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3.24 AVERAGE
3.24 AVERAGE
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.
fast-paced
I think if I was a 15-year old girl in the 90s and my parents were divorced, this would be earth-shattering, but as a 25-year old in 2024, it was just really boring. Haven was also weirdly obsessed with her sister's ex-boyfriend. And we get it, you're tall.
Sometimes I rate books 3 stars but didn't have great things to say. There are however, times where i rate things 3 stars and I really enjoyed the book.
[b:That Summer|104379|That Summer|Sarah Dessen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1309197116l/104379._SY75_.jpg|1070158] is one that I REALLY enjoyed and have rated 3 stars.
Lately, my reading has been off, meaning I've been struggling to finish a book before I pick up another book. In recent weeks, I have had up to 8 books going at one time. This book however, I read from start to finish in under a one day.
I really loved Sumner and Haven. Despite not having romance, I found myself drawn to this book. Its a book about change, growing up and becoming comfortable in your own body.
This is only my second Sarah Dessen my first one being [b:Along for the Ride|15394916|Along for the Ride|Sarah Dessen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556850336l/15394916._SX50_.jpg|5836517], which I loved!!
After reading [b:Along for the Ride|15394916|Along for the Ride|Sarah Dessen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556850336l/15394916._SX50_.jpg|5836517], a book that has some romance, it seemed that perhaps her writing style is similar to [a:Kacie West|23019863|Kacie West|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1679417960p2/23019863.jpg]. As I have read (and loved) about 90% of [a:Kacie West|23019863|Kacie West|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1679417960p2/23019863.jpg] books, I was surprised when [b:That Summer|104379|That Summer|Sarah Dessen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1309197116l/104379._SY75_.jpg|1070158] did not have romance as similar to [b:Along for the Ride|15394916|Along for the Ride|Sarah Dessen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556850336l/15394916._SX50_.jpg|5836517] or [a:Kacie West|23019863|Kacie West|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1679417960p2/23019863.jpg] books.
I truly recommend this book.
[b:That Summer|104379|That Summer|Sarah Dessen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1309197116l/104379._SY75_.jpg|1070158] is one that I REALLY enjoyed and have rated 3 stars.
Lately, my reading has been off, meaning I've been struggling to finish a book before I pick up another book. In recent weeks, I have had up to 8 books going at one time. This book however, I read from start to finish in under a one day.
I really loved Sumner and Haven. Despite not having romance, I found myself drawn to this book. Its a book about change, growing up and becoming comfortable in your own body.
This is only my second Sarah Dessen my first one being [b:Along for the Ride|15394916|Along for the Ride|Sarah Dessen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556850336l/15394916._SX50_.jpg|5836517], which I loved!!
After reading [b:Along for the Ride|15394916|Along for the Ride|Sarah Dessen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556850336l/15394916._SX50_.jpg|5836517], a book that has some romance, it seemed that perhaps her writing style is similar to [a:Kacie West|23019863|Kacie West|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1679417960p2/23019863.jpg]. As I have read (and loved) about 90% of [a:Kacie West|23019863|Kacie West|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1679417960p2/23019863.jpg] books, I was surprised when [b:That Summer|104379|That Summer|Sarah Dessen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1309197116l/104379._SY75_.jpg|1070158] did not have romance as similar to [b:Along for the Ride|15394916|Along for the Ride|Sarah Dessen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556850336l/15394916._SX50_.jpg|5836517] or [a:Kacie West|23019863|Kacie West|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1679417960p2/23019863.jpg] books.
I truly recommend this book.
slow-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
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
You can tell this is Sarah Dessen's first book. It's very short, very fast-paced, and also feels like nothing really happens. It has the beginnings of a good book, but doesn't give enough time to fully develop the story or the characters.
lighthearted
slow-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
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
That Summer was just ok. I am definitely thinking that Sarah Dessen may not be a writer for me, but it was a cute, easy read that I read with my Jr. High reading buddy.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated