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milliehawk's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley books for granting me an ARC of Jenn McKinlay's newest novel 'Summer Reading'.
I requested this book upon seeing this beautiful cover and reading a little of the blurb. When reading I quickly found out that our main character, Sam, has dyslexia. As a dyslexic myself, I was excited to see the representation in this book as I have never read a book with a dyslexic MC before.
Unfortunately, I feel like Sam's dyslexia defined her and played too big of a part in this story. I really struggled with reading as a child and I definitely felt seen when Sam described her difficulty with time management and how she has overcompensated for her dyslexia, but throughout this book, Sam hyperfixates on what she can't do as a dyslexic. While I think neurodivergent representation is SO important, I would have liked the learning difficulties to have played a slightly smaller part in the story as I feel like there was less room for the romantic plotline with Ben.
I loved the Martha's Vineyard setting and felt like I could really visualise it through the author's wonderful descriptions. I also enjoyed the mystery subplot, but felt a little icky when there was a question if Sam and Ben could be related!
I loved the relationship growth we saw between Sam and her younger half-brother Tyler, and it felt like it happened at a realistic pace. I would have loved to have seen more moments with him and Sam.
Aside from a few cringy moments (the shuffle dancing?) and what's mentioned above, I did enjoy reading this book. For the most part, this book was an easy read with funny, exciting and heartwarming moments.
I requested this book upon seeing this beautiful cover and reading a little of the blurb. When reading I quickly found out that our main character, Sam, has dyslexia. As a dyslexic myself, I was excited to see the representation in this book as I have never read a book with a dyslexic MC before.
Unfortunately, I feel like Sam's dyslexia defined her and played too big of a part in this story. I really struggled with reading as a child and I definitely felt seen when Sam described her difficulty with time management and how she has overcompensated for her dyslexia, but throughout this book, Sam hyperfixates on what she can't do as a dyslexic. While I think neurodivergent representation is SO important, I would have liked the learning difficulties to have played a slightly smaller part in the story as I feel like there was less room for the romantic plotline with Ben.
I loved the Martha's Vineyard setting and felt like I could really visualise it through the author's wonderful descriptions. I also enjoyed the mystery subplot, but felt a little icky when there was a question if Sam and Ben could be related!
I loved the relationship growth we saw between Sam and her younger half-brother Tyler, and it felt like it happened at a realistic pace. I would have loved to have seen more moments with him and Sam.
Aside from a few cringy moments (the shuffle dancing?) and what's mentioned above, I did enjoy reading this book. For the most part, this book was an easy read with funny, exciting and heartwarming moments.
msmaldonado's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-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
4.75
jmfafara's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
pkhumphries's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
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
4.0
keen23's review against another edition
2.0
This book should have been catnip for me. Librarians, Nantucket, food, but it falls flat.
oliviapkay's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
hamlil870's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
jillyhow's review against another edition
3.5
Cute, sweet, and focused on food and books 😘 did exactly what it needed to do 👌🏼
lauraowen's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
huda_saqib23's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
I really liked the Martha vineyard setting and the summer vibes. The sibling bonding between the FMC and her younger brother as so wholesome to read abt and o really liked Tyler(the younger brother) also liked her relationship with Emily her bestfriend and that part of the story. The romance was...cute, not word class but it's fine. I liked the MMC father quest.
And yes the FMC did treat being dyslexic = having an STD
And yes the FMC did treat being dyslexic = having an STD