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amandarosev's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
megtk_01's review
3.0
Family Drama
I enjoyed reading K.J’s and Becka’s story and seeing how they grew. The tasks they had to complete made me want to complete them as well.
What I very much appreciated about this book was that it didn’t have to do with anyone finding a love, or partner, or anything else like that. Neither girl really needed that. Instead, it’s very much about their growth individually and as a pair amidst family drama.
I enjoyed reading K.J’s and Becka’s story and seeing how they grew. The tasks they had to complete made me want to complete them as well.
What I very much appreciated about this book was that it didn’t have to do with anyone finding a love, or partner, or anything else like that. Neither girl really needed that. Instead, it’s very much about their growth individually and as a pair amidst family drama.
zinzee's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a 3.5 star read for me. I thought it was clever that the author had this suspense going. One question we had in the back of our minds driving us to read. To search for the answer. The whole concept of the cousins going on trips was brilliant. I've never read a book like that, but I'm glad I did.
offinherownmind's review against another edition
3.0
3.5*
I enjoyed reading this. I was not expecting the big reveal, but I'm not mad about it. (They're half sisters, not cousins) I liked how the story was described. It wasn't just saying they went here and did X. Instead, the writing felt more like you were there experiencing each trip yourself. My main complaint is with the dual perspectives. It was so hard to separate Becka and TJ. There was like no difference in the first half of the book. It wasn't until a bit over halfway through the book that I actually started to like the characters and could see the difference. The hospital scene felt forced, like it was only there because we needed something to bring the family slightly together.
I enjoyed reading this. I was not expecting the big reveal, but I'm not mad about it. (They're half sisters, not cousins) I liked how the story was described. It wasn't just saying they went here and did X. Instead, the writing felt more like you were there experiencing each trip yourself. My main complaint is with the dual perspectives. It was so hard to separate Becka and TJ. There was like no difference in the first half of the book. It wasn't until a bit over halfway through the book that I actually started to like the characters and could see the difference. The hospital scene felt forced, like it was only there because we needed something to bring the family slightly together.
kburns2004's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to NetGally and the publisher for this ARC
A book about two cousins who don't get along who are forced to take trips around the country in order to get their grandfather's inheritance. The plot is not really all that believable, but the characters are realistic and I enjoyed tagging along on their trips.
This book reads very quickly and is rather enjoyable. I don't think I will remember it a few months from now, but I was entertained while reading it.
A book about two cousins who don't get along who are forced to take trips around the country in order to get their grandfather's inheritance. The plot is not really all that believable, but the characters are realistic and I enjoyed tagging along on their trips.
This book reads very quickly and is rather enjoyable. I don't think I will remember it a few months from now, but I was entertained while reading it.
goblin_reaper's review against another edition
4.0
Not Our Summer follows K.J. and Becka, two cousins, as they face a series of challenges. When their grandfather died, he left them a sizable inheritance on the condition that they take a series of family vacations. Although this could seem to be a simple task, K.J. and Becka are bitter enemies due to unresolved family issues. They gradually come to understand each other over the course of the journey, all while enjoying the time of their lives.
Not Our Summer does not defy expectations. It's about two girls who are working on a bucket list and going from rivals to frenemies. It's sweet and campy, and it's a simple and enjoyable read. I just wish we had a bit more development into either girl's mother, given that they are the root of the feud, or maybe more flashback scenes between the girls and the people they've lost in their lives. A couple of the beats here sounded like they were going to be dramatic, but they were so unsupported that they ended up sounding empty.
Since the story is so character-driven, it was critical that I liked the characters. I'm pleased to report that I did! Becka and K.J. both had their own distinct voice, and I loved each of them. It was so moving to see them reunited, particularly because it felt so genuine. They didn't just become best friends and forget about their years of animosity. Instead, they'd make some gains but lose them, before making some more. I was cheering for them the whole time due to the sluggish process, and I was really pleased with the outcome!
This was a great book for me! Casie Bazay did an excellent job with this novel's prose. I didn't get annoyed with the story or the characters for the most part, and I was always eager to see what happened next. It was quickly cliché, but I didn't mind because the book was well worth the read.
I'll be on the lookout for them, given how much I loved this! I enjoyed hearing about the wonderful places these girls visited; they were all so lush and lovely. If you enjoy contemporary fiction, you'll enjoy this novel.
Thank you to Perseus Books and Running Press for letting me read an eARC on Net Galley!
Not Our Summer does not defy expectations. It's about two girls who are working on a bucket list and going from rivals to frenemies. It's sweet and campy, and it's a simple and enjoyable read. I just wish we had a bit more development into either girl's mother, given that they are the root of the feud, or maybe more flashback scenes between the girls and the people they've lost in their lives. A couple of the beats here sounded like they were going to be dramatic, but they were so unsupported that they ended up sounding empty.
