There are four main characters in this readable, enjoyable novel.  Collin is the chalk artist, a very talented young man who falls in love with Nina, a serious women who wants more than anything to be a good teacher.  She teaches Aidan, a bright adolescent who is obsessed with video games, and consequently is doing poorly in school.  His twin sister, Diana, understands her brother’s problems but is also coping with her feelings of isolation and inferiority.  As these four pass into and out of each others’ lives, Goodman deftly weaves in themes of love, truth, artistry, obsession and loneliness.

I really liked The Chalk Artist.  It’s the kind of book I would take on vacation-interesting, not too complex and well-written. although there are some scenes of Aidan playing video games and Collin designing them that were more detailed than I thought necessary