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kelseyfontaine 's review for:
Beach Read
by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I went into this book with pretty high expectations, but they weren’t completely met by the end. Don’t get me wrong, I read this book in one day due to a flight that was delayed for 12 whole hours, and while it was an entertaining read for that purpose, I wasn’t completely satisfied as I normally am.
I never really felt a true connection to the characters. Yes, they were lovable, witty, and had good chemistry together, but I never really felt like I knew them. Relationships outside of the one between January and Augustus were never really developed (besides January and her father), making it difficult to see a world outside of their connection. Aspects of the trauma that they both went through seemed rushed a bit, and could’ve been reflected on a bit more heavily to make it realistic.
Also, while this doesn’t necessarily affect the entire book, I felt that the title and cover were a bit misleading. As a lover of all things travel and beach, I thought the cover might reflect the climate it visually describes: swimsuits, travel, and warm weather. But, it takes place in midwestern Michigan, on a beach that they don’t visit often. It kind of bothered me while reading, waiting for the “beach” part.
Overall, the book was good, but underwhelming. Under the conditions I read it, my time was worthwhile. But, I wouldn’t want to voluntarily read it again.
I never really felt a true connection to the characters. Yes, they were lovable, witty, and had good chemistry together, but I never really felt like I knew them. Relationships outside of the one between January and Augustus were never really developed (besides January and her father), making it difficult to see a world outside of their connection. Aspects of the trauma that they both went through seemed rushed a bit, and could’ve been reflected on a bit more heavily to make it realistic.
Also, while this doesn’t necessarily affect the entire book, I felt that the title and cover were a bit misleading. As a lover of all things travel and beach, I thought the cover might reflect the climate it visually describes: swimsuits, travel, and warm weather. But, it takes place in midwestern Michigan, on a beach that they don’t visit often. It kind of bothered me while reading, waiting for the “beach” part.
Overall, the book was good, but underwhelming. Under the conditions I read it, my time was worthwhile. But, I wouldn’t want to voluntarily read it again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Infidelity