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readwithkiekie's review against another edition
4.0
This was my first ever Sarah Dessen novel and she definitely did not disappoint. It was quite dark, but super easy and fun to read, and left me wanting more. The characters were all great including her vain ass father.
The only slight negative was how slow it was in the beginning.
The only slight negative was how slow it was in the beginning.
happilyheatherafterr's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
aly_13's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
Easy, cute summer read
mmarzolf's review against another edition
5.0
I don’t usually gravitate towards contemporary YA reads these days, however, already being familiar with the story (I’ve watched the movie) I decided to give it a try.
Unsurprisingly, while I enjoyed the movie, the book went even further. It enhanced the story, providing deeper insights to the characters’ (in particular Auden’s) feelings, thoughts, and motivations.
I found it so easy to escape into the seaside town of Colby alongside the characters while reading. The palpable potential of one last summer before starting college was relatable. I was also captivated reading about Auden and Eli’s nightly adventures, involving a very important quest. Their blooming relationship was so cute!
Another aspect I enjoyed about the story was the self discovery & growth shown throughout Auden’s summer and that this was intertwined with a great cast of side characters’ own growth & journey. It felt like the relationships that Auden established were tangible and multifaceted. Especially having been a former loner, you could really grasp what a big deal it was for her to lower her guard and put in the effort to make those connections with her peers.
Overall, I would say this is a perfect summer/beach read, not because it lacks depth or substance, but because it is a story about a young woman who learns how to be a little bit carefree during her last summer before college. Add to it the small beach town setting, and adventures that last well into the late night (or early morning depending on how you look at it), and it gave me the perfect feels!
Unsurprisingly, while I enjoyed the movie, the book went even further. It enhanced the story, providing deeper insights to the characters’ (in particular Auden’s) feelings, thoughts, and motivations.
I found it so easy to escape into the seaside town of Colby alongside the characters while reading. The palpable potential of one last summer before starting college was relatable. I was also captivated reading about Auden and Eli’s nightly adventures, involving a very important quest. Their blooming relationship was so cute!
Another aspect I enjoyed about the story was the self discovery & growth shown throughout Auden’s summer and that this was intertwined with a great cast of side characters’ own growth & journey. It felt like the relationships that Auden established were tangible and multifaceted. Especially having been a former loner, you could really grasp what a big deal it was for her to lower her guard and put in the effort to make those connections with her peers.
Overall, I would say this is a perfect summer/beach read, not because it lacks depth or substance, but because it is a story about a young woman who learns how to be a little bit carefree during her last summer before college. Add to it the small beach town setting, and adventures that last well into the late night (or early morning depending on how you look at it), and it gave me the perfect feels!
kaleyamo's review against another edition
3.0
Lowered my rating from the original because I don’t think I quite realized the last time I read this (at age 20) just how insufferable the main character is in this book. It’s still good, and she improves, but it was really hard to get into this time around because of that.
camib93's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great summer book. This is the second book that I read after Lock and Key. I adored this book and the more and more I think about it, the more I like it. It is a book that I will deff re-read. Sarah Dessen is a wonderful writer and I am excited to read her other books.
abaugher's review against another edition
4.0
Auden gets to spend her summer before college with her dad and his ditzy, pink-wearing new wife and their screaming baby. SHe's always been a responsible, very academically determined student, and she intends to stay aloof and study ahead for her classes. But, life gets in the way. Her dad's relationship with his wife and new child, his continuing selfishness and expectations that Auden will help pick up where he wants to leave off, her mom's judgments on her life, her flighty brother's return homw, new friends, a job, and staying up all night with a quietly terrific guy. what person could avoid a little change with all that going on?
Another soft story with some hard issues in it by the delightful Dessen. Although I'm beginning the think that she must have had some really lousy parents, because this is the third book by her that includes some fairly obnoxious parents. still, makes life interesting, doesn't it?
Another soft story with some hard issues in it by the delightful Dessen. Although I'm beginning the think that she must have had some really lousy parents, because this is the third book by her that includes some fairly obnoxious parents. still, makes life interesting, doesn't it?
shaaryt's review against another edition
4.0
The story line of this book was really good. I enjoyed reading this story very much and I would have given this all 5 stars. But this author isn't really my favorite. She's not to descriptive which I actually like but it the book doesn't hit you if its not. I do not like her way of writing but the book deserves at least 4 stars
acaciaw's review against another edition
4.0
I really like Sarah Dessen's books. Although this wasn't as good as some of the other books she has written it was still really good!
lucymbriggs's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0