Helpful Score: 7
Normally Ive gotten over the whole the summer that changed my life trope, but THE SUMMER OF SKINNY DIPPING was a surprisingly well-written, poignant, and deep read. Its cover suggests a good beach pastime, but its a story that will resonate during any season.
Amanda Howells does an excellent job of writing well-rounded characters that are more than just types. There are numerous layers to the interpersonal complexities of Mias life, from her parents rocky relationship, to Corinnes two-facedness, to Simons own family issues. That is why this book cannot simply be classified as a summer love read, because it runs deeper than that.
Of course, this books back-cover summary implies there will be a romance, and thankfully Mia and Simons budding relationship was equally well developed. Simon doesnt come off as an irritatingly perfect male specimen, irresistible to all womankind but wanting only Mia. (Whew *wipes sweat off brow*.) Their relationship is a relaxed, alternately playful and serious, dance across the summer, and we grow to love the way they work together in spite of all their individual difficulties.
THE SUMMER OF SKINNY DIPPING is a worthy read this summer, and the best part is that its a good deal in paperback form. Be sure to check this one out if youre looking for a gentle yet emotional story of love, family, and self-discovery.
Amanda Howells does an excellent job of writing well-rounded characters that are more than just types. There are numerous layers to the interpersonal complexities of Mias life, from her parents rocky relationship, to Corinnes two-facedness, to Simons own family issues. That is why this book cannot simply be classified as a summer love read, because it runs deeper than that.
Of course, this books back-cover summary implies there will be a romance, and thankfully Mia and Simons budding relationship was equally well developed. Simon doesnt come off as an irritatingly perfect male specimen, irresistible to all womankind but wanting only Mia. (Whew *wipes sweat off brow*.) Their relationship is a relaxed, alternately playful and serious, dance across the summer, and we grow to love the way they work together in spite of all their individual difficulties.
THE SUMMER OF SKINNY DIPPING is a worthy read this summer, and the best part is that its a good deal in paperback form. Be sure to check this one out if youre looking for a gentle yet emotional story of love, family, and self-discovery.
Helpful Score: 1
Although, this book wasn't as fluffy as I expected it to be, it was still a lot of fun. Mia was a great main character. She went to the beach house thinking that she was going to have one of those great summers with her cousin like she had as a kid, only problem is, nothing is the same. Turns out, her cousin has turned into to one of those stuck-up princess that they used to make fun of together, and Mia finds that it's sometimes easier to compromise herself then it is to stand-up for herself. What was great was that through it all, Mia still knew who she was, and even when she wasn't acting like herself, she was berating herself for behaving that way.
There was a great romance, the kind of summer romance that we all dream about having as a teen! Simon was such a great male lead. He was so sure of who he was, and he was completely unashamed to show that to everyone. Funny, charming, and sweet, he swept me off my feet right along with Mia. Mia also comes to realize along the way, that no one is who she really thinks they are. Not her Aunt and Uncle, who have the perfect relationship; not her cousins, who have everything they ever wanted; and not her Mom, who never understands her and never appreciates her Dad.
My only problem with the book was there were a few sections that seemed to drag on for me. A scene or two could have been cut without it damaging the story. Overall, this was a fun read that had me wishing I was at the beach, and it had an ending that sent me into a tail-spin of shock! A delightfully fun summer read.
There was a great romance, the kind of summer romance that we all dream about having as a teen! Simon was such a great male lead. He was so sure of who he was, and he was completely unashamed to show that to everyone. Funny, charming, and sweet, he swept me off my feet right along with Mia. Mia also comes to realize along the way, that no one is who she really thinks they are. Not her Aunt and Uncle, who have the perfect relationship; not her cousins, who have everything they ever wanted; and not her Mom, who never understands her and never appreciates her Dad.
My only problem with the book was there were a few sections that seemed to drag on for me. A scene or two could have been cut without it damaging the story. Overall, this was a fun read that had me wishing I was at the beach, and it had an ending that sent me into a tail-spin of shock! A delightfully fun summer read.
