The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
anniup's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol
thenovelmaura's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to The NOVL for sending me this ARC in exchange for my review! I'm a huge Katrina Leno fan so I was over the moon when I saw this one in my mailbox. I love how she writes contemporaries that end up turning any expectation you have for the genre on its head.Â
This book made me want to hop on a plane from LA to Massachusetts, just like Anna and her mom did. As an East Coaster living in SoCal, it was the perfect blend of nostalgia and summertime magic. I'll admit that this book started out pretty slow for me (it evokes the general lethargy of a summer vacation by the shore really well) but once the main plot kicked into gear, I flew through the last half. No spoilers, so I can only say that I was pleasantly surprised by where the story went!
Anna is fourteen years old, so this one falls on the younger side of YA. I think her insecurities and how she grows into her identity throughout the summer will deeply resonate with teen readers, but I found plenty to appreciate in her reflections on her relationships with her friends and parents. Learning how to apologize and commit to being a better friend in the future is a lesson that plenty of adults could learn from Anna, too! All in all, I think any contemporary YA fan who dreams of spending a few lazy summer days by the Atlantic will enjoy this one.
This book made me want to hop on a plane from LA to Massachusetts, just like Anna and her mom did. As an East Coaster living in SoCal, it was the perfect blend of nostalgia and summertime magic. I'll admit that this book started out pretty slow for me (it evokes the general lethargy of a summer vacation by the shore really well) but once the main plot kicked into gear, I flew through the last half. No spoilers, so I can only say that I was pleasantly surprised by where the story went!
Anna is fourteen years old, so this one falls on the younger side of YA. I think her insecurities and how she grows into her identity throughout the summer will deeply resonate with teen readers, but I found plenty to appreciate in her reflections on her relationships with her friends and parents. Learning how to apologize and commit to being a better friend in the future is a lesson that plenty of adults could learn from Anna, too! All in all, I think any contemporary YA fan who dreams of spending a few lazy summer days by the Atlantic will enjoy this one.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol
Divorce
More...