A review by mari1532
It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I checked this audiobook out of the library because Han's writing is soothing and enjoyable. I did enjoy the first book in the series, but this one didn't live up to the first. It was not a bad book by any means there is still enough messy teenage drama to deliver what you want out of the book. However, I did not feel that this book Belly had any level of character development in this book. I might argue that there was a little growth in her relationship with her mother, the true hero of the series. However, it just feels a bit like Belly is stuck with Conrad even though he treats her poorly and as a result that means that Belly treats Jeremiah poorly. Also, Belly's relationship with her best friend, Taylor feels super toxic at times. In many ways, I would describe this book as a CW show in its first season. It is giving you what you want, but it's not entirely clear who all the characters are within the context of the show. 

I still enjoyed this book and if you are a fan of Han's work it isn't likely to disappoint, it simply was not my favourite of her books. 
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