het als een trein.
November 10, 2017
Note: The first few pages of the novel start off with every cliche writing trope. I recommend pushing through, as those are the only pages that are cliche.
Why I Recommend Bumping This UP On Your TBR:
1) Two of the three characters have interesting journeys when it comes to sexual orientation identity development. At the end of the book it seems like they're both straight, but before we get to the end of the book they sure participate in some not-straight things (one is in a relationship with her female best friend and the other has a lot of thoughts about her female best friends that I don't imagine straight people tend to have). This "heterofluid" identity made me think a lot.
2) The third protagonist identifies as a lesbian and her coming out story is worthwhile.
3) The characters are worth reading, so character-driven readers will enjoy.
4) Johnson's writing choices are interesting because she skips over the scenes that other authors would describe and drag out. I appreciate this quirk to her story-telling A LOT, because she focuses on the befores and afters of big events, which makes the stories mirror life more believably.
Why You Might Bump This Down On Your TBR: If you mind normalized cheating, I would skip this. Also, Johnson includes some skimmable filler descriptions that are unnecessary. Her writing style doesn't work for every reader. Also, if you are expecting a book about three queer girls, or even an f/f romance, that is not what you'll be getting here.
Why I Recommend Bumping This UP On Your TBR:
1) Two of the three characters have interesting journeys when it comes to sexual orientation identity development. At the end of the book it seems like they're both straight, but before we get to the end of the book they sure participate in some not-straight things (one is in a relationship with her female best friend and the other has a lot of thoughts about her female best friends that I don't imagine straight people tend to have). This "heterofluid" identity made me think a lot.
2) The third protagonist identifies as a lesbian and her coming out story is worthwhile.
3) The characters are worth reading, so character-driven readers will enjoy.
4) Johnson's writing choices are interesting because she skips over the scenes that other authors would describe and drag out. I appreciate this quirk to her story-telling A LOT, because she focuses on the befores and afters of big events, which makes the stories mirror life more believably.
Why You Might Bump This Down On Your TBR: If you mind normalized cheating, I would skip this. Also, Johnson includes some skimmable filler descriptions that are unnecessary. Her writing style doesn't work for every reader. Also, if you are expecting a book about three queer girls, or even an f/f romance, that is not what you'll be getting here.
January 1, 2013
I feel guilty only giving this book two stars, since it really was worth at least 2.5, and as well, Maureen Johnson is one of my favourite authors. However, I couldn't bring myself to award it a full three stars.
I didn't find any of the main characters particularly likeable. Avery is aloof and flake-ish, and ultimately never takes responsibility for her actions. Mel is the typical weak personality, relies on everybody else to speak and think for her. She's also incredibly clingy, to basically everybody. Nina seems like a strong independent character, but she is obsessive about Steve and despite him treating her like utter garbage, constantly, she continually makes excuses for him and forgives him. Her obsession turns her into a very selfish character, and made me lose a lot of respect for her.
I found the conclusion to be a little forced, and at the same time, lacking real resolution.
This is Maureen Johnson's first novel, and whilst it's not weak, she has certainly developed and matured her writing style in subsequent books. Definitely not my favourite, but overall, not a complete letdown.
I didn't find any of the main characters particularly likeable. Avery is aloof and flake-ish, and ultimately never takes responsibility for her actions. Mel is the typical weak personality, relies on everybody else to speak and think for her. She's also incredibly clingy, to basically everybody. Nina seems like a strong independent character, but she is obsessive about Steve and despite him treating her like utter garbage, constantly, she continually makes excuses for him and forgives him. Her obsession turns her into a very selfish character, and made me lose a lot of respect for her.
I found the conclusion to be a little forced, and at the same time, lacking real resolution.
This is Maureen Johnson's first novel, and whilst it's not weak, she has certainly developed and matured her writing style in subsequent books. Definitely not my favourite, but overall, not a complete letdown.
December 24, 2013
Short review: Biphobic trainwreck.
Longer review: See my comments at
Longer review: See my comments at
December 30, 2014
This is more like 3.5 stars for me, mostly for the ending, which just fizzled out, after a strong beginning, strong middle, even strong leading up to the end . . . but the end was a nope. Rounding up though, because I’m just magnamimous like that.
The Bermudez Triangle (I refuse to ackowledge its new title) follows Nina, Avery, and Mel, who have been best friends since they were small children. In the summer before their senior year, Nina goes away to a college prep program in California, and Avery and Mel . . . fall in love. When she comes back home, all three have to navigate around the new dynamics in their relationships. Nina feels like an outsider. Avery and Mel struggle with coming out (or not coming out) as a couple in their high school. And while Mel has pretty much always known she was gay, Avery only becomes more and more confused as the book goes on.
