honeycrispp's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Very immersive and fun, the descriptions are beautiful and you truly feel a part of this little North Carolinian town. It’s kind of a gentle-impact, escapist tale with strong feminist themes. It centers around our 15 year old protagonist, Maddie, and her adventures navigating the most memorable and impactful summer of her life. It’s a little idealist, a little slow and there’s a lot of ruminating on ethics and morality— which coming from the perspective of a “do no wrong” teenage protagonist can wax a little righteous if not tiresome. At the end of the day it’s a great book to unwind to, it’s a wonderful beach or poolside read and I would revisit it if only for the (spoilers) very rare satisfaction of everything pretty much going the best it realistically (and unrealistically) can. You don’t see that often in a book and it’s just the balm I needed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Death of parent, and Medical content
Moderate: Abandonment, Classism, and Infertility
Minor: Alcohol, Chronic illness, Miscarriage, Vomit, War, Grief, Homophobia, and Panic attacks/disorders
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