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A review by aforgetfulreader
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
medium-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
4.0
First, I will say that there is a lot that I love about this book. Like the fact Justin and Emma deal with real life issues and have to navigate their relationship differently. Or that Jimenez highlights love in an everyday context rather than it having to be an extraordinary gesture.
However, a few things weren’t great to me. The insta-love thing is always hard for me to get on with. Their relationship building in the beginning could have been better.
Additionally, I think that it was a *somewhat* inaccurate depiction of someone whom I am assuming has bipolar disorder. It was never stated but it seemed like that was what the author was leading us towards? I was deeply moved by Emma’s desire to empathize with her mother. However, Emma’s mom was depicted as a completely unstable and heartless person at times, which I think can be problematic. Although I understand that she was unmedicated, not going to therapy, etc. I did appreciate the author putting her behavior in some context, but I still think it can be dangerous to depict mental health issues in this way.. We don’t need anymore of a reason to villainize folks with mental health issues. Overall, I didn’t hate it. I think Emma’s experience is true for many. But I just wish we had a better overall picture of Emma’s mom.
However, a few things weren’t great to me. The insta-love thing is always hard for me to get on with. Their relationship building in the beginning could have been better.
Additionally, I think that it was a *somewhat* inaccurate depiction of someone whom I am assuming has bipolar disorder. It was never stated but it seemed like that was what the author was leading us towards? I was deeply moved by Emma’s desire to empathize with her mother. However, Emma’s mom was depicted as a completely unstable and heartless person at times, which I think can be problematic. Although I understand that she was unmedicated, not going to therapy, etc. I did appreciate the author putting her behavior in some context, but I still think it can be dangerous to depict mental health issues in this way.. We don’t need anymore of a reason to villainize folks with mental health issues. Overall, I didn’t hate it. I think Emma’s experience is true for many. But I just wish we had a better overall picture of Emma’s mom.