A review by kristina_ligaya
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

At the beginning of the book, I didn’t really resonate with it because it felt like another predictable romance book and it was. But, I still loved some bits of the story, like the relationship between the Bellinger sisters, the moral of the story, and the setting. I think even without the romance aspect between Piper and Brendan, the story would still stand and I might still read it. I don’t know if I am making sense. I liked the concept of Piper’s coming of age (?), even though she’s a literal adult.

What I liked the most in this book was the moral of story because it showed the importance of living “the” life, realizing that there is more to it in life than you realize. You just have to go out of that comfort zone, that little box you are in. It’s not gonna be easy, smooth-sailing. I say it’s gonna be tough. You have to believe in yourself and to those who believe in you. 

I read some reviews that they didn’t like Brendan because he thinks that men are better than women and I think that is valid. However, we should give him a chance to realize na he can change his perspective about this, considering his upbringing. Pinalaki siyang ganun mag-isip, so naturally that’s how he’s gonna think and act. But but but I just hoped that the author kind of like inserted in one of Piper’s and Brendan’s conversation addressing this issue. By doing this, other readers will avoid romanticizing this type of guy who thinks that women do not belong in a crew sailing the sea.