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A review by anniekslibrary
Donut Summer by Anita Kelly
5.0
Anita Kelly is one of my favourite romance authors - I've read and enjoyed everything they've written. So when they announced their YA debut, I was immediately hyped. And Donut Summer really delivered - I'm going to need all of you to put it on your summer TBR.
First and foremost, Penny is one of the most relatable main characters I've read in a while. Her brand of anxiety is so much like my own. I admired the way she worked so hard to achieve her goals, but as someone twice her age, I wish I could tell her to rest and enjoy herself as well.
Penny and Mateo were also just so sweet together. Their dynamic is both funny and so heartfelt, I loved how adorably awkward they were. I loved the mention of Heartstopper leaves, because this book really did give me Heartstopper vibes, and that doesn't happen to me a lot.
The other relationships in this book, especially between Penny and her mums, were done with so much care and nuance. Penny's mums were clearly flawed, especially in the way they didn't always see when Penny was not okay and they didn't always give her what she needed. But at the same time, it was so clear how much they loved her, and how hard they were trying.
If I had to give one criticism, I could have done without a third-act break-up. It felt a little forced to me and I wish they could have worked it out differently. But I still thought this was an absolutely delightful story.
First and foremost, Penny is one of the most relatable main characters I've read in a while. Her brand of anxiety is so much like my own. I admired the way she worked so hard to achieve her goals, but as someone twice her age, I wish I could tell her to rest and enjoy herself as well.
Penny and Mateo were also just so sweet together. Their dynamic is both funny and so heartfelt, I loved how adorably awkward they were. I loved the mention of Heartstopper leaves, because this book really did give me Heartstopper vibes, and that doesn't happen to me a lot.
The other relationships in this book, especially between Penny and her mums, were done with so much care and nuance. Penny's mums were clearly flawed, especially in the way they didn't always see when Penny was not okay and they didn't always give her what she needed. But at the same time, it was so clear how much they loved her, and how hard they were trying.
If I had to give one criticism, I could have done without a third-act break-up. It felt a little forced to me and I wish they could have worked it out differently. But I still thought this was an absolutely delightful story.