I loved Mel. Loved her to bits. And although she frustrated me, I really liked reading about Avery’s struggles with her sexuality, trying to define who and what she was. The more confused she became, the more true to life it felt. Nina was interesting at first, and her struggle to fit herself back into the triangle of her previous friendship was pretty solid, but her romantic drama got more tiresome as the book went on. By the time the story was over, I didn’t care who she ended up with in the slightest. In fact, I don’t even remember how her story ended.
The ‘meh� of Nina for me was only a small problem, and until I got to the ending, I was ready to give this a solid four stars. And then somehow, the book managed an ending that was both cliche and incredibly anti-climactic. Without spoiling anything, the ending resolved the action of the plot, but not the emotion. I felt almost no resolution at all upon finishing the book. I’m not sure exactly why I felt this way, and it’s not like the ending ruined what came before it, only undercut it and made it feel less important somehow. It’s like if you watched a magician do a pretty great magic show for forty-five minutes–cutting edge illusions, low-key setting–and when it came time for the last trick, supposedly the best trick, the magician pulls his hat off his head, pulls a rabbit out of the hat, and then just sort of wanders off. The rabbit hops around for a while and then disappears. All of that? And then *that*? What was the point?
Anyway, most of the book was really very good, and I shall try and remember it fondly.
The Bermudez Triangle (I refuse to ackowledge its new title) follows Nina, Avery, and Mel, who have been best friends since they were small children. In the summer before their senior year, Nina goes away to a college prep program in California, and Avery and Mel . . . fall in love. When she comes back home, all three have to navigate around the new dynamics in their relationships. Nina feels like an outsider. Avery and Mel struggle with coming out (or not coming out) as a couple in their high school. And while Mel has pretty much always known she was gay, Avery only becomes more and more confused as the book goes on.
I loved Mel. Loved her to bits. And although she frustrated me, I really liked reading about Avery’s struggles with her sexuality, trying to define who and what she was. The more confused she became, the more true to life it felt. Nina was interesting at first, and her struggle to fit herself back into the triangle of her previous friendship was pretty solid, but her romantic drama got more tiresome as the book went on. By the time the story was over, I didn’t care who she ended up with in the slightest. In fact, I don’t even remember how her story ended.
The ‘meh� of Nina for me was only a small problem, and until I got to the ending, I was ready to give this a solid four stars. And then somehow, the book managed an ending that was both cliche and incredibly anti-climactic. Without spoiling anything, the ending resolved the action of the plot, but not the emotion. I felt almost no resolution at all upon finishing the book. I’m not sure exactly why I felt this way, and it’s not like the ending ruined what came before it, only undercut it and made it feel less important somehow. It’s like if you watched a magician do a pretty great magic show for forty-five minutes–cutting edge illusions, low-key setting–and when it came time for the last trick, supposedly the best trick, the magician pulls his hat off his head, pulls a rabbit out of the hat, and then just sort of wanders off. The rabbit hops around for a while and then disappears. All of that? And then *that*? What was the point?
Anyway, most of the book was really very good, and I shall try and remember it fondly.
April 17, 2012
I had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book. All I really knew about it was that one of my favorite authors (John Green) is friends with the author, Maureen Johnson, and that there was some controversy awhile ago over whether or not the book was appropriate for school libraries. John Green had at the time said that it was a ridiculous discussion because there was nothing in the book that was remotely ban-worthy. Curious, I ordered the book, and I agree with him, there's no reason to ban this book.
"The Bermudez Triangle" deals with the topics of teen homosexuality, coming out, friendships, acceptance, and different kinds of love. Nina, Avery, and Mel have been friends for years and years, then Nina comes home from a summer learning experience to discover that Avery and Mel have started dating, and the world just gets more confusing from there.
I thought this was beautifully handled. Regardless about how a person feels personally about homosexuality, the fact is that it's out there, and that some people feel that way and we need to love them, and our personal opinion of their choice shouldn't matter. These girls have to work through all of that, deal with haters and prejudice, and the general confusion of being teenagers in love. It's not easy for any of them, but in the end they work their way through it.
