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ayuming_reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
mbrodies's review against another edition
2.0
I can’t recall if I read this when I was younger or not. Sarah Dessen used to be my jam, but I have to admit, this one felt very juvenile. Not surprised as this author was a go-to as an early teenager, but it hits different reading as a 30 year old.
The story itself is fine, along with the writing, but not something I’d be eager to read again or that I was biting at the bit to read. Tbh, it was on my bookshelf and was one of those books I wasn’t sure if I still needed to own, so I read it to find out. It’ll be going to the resell store.
The story itself is fine, along with the writing, but not something I’d be eager to read again or that I was biting at the bit to read. Tbh, it was on my bookshelf and was one of those books I wasn’t sure if I still needed to own, so I read it to find out. It’ll be going to the resell store.
cornmaven's review against another edition
4.0
What I like about Sarah Dessen is that she takes young adult identity issues and breaks them down to very easily understandable terms. She also does a nice job of presenting the parental viewpoint, which I think is important. I think she gets both sides correct most of the time, and most of her protagonists take a journey toward recognizing that fact.
This novel follows that script very closely, with the usuall cast of side characters that are all enjoyable. A kid who has had a lot of loss, and moves around a lot, has naturally got a lot of journey to accomplish.
Always upbeat, too. I don't read or like a lot of chick lit, but I do like Sarah Dessen. Maybe because there's little of the over the top drama involved, and she makes good points.
This novel follows that script very closely, with the usuall cast of side characters that are all enjoyable. A kid who has had a lot of loss, and moves around a lot, has naturally got a lot of journey to accomplish.
Always upbeat, too. I don't read or like a lot of chick lit, but I do like Sarah Dessen. Maybe because there's little of the over the top drama involved, and she makes good points.
jensynaw's review against another edition
2.0
one of my least favorites from Dessen - and i am a huge fan!
brooklynnludlow's review against another edition
3.0
I love Dessen so so much! This book was a quick 200 page full of growing up and moving on after a parent’s divorce and sister’s marriage. I loved how developed the characters were able to be despite the shortness of the novel! Haven’s breakthrough of love and understanding was beautiful and i loved the sister relationship that was developed. Such a fun, short read. :)
bookishwonderlandco's review against another edition
5.0
It was a really good book. I thougt at first it was gonna be a love story but it turned out not to be which was actually refreshing. I have never been in a divorce-remarriage situation so it was interesting to actually get to read about what that is like. I liked this book and the way the sisters acted towards each other is very realistic.
swiftlyreviews's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
I picked this up at my local library and the cover and overall colors stood out to me 😂 I was looking for a summery book and this seemed like the perfect choice!
I ended up switching between the physical book and audiobook and overall had a good time. I did enjoy the story but it felt dull at times. I was expecting more romance but discovered recently that this is the authors first book and the only one that doesn’t include the girl getting a guy!
This was a fast read and you would probably like it if you don’t like romance that much. This is YA and focused on family and summer time!
I ended up switching between the physical book and audiobook and overall had a good time. I did enjoy the story but it felt dull at times. I was expecting more romance but discovered recently that this is the authors first book and the only one that doesn’t include the girl getting a guy!
This was a fast read and you would probably like it if you don’t like romance that much. This is YA and focused on family and summer time!
beth6490's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-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? No
3.5
jenni_elyse's review against another edition
2.0
I decided to read That Summer for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted something short and easy to read. Second, I’ve heard so many good things about Sarah Dessen’s books that I wanted to check her out. Unfortunately, neither reason held up to my expectations.
Even though That Summer is only 198 pages, it felt like it took forever to read. I felt like I was in a time warp any time I sat down to read. It would be hours later and I’d have only read 30 or 40 pages. It didn’t go as quickly as I had expected. I think it was in part due to my engagement level in the story.
That Summer wasn’t what I expected at all. The only character I really got to know was the protagonist, Haven, and I didn’t like her very much. I felt bad for her in the circumstances she was in, but there was something about her that just rubbed me the wrong way. I was also disappointed in the ending. I felt like I had waited for something very anti-climactic and didn’t seem true to the characters portrayed in the book. Maybe I was blind, oblivious, or bored, but I didn’t see it coming.
I kept hoping the book would get better and that the story and/or characters would grab me at some point. But, none of that happened. I was so happy when I finished because I knew I wouldn’t have to pick it up again.
Even though my first taste with Sarah Dessen wasn’t the best, I’m going to give her one more chance. That Summer was her debut novel and I’m hoping she has improved since then.
Even though That Summer is only 198 pages, it felt like it took forever to read. I felt like I was in a time warp any time I sat down to read. It would be hours later and I’d have only read 30 or 40 pages. It didn’t go as quickly as I had expected. I think it was in part due to my engagement level in the story.
That Summer wasn’t what I expected at all. The only character I really got to know was the protagonist, Haven, and I didn’t like her very much. I felt bad for her in the circumstances she was in, but there was something about her that just rubbed me the wrong way. I was also disappointed in the ending. I felt like I had waited for something very anti-climactic and didn’t seem true to the characters portrayed in the book. Maybe I was blind, oblivious, or bored, but I didn’t see it coming.
I kept hoping the book would get better and that the story and/or characters would grab me at some point. But, none of that happened. I was so happy when I finished because I knew I wouldn’t have to pick it up again.
Even though my first taste with Sarah Dessen wasn’t the best, I’m going to give her one more chance. That Summer was her debut novel and I’m hoping she has improved since then.