Since the story is so character-driven, it was critical that I liked the characters. I'm pleased to report that I did! Becka and K.J. both had their own distinct voice, and I loved each of them. It was so moving to see them reunited, particularly because it felt so genuine. They didn't just become best friends and forget about their years of animosity. Instead, they'd make some gains but lose them, before making some more. I was cheering for them the whole time due to the sluggish process, and I was really pleased with the outcome!
This was a great book for me! Casie Bazay did an excellent job with this novel's prose. I didn't get annoyed with the story or the characters for the most part, and I was always eager to see what happened next. It was quickly cliché, but I didn't mind because the book was well worth the read.
I'll be on the lookout for them, given how much I loved this! I enjoyed hearing about the wonderful places these girls visited; they were all so lush and lovely. If you enjoy contemporary fiction, you'll enjoy this novel.
Thank you to Perseus Books and Running Press for letting me read an eARC on Net Galley!
roseizstarandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a 3.5 star read for me. I thought it was clever that the author had this suspense going. One question we had in the back of our minds driving us to read. To search for the answer. The whole concept of the cousins going on trips was brilliant. I've never read a book like that, but I'm glad I did.
marahsoore's review against another edition
4.0
I received this ARC from Netgalley.
‘Not Our Summer’ by Casie Bazay is a cozy, fast-pace, endearing story about two estranged cousins who have to fulfill their grandfather’s last wishes before they can earn their inheritance. In the process of their journey they grow, learn, and they become better people.
Right now, with everyone not being able to travel, I sped through this book because I needed something to take me away. It reminded me of all the places I want to go to. Since a lot of us are going to have to do ‘Staycations’ this year, I say a book like ‘Not Our Summer’ is a perfect read to escape and remember there is a big world out there.
Now I gave this book a four-star review because while it’s a solid read, I know I’m not going to take anything from it. There are a few moments in the story that I think was glossed over and it lost the punch the book could have had, but overall it didn’t hurt my reading enjoyment. Sometimes a good summer read is a good summer read, and that is exactly what this book is!
If you want a spoiler-filled review please go to my blog.
‘Not Our Summer’ by Casie Bazay is a cozy, fast-pace, endearing story about two estranged cousins who have to fulfill their grandfather’s last wishes before they can earn their inheritance. In the process of their journey they grow, learn, and they become better people.
Right now, with everyone not being able to travel, I sped through this book because I needed something to take me away. It reminded me of all the places I want to go to. Since a lot of us are going to have to do ‘Staycations’ this year, I say a book like ‘Not Our Summer’ is a perfect read to escape and remember there is a big world out there.
Now I gave this book a four-star review because while it’s a solid read, I know I’m not going to take anything from it. There are a few moments in the story that I think was glossed over and it lost the punch the book could have had, but overall it didn’t hurt my reading enjoyment. Sometimes a good summer read is a good summer read, and that is exactly what this book is!
If you want a spoiler-filled review please go to my blog.
wildflowerz76's review against another edition
4.0
Becca and KJ are cousins, both about to graduate from high school. But because their mothers are estranged, they don't know each other at all. But when their maternal grandfather died, they have to come together for the reading of the will. In it, their grandfather has given both of the girls and both of their mothers a nice sum of money. The only catch is that the girls must complete a 5 part bucket list before they get the money. The list is a set of things the grandfather always wanted to do, but his mounting agoraphobia wouldn't let him complete.
I LOVE that we have a story that, at it's root, is about friendship. And while there's a smidge of romance, it's FAR from the main plot. It too me a moment to warm up to the two girls, but in the end, I enjoyed them, flaws and all.
I LOVE that we have a story that, at it's root, is about friendship. And while there's a smidge of romance, it's FAR from the main plot. It too me a moment to warm up to the two girls, but in the end, I enjoyed them, flaws and all.
booksandpops4000's review against another edition
3.0
* I got this book for review from the publisher*
I read this book in one sitting. I really was captured by the cousin based adventure and all the sighting elements that were at the hear of this read. I also liked how this book really focused on the complicity of extended family realtionships. It was fun being in both girls heads as well. I def was more invested in the travel elements and was more engaged bye Beka Character. Small content warning smoking is a very prevalent in this read as well!! It did have some subtle romances plot that were present but did not wow me. Would def read more by this author in the future.
I read this book in one sitting. I really was captured by the cousin based adventure and all the sighting elements that were at the hear of this read. I also liked how this book really focused on the complicity of extended family realtionships. It was fun being in both girls heads as well. I def was more invested in the travel elements and was more engaged bye Beka Character. Small content warning smoking is a very prevalent in this read as well!! It did have some subtle romances plot that were present but did not wow me. Would def read more by this author in the future.