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ashleyjean6's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A coming of age story set in a seemingly perfect small US beach town. The premise, mother & kids going away Dan's the father's for the summer, reminds me of other books set early in the 1900s near NYC (a la mad men). However this is YA and ALL about the kids, particularly the lone girl, and youngest, in the bunch. There are some problematic passages about diet culture/ body image that I really disliked. They're not even needed!! I'd let my elementary aged daughter read this, except not because of that. (It's not the focus of the book. But those stupid asides are what get stuck in a young girls head). The ending leaves you hanging, so have the next book in the series ready. I also enjoyed the narrator.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Alcohol, Cancer, and Terminal illness
henrim's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
msmesser24's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.0
bayliedarling's review against another edition
4.0
i honestly liked it more than the show. such a great read.
akookieforyou's review against another edition
4.0
*3.75*
2nd Read 2023: Rereading this was an interesting experience, especially when it came to what I remembered and what I forgot. Like for instance, I remembered this book being very light and fun, but when that reveal happens towards the end, it feels anything but. I actually had tears in my eyes, and what Belly was going through felt way too real. So I would no longer classify this book as "light". It's definitely a quick read though. I probably could've read it in one sitting if I didn't have so much going on.
Anyways, I'm excited to actually continue on in the series, hopefully Jenny Han will make Conrad more likable lmao. And I'm curious about the Amazon series, apparently season 2 is coming out soon.
1st Read 2018: I read this when I was in a bit of a reading slump, and it totally helped me through it. It's a nice, summery romance. Nothing fantastic, but an enjoyable, and quick read.
2nd Read 2023: Rereading this was an interesting experience, especially when it came to what I remembered and what I forgot. Like for instance, I remembered this book being very light and fun, but when that reveal happens towards the end, it feels anything but. I actually had tears in my eyes, and what Belly was going through felt way too real. So I would no longer classify this book as "light". It's definitely a quick read though. I probably could've read it in one sitting if I didn't have so much going on.
Anyways, I'm excited to actually continue on in the series, hopefully Jenny Han will make Conrad more likable lmao. And I'm curious about the Amazon series, apparently season 2 is coming out soon.
1st Read 2018: I read this when I was in a bit of a reading slump, and it totally helped me through it. It's a nice, summery romance. Nothing fantastic, but an enjoyable, and quick read.
zoekatetrezise's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed this and will definite continue with the trilogy, but I only gave it 3 stars because I had some problems with it. I didn't really like Belly, she kind of came across as a petulant child, and definitely not a girl who has all these guys after her. I did like how we saw from not just the summer she 'turned pretty' but also the ones from when she was younger. It gave a better sense of the characters and their development. So yeah, 3 stars, maybe even 2.5. Worth the read but not the best book you'll ever read.
smoguss's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jgrant's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.25
tylerlovesbooks's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
realized how much more i enjoy the tv show in comparison to the book. this was cheesy and out of touch in a lot of ways but also o couldn’t pull myself away so do w that what you will. major win was lola tung narrating this☝️ love her
wickreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Purely due to nostalgia. Great quick read.