A review by penandpaper
Just For the Summer by Abby Jimenez

emotional funny reflective 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

3.5

The romance was the least interesting thing about the novel, which is both a subtle dig and a huge complement to the side-stories here. The main characters have incredibly interesting backstories with complex lives, so pivoting back to their insta-love, millennial-cringe dialogue was jarring every single time. I wanted to tie up loose ends, not focus on a poorly-constructed romance and lackluster final act. Personally, the author’s humor just didn’t relate with me, and that’s fine (even if I had to force myself to get through parts). The mental health representation here was well-done. Even if I don’t always agree with the main character’s approach, it was sensitive and informed. Maybe the author’s only real “sin” here was falling for the trend of over-explaining a diagnosis with language and specificity a patient would never really use. Overall, this book was redeemed by the rich side stories and surprising twists. I just wish Josh and Emma had spent more time on those things, not insta-love.
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