Reviews

Two Summers by Aimee Friedman

maggiebird's review against another edition

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3.0

this was like my comfort book in like sixth grade, i read it over and over again haha so obviously imma be lil biased. i meant for this read just to be a way to separate from the creepy book i was reading and i ended up finishing the whole dang thing! overall, even though this book is really cringy and the main character bugs the crap out of me and there are SO MANY cliches and the plot twist is so obvious, i still love this book and the love interests and the alternate dimensions it takes you through. big love for this book

julia___reads's review against another edition

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4.0

I definitely enjoyed this book! I love the concept of parallel universes and how one seemingly small decision can change your life. I would have loved to see more of the New York story though. Overall, an enjoyable read.

kate001's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

thistle_clover's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

itslaceynicole's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

cara_lee's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

emilyjade23's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars.

iggyebab's review against another edition

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3.0

I picked up this book because "sliding doors" is a favorite movie of mine.
A teenage girl has an opportunity to travel to France for the summer to see her estranged father. Right before boarding the plane, her cell phone rings. In one part of the story, she answers the phone. In the other part, she does not. We get to see how her summer unfolds in each "reality".
It's a quick summery read. A lot about secrets and growing pains in families and friendships. Teenage crushes and change.
The characters are interesting and relatable.

srsanderson's review against another edition

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3.0

I kind of want to be that person that rates books with a .75 rating… Because I do think this is more than a three star read it but not as good as a four. The fact that the main character was only 15 for most of the book was hard to get over, and even though there were two different storylines for most of the book the ending was the same regardless so I don't really know how I feel about that. Full review to come.

missprint_'s review against another edition

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5.0

An unexpected phone call at the airport forces Summer Everett to make a split second decision. Should she answer the phone? Should she get on the plane?

One decision will lead to two very different outcomes as Summer's choices play out in parallel worlds.

In one world Summer ignores the phone call and heads to France as planned for what should be a perfect trip. Summer is thrilled with the chance to catch up with her dad and get to see his portrait of her hanging in a fancy gallery--all while enjoying the beautiful French countryside.

In the other world Summer answers the phone and her plans are ruined. No trip to France. No time with Dad. Just three boring months off from school in her same old small town. She has the chance to take a photography class for the first time, but it's hard to think of that as anything but a consolation prize.

Neither outcome is quite what Summer expects.

In France or her home town Summer will find unexpected surprises and growing pains, along with the promise of first love and self-discovery. Each vacation will also bring Summer closer to a shocking secret whose revelation will have lasting repercussions regardless of Summer's initial choice. Some decisions might lead Summer to the same outcomes in both worlds, but it's up to her to decide what shape her life will take from here in Two Summers (2016) by Aimee Friedman.

Two Summers gives readers the best of both worlds in this two-for-one story of one (or perhaps two) pivotal summers.

Summer is a smart, authentic narrator who learns a lot in each plot whether its how to stand up for herself in France or how to appreciate her own artistic abilities in a photography class at home. Throughout the novel Summer also learns how to be alone and how to step out of her comfort zone. Sweet romances and well-developed characters round out this charming novel that brings the lazy heat and possibility of a long summer vacation to life.

Careful plotting allows readers to watch both timelines play out in "real" time with little nods to the dual narrative which help to bring a cohesive quality to the overall story. The idea of causality and that some outcomes are inevitable is another interesting thread throughout as Two Summers builds toward a satisfying conclusion for both plots. A great summery story and a delightful introduction for readers hoping to give time travel and parallel worlds a chance. Highly recommended.

Possible Pairings: Parallel by Lauren Miller, Now That You're Here by Amy K. Nichols, Just Like Fate by Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young, The Square Root of Summer by Harrier Reuter Hapgood, Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson, The Shadow Society by Marie Rutkoski, Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone, Pivot Point by Kasie West, Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

*An advance copy of this title was acquired from the publisher for review consideration*