Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.3 AVERAGE
3.3 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
3.5 stars. I liked the premise, the travel aspect, and the friend dynamic, but it fell flat in places.
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
The book was too modern, and the writing felt like words and not telling a story. You got to show, not just tell. The pacing was too fast and too slow at the same time. Also, it felt like nothing really happened in the book and character development was barely there. I didn’t really vibe with the characters, though it gets better once they get to Italy. I would’ve liked more about their college years, more about their relationships with summer, and more about Olivia and Hannah.
I was immediately struck by a somber trigger warning at the beginning of the story, urging readers to approach the narrative with sensitivity due to its portrayal of suicide. With this solemn reminder in mind, I delved into the pages of the book, bracing myself for the emotional journey that lay ahead.
What unfolded was a poignant tale of life amidst the shadow of death—a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit. Set against the backdrop of college life, "The Summer Pact" captured the essence of a formative period in my own life, evoking nostalgia and a deep sense of connection to the characters and their experiences. Throughout the story, I found myself drawn to the richly developed cast of characters, each grappling with their own struggles and insecurities in the wake of a devastating loss. From the steadfast bonds of friendship to the intricacies of romantic relationships, the characters navigated the complexities of life with honesty, vulnerability, and unwavering support for one another.
What truly resonated with me was the authenticity of the characters' emotions and experiences. As they navigated grief, guilt, and the uncertainty of the future, I found myself empathizing with their struggles and cheering for their triumphs. It is a testament to the skill of the author that these characters felt like old friends, their joys and sorrows becoming intertwined with my own.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books and NetGalley for their generosity in allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
What unfolded was a poignant tale of life amidst the shadow of death—a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit. Set against the backdrop of college life, "The Summer Pact" captured the essence of a formative period in my own life, evoking nostalgia and a deep sense of connection to the characters and their experiences. Throughout the story, I found myself drawn to the richly developed cast of characters, each grappling with their own struggles and insecurities in the wake of a devastating loss. From the steadfast bonds of friendship to the intricacies of romantic relationships, the characters navigated the complexities of life with honesty, vulnerability, and unwavering support for one another.
What truly resonated with me was the authenticity of the characters' emotions and experiences. As they navigated grief, guilt, and the uncertainty of the future, I found myself empathizing with their struggles and cheering for their triumphs. It is a testament to the skill of the author that these characters felt like old friends, their joys and sorrows becoming intertwined with my own.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books and NetGalley for their generosity in allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ngl, i was expecting a bit more excitement in this book. Not going to spoil it, but I thought we were gonna get the answer to the biggest question in the book. The last few chapters felt like the ending was rushed, but i guess that the last chapter was a cute ending.