One of the best things about this book is that the characters and situations feel realistic. Now that may sound strange coming from the mouth of someone who primarily reads fantasy, but within that genre my favorite books tend to be the one's where I can see the characters as being realistic people (in their given situation). Nina, Avery, Mel, and their friends, all felt like people that you could meet walking down the street. They each have their quirks of course, and they make mistakes, but the situations and their responses are some that you could find in any high school in America. It provides a perfect setting for the message of understanding that is laced through out the book.
"The Bermudez Triangle" deals with the topics of teen homosexuality, coming out, friendships, acceptance, and different kinds of love. Nina, Avery, and Mel have been friends for years and years, then Nina comes home from a summer learning experience to discover that Avery and Mel have started dating, and the world just gets more confusing from there.
I thought this was beautifully handled. Regardless about how a person feels personally about homosexuality, the fact is that it's out there, and that some people feel that way and we need to love them, and our personal opinion of their choice shouldn't matter. These girls have to work through all of that, deal with haters and prejudice, and the general confusion of being teenagers in love. It's not easy for any of them, but in the end they work their way through it.
One of the best things about this book is that the characters and situations feel realistic. Now that may sound strange coming from the mouth of someone who primarily reads fantasy, but within that genre my favorite books tend to be the one's where I can see the characters as being realistic people (in their given situation). Nina, Avery, Mel, and their friends, all felt like people that you could meet walking down the street. They each have their quirks of course, and they make mistakes, but the situations and their responses are some that you could find in any high school in America. It provides a perfect setting for the message of understanding that is laced through out the book.
December 20, 2007
Maureen Johnson's second novel, The Bermudez Triangle, was famously banned by a school library in Oklahoma. Why? Lesbian content. I know! In a young adult book! Whatever next? Is it shocking and likely to corrupt our teenagers? Is it heck!
When Nina Bermudez goes attends a college study program during the summer, her best friends and the other two sides of the triangle (I wanted to say "titular triangle" there, but I thought, given the whole banning thing, I'd better not), Avery and Melanie don't know how they're going to manage without her. But before too long, they find that
For the rest of this review, read
When Nina Bermudez goes attends a college study program during the summer, her best friends and the other two sides of the triangle (I wanted to say "titular triangle" there, but I thought, given the whole banning thing, I'd better not), Avery and Melanie don't know how they're going to manage without her. But before too long, they find that
For the rest of this review, read
July 2, 2013
I loved this book! It's a lot deeper than some other YA books. I liked how Maureen Johnson explained each side of the story realistically. Although the middle is kind of dry, it's a good book with lots of heart. I learned that a lot of people have similar reactions when their good friends "come out" to them. It's neat and I really enjoyed how it wasn't biased and it showed true struggle between friends. AMAZING!
July 25, 2019
Another book for my 30 Years 30 Books project. I’ve read several MJ books, but have owned this for a long time without reading it. It was a good read, but doesn’t stand out too much. I absolutely love her latest books.
February 10, 2009
It’s the summer before their senior year and Nina, Avery, and Mel are not spending their time together. Nina is going to leadership camp all the way in California, and Avery and Mel are working at a local Irish diner. What happens to all of them over the summer is so unexpected that no one can predict how it will change their friendship forever.
At camp, Nina falls in love with Steve, her eco-warrior boyfriend. Steve is her first love, but he also happens to live in Oregon, 3000 miles away from where she lives in New York. Both are determined to remain together until they can see each other again the following year when they both get into Stanford for college, but until then they have to get through senior year.
Nina comes home with her head full of Steve, only to stumble into shocking news: over the summer, Avery and Mel have kissed, and now they’re a couple! Nina is left feeling like a third wheel, but all is not paradise in her friends� land. While Mel is certain she’s a lesbian, Avery’s having mixed feelings. Is it possible she only likes girls when the girl is her best friend, Mel?
Senior year is a time of maturation and understanding for the three members of the “Bermudez triangle� (called that because Bermudez is Nina’s last name). While I found the ending a little too perfect, THE BERMUDEZ TRIANGLE is an excellently written book that explores the complications of love and friendship.
At camp, Nina falls in love with Steve, her eco-warrior boyfriend. Steve is her first love, but he also happens to live in Oregon, 3000 miles away from where she lives in New York. Both are determined to remain together until they can see each other again the following year when they both get into Stanford for college, but until then they have to get through senior year.
Nina comes home with her head full of Steve, only to stumble into shocking news: over the summer, Avery and Mel have kissed, and now they’re a couple! Nina is left feeling like a third wheel, but all is not paradise in her friends� land. While Mel is certain she’s a lesbian, Avery’s having mixed feelings. Is it possible she only likes girls when the girl is her best friend, Mel?
