A review by lunaseassecondaccount
The Summer Before by Ann M. Martin

3.0

It's so awesome that Ann M. Martin decided to release this prequel, even if it is in a way both a money-spinning idea and a way to get interest into the re-released books. I was admittedly a bit pumped when I heard this was going to be released. I gobbled down the BSC series when I was young.

This prequel isn't bad. It isn't the best book, but it's not bad. I found Kristy's story perhaps the saddest, then Stacey's, Mary Anne's, and finally Claudia's being the least. Really, I just found Claudia to be a bit selfish the entire time. Dude, dating your sister's fancy? Not on. And hell, he's entering high school while you're only twelve. Did you think he was going to keep you hanging along? Not really.

I wouldn't recommend starting with this book, though. There's a lot of pre-assumed knowledge, even if that's not what Martin intended. Furthermore, I can't help but feel that this is more of a gift to Martin's now-adult readers.

If you love the BSC, then you will probably enjoy this.