A review by honeyhistory103
Summer of Salt by Katrina Leno

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was a lovely, simple read - definitely a great mini-mystery summer beach read. I loved now normal being abnormal was in Leno's world - the casual acceptance of members of the LGBTQ community, magic, and general oddness (Vira's gothness, the birdpeople's fixation) was a breath of fresh air. The problems that drove the story weren't caused by folks' oddness. Instead, the plot was gently compelling, keeping the novel chugging ahead at a steady pace. There was never a "gotcha" moment, and Leno gives you plenty enough clues to figure out the mystery on your own. The prose is well-written and immersive in its description without being superfluous.

*Spoilers* What truly made this book worth 4 stars instead of 3 to me was the absolutely beautiful way Leno handled the topic of rape, especially within a YA novel. The subtle character shifts that caused confusion for other characters in the story, the secretive nature surrounding it rang with a truth to them. What I loved most was the no-nonsense, absolute accountability that came for the perpetrator in the end - the ending that was deserved. 
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