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meghan_readsbooks 's review for:
The Summer Pact
by Emily Giffin
Thank you to Ballantine and PRH audio for the review copies of The Summer Pact.
This is one read that I wanted to like more than I did. I felt the plot and themes were worthwhile, I love a study in friendship and themes on the complexity of young adult roles but I felt the book and writing, as well as character portrayals, held back enjoyment and engagement.
1. I am 100% here for diverse and inclusive reads but here the inclusion of diverse characters felt less than authentic and written from a place where there was limited effort to really explore these identities and how these aspects of identity really shape experiences in college and in post college roles. I note this in particular for the connection to college campuses (such as the one in the book) where experiences with race and marginalized identities is likely a complex experience requiring careful examination and depth.
2. The writing felt at times clipped? less than developed? a little too on the surface and light when topics and characters deserved some stronger more nuanced and fleshed out writing.
3. The pacing felt off to me as did relationships. I never felt really invested in the stories or characters even though I normally love books about friendships over time.
This is one that was not a win for me, it may be great for others, but I do note content themes on suicide, mental health, infidelity and other challenges. It might be useful to look at content warnings if you are sensitive to these and other related themes.
This is one read that I wanted to like more than I did. I felt the plot and themes were worthwhile, I love a study in friendship and themes on the complexity of young adult roles but I felt the book and writing, as well as character portrayals, held back enjoyment and engagement.
1. I am 100% here for diverse and inclusive reads but here the inclusion of diverse characters felt less than authentic and written from a place where there was limited effort to really explore these identities and how these aspects of identity really shape experiences in college and in post college roles. I note this in particular for the connection to college campuses (such as the one in the book) where experiences with race and marginalized identities is likely a complex experience requiring careful examination and depth.
2. The writing felt at times clipped? less than developed? a little too on the surface and light when topics and characters deserved some stronger more nuanced and fleshed out writing.
3. The pacing felt off to me as did relationships. I never felt really invested in the stories or characters even though I normally love books about friendships over time.
This is one that was not a win for me, it may be great for others, but I do note content themes on suicide, mental health, infidelity and other challenges. It might be useful to look at content warnings if you are sensitive to these and other related themes.