Reviews tagging 'Grief'

It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

139 reviews

ashleyjean6's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This book is definitely different from #1 in tone, much more somber, in pace, slow, and the characters (especially Belly), felt much more annoying. Instead of a carefree summer YA romance, this finds everyone grappling with devastating circumstances. Parents and kids are fighting, there's underage drinking. It's a sad book. And I was feeling like it was just an entire filler book and I didn't know if I felt like finishing the last book. But it leaves you really wondering.... So I will cross my fingers characters grow up a lot and the ending is worth the slog that was book #2. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Cancer, Grief, Alcohol, Cursing, Death of parent, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Vomit

littlered1110's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective sad 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

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing, Grief, Cancer, Death of parent, and Terminal illness

brittanylee0302's review against another edition

emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

THEY DID SUSANNAH DIRTY! I knew what was going to come of Susannah's character in this book and I thought it was going to be really sad. When Belly was just like "Susannah is dead" I was so upset.

Susannah deserved so much more for her character. I really enjoyed still following the story of Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad and thought this storyline was really good. Similar to the first book, I often felt like the timeline was confusing with the flashbacks and felt like I had whiplash with how some of the parts just jumped from one thing to the next. I enjoyed this book a little more with the storyline but overall, I still feel like these books are missing huge pieces of their storylines.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief and Death of parent

Minor: Cursing

underscoresyd's review against another edition

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Cancer, Mental illness, and Grief

Moderate: Alcohol

Minor: Vomit

stripy_gloves's review against another edition

emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief, Cancer, and Death of parent

1721egp's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Another fun beach read. We’re not breaking any barriers of literature here, but I’m continuing to enjoy this lighthearted trilogy. As always, Jenny Han is the queen of last-page cliffhangers that leaves you wanting more! 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Alcohol, Cancer, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent

dramagirl2003's review against another edition

adventurous emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

ahhh what is that ending! the more i read and watch this series, the less i know who i actually ship belly with. honestly maybe they’d all just be best with other people, but obviously all stay friends somehow

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Grief and Death of parent

Minor: Alcohol

dmackreads's review

adventurous emotional hopeful fast-paced

4.0

Belly is still annoying. I’m still team Conrad. 
I like the story and again, they’re teenagers. So I have to think about that when judging too harshly. And also, grief is a bitch. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief

isabella_gautreauuu's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book was WAY better than the first one as it actually had plot, very emotional, very cute when it comes to romance, and overall just a way better version of the first

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death of parent, Cancer, and Grief

Minor: Alcohol

mari1532's review against another edition

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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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcohol, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Cancer, Grief, Medical content, and Toxic friendship

Moderate: Infidelity