Release Date: May 21, 2013
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Source: BEA
Summary
The last night of summer is only the beginning.
Skye wants to meet the boy who will change her life forever. Seth feels their instant connection the second he sees her. When Seth starts talking to Skye at the last beach party of the summer, it’s obvious to both of them that this is something real. But when Seth leaves for college before they exchange contact info, Skye wonders if he felt the same way she did—and if she will ever see him again. Even if they find their way back to each other, can they make a long-distance relationship work despite trust issues, ex drama, and some serious background differences?
Teen favorite Susane Colasanti returns to the alternating-voice style of her beloved debut When It Happens in this Serendipity-inspired story about summer, soul mates, and the moments that change our lives forever. (courtesy of Goodreads)
Review
I liked this book. However, it's one of the relatively rare times in the world of YA that I feel too old for a book. It was light and fun in a way that seemed kinda silly from an adult perspective. But as I was reading it, I could see teenagers really getting a kick out of it.
A few things:
1. Insta-love? This was my first complaint about this book. The characters briefly - really briefly - met and had a strong connection. Then they were apart for an entire year and were obsessed with each other the whole time. They tried dating, but it couldn't live up to this "perfect" soul mate.
However, upon further reflection, I don't think this is actual insta-love. More like insta-fascination. It's something that feels very teenagery to me. Whether it's teenagery like real teenagers or like the teen stereotype, I'm not sure. But it bothered me less as the book went on.
2. Seth and Skye - Our hero and heroine are simultaneously likeable, immature, smart, funny, whiny, kind, and irritating. You could argue that this makes them feel real, because they're both good and bad. But mostly, the annoying parts of them won out over the good parts.
From my review, it sounds like I didn't enjoy this at all. That's not quite true. It was a very quick read. It had a happy ending. It's saccharine, which can at times be a good thing when you're in the mood for it. It is a perfectly serviceable YA romance.
I wanted to try a book by this author, but I'm not sure if this is the right one. It reminds me a bit of "Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight" and for some reason the 24 hr relationship just didn't work for me so I'm pretty sure this relationship won't work for me either.
ReplyDeleteGood review! I've read a few YA books that have made me feel like I was too old to be reading them lol
ReplyDeleteBut they can still be quite enjoyable.
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