Senior year is a time of maturation and understanding for the three members of the “Bermudez triangle� (called that because Bermudez is Nina’s last name). While I found the ending a little too perfect, THE BERMUDEZ TRIANGLE is an excellently written book that explores the complications of love and friendship.
May 10, 2013
At first I was going to give this book two stars for being... insipid. During the first half to two-thirds of the book, it seemed that all the characters were two-dimensional and overly stereotypical/characterized... think of the way Spice Girls or Babysitters Club created characters so that each reader/listener could happily identify with the girl of their choice. Nina is the responsible, brainy one (who just happens to be wildly beautiful), Avery is the artsy less-than-responsible one (but a totally loyal friend), and Mel is the cutesy shy one. Steve is a crunchy granola boy with a keen intellect and an amazingly good heart, and Parker is a clown (ditto to the good heart). In the beginning, I didn't particularly like any of them, and I found their struggles... minimally important. Teenybopperish. And yes, I know, it's a YA novel, but what I like about most YA novels is that they transcend OMG TTYL LOL No he di-int stuff. At least the ones I enjoy.
Anyway, though, at some point, this changed, and the characters became more fleshed out, and I started to actually sympathize with them and get where they were coming from. Perhaps the characters also started to act a bit more... out of character... and more human. And then the book became quite interesting.
I really enjoyed Avery's story. I wish it had been dealt with in greater detail. Averaging the first two-thirds and the last third, I give the book three stars.
Anyway, though, at some point, this changed, and the characters became more fleshed out, and I started to actually sympathize with them and get where they were coming from. Perhaps the characters also started to act a bit more... out of character... and more human. And then the book became quite interesting.
I really enjoyed Avery's story. I wish it had been dealt with in greater detail. Averaging the first two-thirds and the last third, I give the book three stars.
May 13, 2009
Really enjoyed this. A very realistic and yet entertaining look at how three best friends' lives change after two of those friends start dating each other (two girls)and the third thinks she has discovered true love with a boy in a college prep program at Stanford. Like a much edgier Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
Best points:
-a very realistic portrayal of "questioning" youth, who I think are often forgotten in literature and real life.
-very rich characters, who are very different from each other (not easy to write!).
-entertaining right up until the end. But makes me never want to wait tables, especially not at this TGI Friday's type restaurant that the girls work at.
A couple of complaints (of course)with minor spoilers:
-poor Parker! Shat on (metaphorically) by all three of these girls.
-ending -- very abrupt, and too much left to the open. I get that you don't want to just have the characters ride off into the sunset, but this was barely an ending.
Of all of Maureen Johnson's books, this sounded like the most appealing to me, but I will likely read more.
:)
Best points:
-a very realistic portrayal of "questioning" youth, who I think are often forgotten in literature and real life.
-very rich characters, who are very different from each other (not easy to write!).
-entertaining right up until the end. But makes me never want to wait tables, especially not at this TGI Friday's type restaurant that the girls work at.
A couple of complaints (of course)with minor spoilers:
-poor Parker! Shat on (metaphorically) by all three of these girls.
-ending -- very abrupt, and too much left to the open. I get that you don't want to just have the characters ride off into the sunset, but this was barely an ending.
Of all of Maureen Johnson's books, this sounded like the most appealing to me, but I will likely read more.
:)
May 25, 2009
So, all through high school while my friends were hanging out in book stores instead of partying, we had a running joke about how all the new books that came out were about lesbians, then once we got to college it changed to books about vampires.
I picked up Bermudez Triangle when I saw it in the library because it was by Maureen Johnson. I had really liked Let it Snow, and John and Hank like Maureen Johnson, that seemed like reason enough.
All that being said I didn't realise this was one of the '02-'06 lesbian books untill I actually got to that part of the story, and I was surprised, but by that time I was too far into the book to stop reading. Because I literally COULD NOT put this book down!
It was funny and realistic and awesome. Reading this book really made me think about the way I chose books to read, and reminded me to not only not books by their covers, but not to judge books by subject matters that I didn't think I would understand or relate to.
This is am amazing book about best friends and love, things that hopefully everyone can understand and relate to.
I picked up Bermudez Triangle when I saw it in the library because it was by Maureen Johnson. I had really liked Let it Snow, and John and Hank like Maureen Johnson, that seemed like reason enough.
All that being said I didn't realise this was one of the '02-'06 lesbian books untill I actually got to that part of the story, and I was surprised, but by that time I was too far into the book to stop reading. Because I literally COULD NOT put this book down!
