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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
Another enjoyable Sarah Dessen novel! Not my favorite, but not my least favorite. The plot is almost the same as The Truth About Forever, but I didn't like it nearly as much (possibly because I'm not 14 anymore?) Also the name Roo was just a little too silly for me.
In between fantasy with swords and death and thrillers (more death fewer swords) I like a good, wholesome, contemporary. Sarah Dessen rarely disappoints on that front. I quite enjoyed this pleasant little book! It has family drama, rich vs poor, a sweet romance. All things I can totally dig when I'm in the mood for something like this.
My only critiques might be that there are a lot of characters and sometimes I got the teens confused at first. Also, a few character revelations happen a little fast, but that's not surprising as otherwise this book might be too long.
Overall an enjoyable time and a recommend if you're in the mood for something summery, not terribly challenging, and cozy.
My only critiques might be that there are a lot of characters and sometimes I got the teens confused at first. Also, a few character revelations happen a little fast, but that's not surprising as otherwise this book might be too long.
Overall an enjoyable time and a recommend if you're in the mood for something summery, not terribly challenging, and cozy.
This felt like classic Sarah Dessen (complimentary).
That said cannot beliEVE in 400+ pages there wasn't even one comment about there being characters named Taylor and Saylor. I mean!
That said cannot beliEVE in 400+ pages there wasn't even one comment about there being characters named Taylor and Saylor. I mean!
Dessen has a special spot in my YA heart. While the novel remained lighter fare, there were darker elements that remind us that family, especially parents, are flawed and complex. Saylor's mom was a drug addict who ended up dying of an overdose. She had it all, the handsome husband, great daughter, beautiful home, but underneath all of that she had intense demons that beat her even after many rehab attempts.
I appreciate that Saylor didn't shy away from her mother's complexities. She remembered her as she was, a human that had a problem, which is difficult for kids to do without resentment or anger. Throughout the novel she has to push her father to give her her own history, which he refuses to do out of grief.
While reading the interactions with between Saylor and her father, I couldn't help but find it difficult to believe how rational a 17 year was regarding her father's completely irrational actions. She was too level headed to be believed. A young adult can very well be mature but there were plenty of moments where Saylor's actions weren't convincing for someone her age. That aside, I enjoyed the family dynamics between the cousins.
I appreciate that Saylor didn't shy away from her mother's complexities. She remembered her as she was, a human that had a problem, which is difficult for kids to do without resentment or anger. Throughout the novel she has to push her father to give her her own history, which he refuses to do out of grief.
While reading the interactions with between Saylor and her father, I couldn't help but find it difficult to believe how rational a 17 year was regarding her father's completely irrational actions. She was too level headed to be believed. A young adult can very well be mature but there were plenty of moments where Saylor's actions weren't convincing for someone her age. That aside, I enjoyed the family dynamics between the cousins.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-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:
Yes
I think this is one of Dessen's better books. And we switched it up with a lake instead of a beach
Oh, Sarah Dessen.
I’ve loved her books since I was a wee teen. I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book. And once again, Dessen didn’t disappoint.
It’s a story of Emma Saylor. And it’s really just a story—about her life and learning more about her mother’s past. It’s nothing dramatic. It’s nothing over the top. It’s a real story, with so many beautiful characters. I absolutely loved it.
And boy does Dessen know how to write a good love interest. Roo 😍 there’s something about the way she develops a friendship first, and then it leads to something more. It’s a slow burn, but it’s always so satisfying in the end.
As per usual, this Sarah Dessen novel left me with a smile on my face and some warmth in my soul.
I’ve loved her books since I was a wee teen. I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book. And once again, Dessen didn’t disappoint.
It’s a story of Emma Saylor. And it’s really just a story—about her life and learning more about her mother’s past. It’s nothing dramatic. It’s nothing over the top. It’s a real story, with so many beautiful characters. I absolutely loved it.
And boy does Dessen know how to write a good love interest. Roo 😍 there’s something about the way she develops a friendship first, and then it leads to something more. It’s a slow burn, but it’s always so satisfying in the end.
As per usual, this Sarah Dessen novel left me with a smile on my face and some warmth in my soul.