Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
*I won my advanced copy of this book from the author in an Instagram giveaway*
Let me just begin by saying that I had planned to read this book by the pool on vacation, but I started it a few days before and devoured it before we ever reached our destination.
This story is one about loss, grief, searching, repentance, healing, romance, and community (to name a few!!). The entire novel is incredibly organic and feels truthful. Silverman wraps up this tumultuous storyline in a way that feels so real to me. Our main character, who has lost so much, is not miraculously healed/recovered/over it, but she finds peace in her situation, which is an exceptionally worthwhile story for YA readers.
I have also read Recommended for You, and despite only reading 2 of her books, I'm adding Silverman to my list of favorite YA authors. In comparing those two books, one of the things I really enjoyed about both is the sense of a workplace community for her teenaged characters. I don't know if I read a lot of YA books where their workplace is essentially a character in the book, and I feel like she does this well. I also love in both novels the many Jewish themes and references. This is also something not often seen in YA novels.
The ONLY thing I'd change about this book is the name of Patrick Cho. This is only because, for us Gilmore Girls fans, this is the same name as the unseen boy who kisses Lane Kim on the forehead. It drove me nuts as to where I'd heard that name before, but I finally figured it out.
Let me just begin by saying that I had planned to read this book by the pool on vacation, but I started it a few days before and devoured it before we ever reached our destination.
This story is one about loss, grief, searching, repentance, healing, romance, and community (to name a few!!). The entire novel is incredibly organic and feels truthful. Silverman wraps up this tumultuous storyline in a way that feels so real to me. Our main character, who has lost so much, is not miraculously healed/recovered/over it, but she finds peace in her situation, which is an exceptionally worthwhile story for YA readers.
I have also read Recommended for You, and despite only reading 2 of her books, I'm adding Silverman to my list of favorite YA authors. In comparing those two books, one of the things I really enjoyed about both is the sense of a workplace community for her teenaged characters. I don't know if I read a lot of YA books where their workplace is essentially a character in the book, and I feel like she does this well. I also love in both novels the many Jewish themes and references. This is also something not often seen in YA novels.
The ONLY thing I'd change about this book is the name of Patrick Cho. This is only because, for us Gilmore Girls fans, this is the same name as the unseen boy who kisses Lane Kim on the forehead. It drove me nuts as to where I'd heard that name before, but I finally figured it out.
This is a cute and fast read, though there are definitely darker elements in the flashback chapters. Hannah's Olympic dreams are shattered (like her ankle) and, after a year away at boarding school, she's back and trying to prove herself to her parents. My favorite part about the entire book was the haven that is Bonanza. This flashy adventure zone is reminiscent of the arcades and funplexes of our youths and just emanates good vibes. At times it got a bit dark, but it's contrasted nicely with the burgeoning summer romance between Hannah and Ethan.
*Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
*Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
lighthearted
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
4.5/5
this book was super cute! hannah, the main character, had amazing character growth! this was a fun & fast summer read :)
this book was super cute! hannah, the main character, had amazing character growth! this was a fun & fast summer read :)
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
Those Summer Nights exceeded my expectations. Silverman found a really nice balance between the more serious subjects of trauma, healing, and recovery and the chaos of working at a fun center. She made Bonanza quite endearing.
I love the way the character development unfolded too. Hannah wasn't totally likable at first (understandably) but her growth was well done and her character grew on me. Somehow her character had a lot of issues (referring to the bad choices she made) but it didn't give the book a sour or depressing feeling.
Silverman also nailed the feelings of just being sad. The way she phrased it really hit home.
I'm so glad this turned out to be such a feel good read.
I love the way the character development unfolded too. Hannah wasn't totally likable at first (understandably) but her growth was well done and her character grew on me. Somehow her character had a lot of issues (referring to the bad choices she made) but it didn't give the book a sour or depressing feeling.
Silverman also nailed the feelings of just being sad. The way she phrased it really hit home.
I'm so glad this turned out to be such a feel good read.
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
Yes