It was funny and realistic and awesome. Reading this book really made me think about the way I chose books to read, and reminded me to not only not books by their covers, but not to judge books by subject matters that I didn't think I would understand or relate to.
This is am amazing book about best friends and love, things that hopefully everyone can understand and relate to.
September 30, 2013
I did not expect that.At all!! I mean wow!! This book is so realistic!! I got what each of them were going through. Avery fell for someone she was really close and then realised that maybe this was not something that she wanted and maybe she is really confused about what she wants and Mel was someone who knew what she wanted but would have never done anything about it but through Avery and everything that happened with her she got stronger and decided to fight for what she wanted and Nina is someone who is close to both of them and suddenly she realises that everything has changed between them and she has mixed feelings about this and at the same time she is going through her confusions and facing her own problems. These three are not perfect people, they are a bunch of normal teenagers and they don't necessarily react to their problems in the right way but a lot of dont and thats what i liked about this book it wasn't preachy it just told us a story and gave us enough space to create our own opinions. Its a book that has shown reality in the most realistic way possible! I absolutely loved it!
May 6, 2009
About halfway through this book, I thought "I don't like these characters." And it was true. But somehow by the end, Maureen Johnson had me rooting for all of them. It was especially rewarding to see Mel come to terms with herself and her sexuality and how that really had an effect on her life. I think that even when I didn't like the girls, they were very realistic; they made the same decisions in relationships that almost everyone I know has made, good or bad. There were some plot points that were introduced and never flushed out which bothered me, and I think the male characters could have been developed more. While Parker was funny, I felt like we never got to know him well, especially in terms of his friendship with Mel and his relationship with Nina. It was definitely nice to read a YA novel with a gay love story that didn't have the couple constantly under attack. Yes, there were slurs, but it's high school so of course they will be. The novel focused on the relationships, not the outside view of them, and that's how it should be.
December 4, 2009
This was a light, fun read and I finished it over the course two days, so very readable. The beginning had me smiling and gleeing. Overall, though, I found the Snarky Girl/Shy Girl/Overachiever Girl characterisations to be somewhat simplistic and less individual than I'd hoped (although you could say that's part of the book's style). Shy Girl in particular could have been portrayed better, I thought - more whiny and clingy than she was supposed to be - although I very much approve of the non-stereotypical gay girl presentation; that was sweet. Her explanation about how she'd slowly realised about herself was spot on for me and very simply expressed.
"I didn't really get it at first. I thought I just really liked certain people. And then I realised that I really liked certain people. And then I noticed they were all girls."
Likewise for the presentation of Overachiever's long-distance romance - well done and relatable-to. It's a difficult experience to put out there and make realistic. So I did like the book - definitely liked. I'd read more by this author.
"I didn't really get it at first. I thought I just really liked certain people. And then I realised that I really liked certain people. And then I noticed they were all girls."
Likewise for the presentation of Overachiever's long-distance romance - well done and relatable-to. It's a difficult experience to put out there and make realistic. So I did like the book - definitely liked. I'd read more by this author.
June 17, 2021
Quick Warning: This is going to be a pretty spoilery review. I'm just going to be sharing my thoughts on the whole book, without any concern for keeping it spoiler free, because it's nearly impossible to make some of the points I want to make without giving things away. I will put the whole thing in spoiler tags underneath this, but, as you can see from my rating, I don't really recommend this, so if you feel like you're never going to read this, you can read on.
June 20, 2024
Ok obviously a few language things did not age well - this was written in a different era but wow I am so grateful to remember this book. I stumbled upon an article about authors sharing the books they read that confirmed their queerness and I had to investigate my own.
I remember walking to Barnes and Noble (about an hour walk) from my apartment with my mom growing up and reading as much fiction I could get my hands on. I got about a book a month I could purchase. I remember really being interested in this one because it was the first I read about girls being romantically interested in each other and felt like it resonated with me. But I was embarrassed and confused about it and worried that if my mom read the description, she would know that I was also romantically interested in women. I would have to admit to myself that I was interested in more than one gender.
I don’t know what happened (maybe I stole a copy off of my best friend Tyler?) but I ended up with a copy. Yet, I was too scared myself to even investigate that within me so I don’t think I ever actually read it. I did a quick internet scan and realized it was already out of print and ordered as many available used copies as possible from Thriftbooks. I just inhaled this today and feel so emotional reading this. A beautiful book about discovering sexuality and ever lasting friendship. Might be one of my favorite books of all time. So grateful I found it now. It’s never too late.
I remember walking to Barnes and Noble (about an hour walk) from my apartment with my mom growing up and reading as much fiction I could get my hands on. I got about a book a month I could purchase. I remember really being interested in this one because it was the first I read about girls being romantically interested in each other and felt like it resonated with me. But I was embarrassed and confused about it and worried that if my mom read the description, she would know that I was also romantically interested in women. I would have to admit to myself that I was interested in more than one gender.
I don’t know what happened (maybe I stole a copy off of my best friend Tyler?) but I ended up with a copy. Yet, I was too scared myself to even investigate that within me so I don’t think I ever actually read it. I did a quick internet scan and realized it was already out of print and ordered as many available used copies as possible from Thriftbooks. I just inhaled this today and feel so emotional reading this. A beautiful book about discovering sexuality and ever lasting friendship. Might be one of my favorite books of all time. So grateful I found it now. It’s never too late.
May 7, 2018
Boy, this book is dated. They go to a BORDERS, which hurt my heart to read.
I don't appreciate another bisexual-questioning character who sleeps around/cheats. Especially since the write off at the end seems to be that it was okay since it helped another character come out of the closet! Gross, dude. Nothing excuses being a really shitty person or friend or S/O, sorry.
But I did like Mel's character and a lot of the characters and interactions were pretty spot-on and uplifting. It does make me remember how shitty high school was, though.
I don't appreciate another bisexual-questioning character who sleeps around/cheats. Especially since the write off at the end seems to be that it was okay since it helped another character come out of the closet! Gross, dude. Nothing excuses being a really shitty person or friend or S/O, sorry.
But I did like Mel's character and a lot of the characters and interactions were pretty spot-on and uplifting. It does make me remember how shitty high school was, though.
April 4, 2017
i thought this was a really sweet story with realistic teen characters. i especially loved that avery and mel waited tables and slacked off in the ketchup pantry, because that's what i used to do in high school too. unfortunately the library's last copy literally fell apart while i was reading it and it appears to be out of print, so i probably won't be able to share this one with any teens...but hey, i really enjoyed it!
January 17, 2018
So ... I loved the beginning of the book. I loved the setting. I loved Avery, Nina and Mel. I loved their friendship. It kind of felt like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, but with a trio instead of a quartet. Then I got to the next chapter. And the next. And so on and so forth. And my early love waned.
For such a strong beginning, the book started going downhill after Nine returned from her summer away. The early quirks of the girls' personalities became unlikable and Parker was thrown in with little explanation and an ending for his part that was even more of a throwaway. Even Steve went from "Steve!" to "Steve. Eh."
Obviously the relationship between Avery and Mel was the main focus, as well as how everyone handled it, including the girls themselves. I understood Avery's reluctance to label herself, but as the book went on, it almost painted her as a user instead of a confused teen.
For such a strong beginning, the book started going downhill after Nine returned from her summer away. The early quirks of the girls' personalities became unlikable and Parker was thrown in with little explanation and an ending for his part that was even more of a throwaway. Even Steve went from "Steve!" to "Steve. Eh."
Obviously the relationship between Avery and Mel was the main focus, as well as how everyone handled it, including the girls themselves. I understood Avery's reluctance to label herself, but as the book went on, it almost painted her as a user instead of a confused teen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2017
I really liked this book! The characters were truly unique, and I say that a lot but in this book I really mean it! I loved that it really was not some fairy-tale and it had real life struggles that people may have especially with one of the characters being very different from their friends. But I won't spoil who :)
December 13, 2020
TW: homophobic bullying, being outed, aggressively homophobic parental figure.
The first third of this book was pretty good but then the queer couple is outed by a classmate and it quickly devolves into literally every single traumatic high-school coming out story Ive ever read (which there are plenty). I honestly felt like this book could have focused more on the dynamic between three best friends when two of them start dating and less on general distasteful bigotry. Also, the ending kinda felt like it was excusing toxic relationships and cheating? Which is gross?
The first third of this book was pretty good but then the queer couple is outed by a classmate and it quickly devolves into literally every single traumatic high-school coming out story Ive ever read (which there are plenty). I honestly felt like this book could have focused more on the dynamic between three best friends when two of them start dating and less on general distasteful bigotry. Also, the ending kinda felt like it was excusing toxic relationships and cheating? Which is gross?
June 17, 2019
Cute book about kids involved in a friendship triangle.
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