Reviews - Sweetheart | The StoryGraph

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I thought this book was okay. Like this novel, I find Dessen's work often lacks substance. Even the "aha" moment in this book wasn't quite deep enough. I also had to remind myself that Haven was only fifteen (and boy did she act like it). I once read a review of Dessen that criticized her for having main characters with odd names and this is no exception. Haven is a fifteen year old whose father has an affair with the weather lady, whose mother threatens to sell the house and go to Europe for a few months and whose sister is getting married (I mean the HORROR!). HER LIFE IS SO BAD (totally using sarcasm here). Haven remembers back to "That Summer" (hence the title) when her family was happy. "That Summer" entails her sister, Ashley's ex-boyfriend, Sumner (really Dessen? SUMNER???). Haven apparently cannot forgive her sister for breaking up with Sumner and dislikes her current fiance, Lewis, whom Haven finds boring, which is quite ironic since Haven herself is a completely boring character who I bet would find paint drying to be quite entertaining. SHE IS BORING! SHE HAS NO PERSONALITY WHATSOEVER! Sumner, the sister's ex, of course pops up again and again saving Haven from ridiculous situations. At times, I was quite frustrated with Haven for her longing for the past and her inability to let go of a sister's ex. Seriously, Haven, your life isn't that bad!! But, like all egocentric teenagers, she fails to realize others' feelings. She's always depressed and fails to say anything to anyone. I couldn't care less about her character. The other aspect about the book I found disturbing was Ashley's excuse for why she loves Lewis "Because he's the only man who hasn't hurt me and never will." I find this exceedingly sad if this is the perspective of love Dessen is dishing out to young girls. Then, in the background of this story is Gwendolyn Rogers, the former supermodel who is home after her boyfriend cheated on her (this is the rumor). Dessen never gives her a voice. EVER. She breaks down crying and we never really know why. Are we supposed to accept the rumor? Is she anorexic (which is definitely hinted at as well). Give women a voice Dessen, these are modern times. I found the story to be a quick read, but I wish Dessen would execute her plot a little better.

alborland's review against another edition

3.0

#30secondreview hardly the best sarah dessen, hardly as bad as it's made out to be. when you watch the movie the book seems miles better.

kakki's review against another edition

2.0

2.5 stars

Yes, this book was meant for teens. Yes, I'm in my thirties. No, I wouldn't have enjoyed it anymore in my youth. Oh well..

teddy0623's review against another edition

0.5

medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

The only reason I didn’t DNF this book is because I needed to make sure the love interest wasn’t the 21 year old. Thankfully he wasn’t seeing as our MC was only 15. Speaking of, she was the hardest MC read. She constantly talked about how being tall is the worst thing that has ever happened to her. It was just every five lines. It was crazy how many times it was mentioned. There was so much body shaming throughout the book. Also, the use of the r-word which is absolutely wild. I’ve read other Sarah Dessen books but this one is just a really hard miss.

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