Tuesday, June 15, 2010

It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

Book review #47
It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
Rating: Five stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)

Last year, all of Belly's dreams came true and the thought of missing a summer in Cousins Beach was inconceivable. But like the rise and fall of the ocean tide, things can change--just like that. Suddenly the time she's always looked forward to most is something she dreads. And when Jeremiah calls to say Conrad has disappeared, Belly must decide how she will spend this summer: chasing after the boy she loves, or finally letting him go. 

I'm officially in love with this series.  To say this book was amazing is an understatement. I think I even liked it better than the first book (The Summer I Turned Pretty) which I fell in love with. It's Not Summer Without You is simply delicious. I clawed my way through it, setting it down at times, to savor every last moment. I was really sad when it came to the end. It has everything I look for in a book- a realistic lovable main character, a summer/beach setting, and not one, but two amazing boys. The added emotional roller coaster was just icing on the cake.

Belly was the same old Belly, but yet totally different. It's summer time again, which usually means spending times in Cousins with Susan and the boys, but not this time. Susannah is getting sicker by the second and she doesn't have much time left. Everyone is taking it really hard. The amazing summers Belly dreamed of all year long have come to an end. To top it off her relationship/fling with Conrad is on the rocks. When Jeremiah calls Belly claiming Conrad is missing, Belly decides it's time to make it right again...

The characters are amazing. They are practically family to me- I felt extremely attached to them. Each of them sparked so many emotions from me- I smiled, laughed, screamed, and definitely cried. Belly is definitely my favorite. She's the same age as me, and at a similar stage in life, so can I really relate to her. I understood her confusion and heart ache. She's so lucky to have Jeremiah and Conrad. Jeremiah is such a sweetie, I would love to have him around! And Conrad is so smart and complex. I understand how it would be difficult to choose between them. Susannah. Don't even get me started on her. I probably missed her as much as Belly and the boys, she's just a wonderful person.

Cousins is where I want to live. In my eyes it's almost perfect. It's Not Summer Without You is the type of book where the descriptions are so good that you can practically feel what's going on around you. I could imagine everything exactly in my head-the smell of the beach in the morning, the cozy beach house, even the feelings of love drifting in the air.

There wasn't anything I didn't love about this book. I can't wait for the next book to come out, I really can't. It's Not Summer Without You is one of those perfect summer reads that are actually deep and wonderful. If you haven't started this series, I highly suggest you do (:

15 comments:

Blueicegal ♥ said...

i always look forward to your reviews, loved it! i might do some researching on this, thanks for the awesome review chick :)

Sara said...

Aww thanks Aly! (:

Faye( Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm) said...

i definitely need a summer read right now! i wanna know who this Jeremiah is lol :D Great review!

Tales of Whimsy said...

Oooo good characters :) I love that.

Stephanie said...

I am crazy about great character-driven novels, and I love the way you described the people in this book as being like family. :) It's wonderful to find a series like that.

Ashley said...

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Thanks for the fun blog! I love the main photo, and your reviews are great!

Ashley

Anonymous said...

Sounds awesome. I think I have 2 books before I get to The Summer I Turned Pretty. I'm glad this one is already out and I won't have to wait for it.

Kelly said...

Fantastic review, sounds like a great book!

Super Librarian said...

I've given you an award! Check it out here:
http://superlibrarian-super.blogspot.com/2010/06/new-award.html

Robby said...

These books sound so great. I can't wait to read them.

Jen said...

Great review! I haven't read these books, but now, I'll check to see if our library has them! :)

Collegiate Bookworm said...

I loved this book, too! I can't wait for the third book next summer!!

Kelley Vitollo said...

Absolutely one of my top three favorite reads of the year! Fantastic review!

Stina said...

I loved this book and The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Anonymous said...

While reading your review I kept nodding my head it agreement. These characters truly are amazing and you said it perfectly when you mentioned how they feel like family. I just love this series, it's one of my absolute favourites.