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.
Mia Gordon is just your average sixteen year old. Shes really looking forward to summer vacation; the beach, her cousins, and she can forget about Jake. Jake recently dumped her and Mia is still reeling from it.
Mia and her cousin used to be like best friends, and with the economy the way its been, Mia hasnt been back to the Hamptons in three years. She cant wait to spend time with her and let her heart heal from Jakes rejection. But her cousins are not what Mia remembered. They are cold, beautiful, and snooty. Mia feels like the third wheel, and definitely feels out of her element when they throw big lavish parties with drugs, alcohol, and sex.
Mia wants to fit in, but it just isnt her. Then she meets Simon, the boy next door. Simon is easy to talk to and he convinces Mia to skinnydip with him late at night in the dark. Mia finds herself falling in love with Simon, but Simon has his own problems at home. They find themselves looking forward to the night when they can be together. What started out as a disappointing summer for Mia is turning into the best one yet. But when something tragic occurs, Mia isnt so sure it is the best summer ever.
The Summer of Skinnydipping is a great young adult novel. It involves peer pressure, sex, drugs and alcohol, and not being something your not. Mias story is fresh, sweet, and tragic. The interaction between her and her parents and the other characters is depicted in a reality setting that lends truth to the story. A wonderful beach read this summer from debut author Amanda Howells.
Mia and her cousin used to be like best friends, and with the economy the way its been, Mia hasnt been back to the Hamptons in three years. She cant wait to spend time with her and let her heart heal from Jakes rejection. But her cousins are not what Mia remembered. They are cold, beautiful, and snooty. Mia feels like the third wheel, and definitely feels out of her element when they throw big lavish parties with drugs, alcohol, and sex.
Mia wants to fit in, but it just isnt her. Then she meets Simon, the boy next door. Simon is easy to talk to and he convinces Mia to skinnydip with him late at night in the dark. Mia finds herself falling in love with Simon, but Simon has his own problems at home. They find themselves looking forward to the night when they can be together. What started out as a disappointing summer for Mia is turning into the best one yet. But when something tragic occurs, Mia isnt so sure it is the best summer ever.
The Summer of Skinnydipping is a great young adult novel. It involves peer pressure, sex, drugs and alcohol, and not being something your not. Mias story is fresh, sweet, and tragic. The interaction between her and her parents and the other characters is depicted in a reality setting that lends truth to the story. A wonderful beach read this summer from debut author Amanda Howells.
Reviewed by hoopsielv for TeensReadToo.com
Mia can't wait to spend the summer in the Hamptons. After all, she just got dumped and there's nothing like the beach to make everything better. Plus, she'll be with her cousin, Corinne, and they've been inseparable every time they're together. It's bound to be a fabulous time!
Right away, Mia sees a big change in Corinne. Everything is "boring" to her and she would rather be anywhere else. Corinne's friend, Gen, has also been invited this summer, and Mia feels like a third wheel. Where does she fit in?
Mia doesn't want to change herself for these girls and their lifestyles. She is who she is. The ocean has always welcomed her with open arms and she finds her place in the water and the beach, gazing as far as she can see.
Yet she's not the only one who finds the beach to be an escape at night. Simon is different, also, and together they feel like they are on the outside looking in on the world. They spend many nights together watching the tide, sharing thoughts and dreams. When the sun comes up and they have to deal with daylight, can they still find the inner peace and strength to be themselves and not what others want them to be?
This is a touching novel about falling in love, being independent, and learning to believe in yourself. It's definitely bittersweet at times but very realistic. This a terrific summer read!
Mia can't wait to spend the summer in the Hamptons. After all, she just got dumped and there's nothing like the beach to make everything better. Plus, she'll be with her cousin, Corinne, and they've been inseparable every time they're together. It's bound to be a fabulous time!
Right away, Mia sees a big change in Corinne. Everything is "boring" to her and she would rather be anywhere else. Corinne's friend, Gen, has also been invited this summer, and Mia feels like a third wheel. Where does she fit in?
Mia doesn't want to change herself for these girls and their lifestyles. She is who she is. The ocean has always welcomed her with open arms and she finds her place in the water and the beach, gazing as far as she can see.
Yet she's not the only one who finds the beach to be an escape at night. Simon is different, also, and together they feel like they are on the outside looking in on the world. They spend many nights together watching the tide, sharing thoughts and dreams. When the sun comes up and they have to deal with daylight, can they still find the inner peace and strength to be themselves and not what others want them to be?
This is a touching novel about falling in love, being independent, and learning to believe in yourself. It's definitely bittersweet at times but very realistic. This a terrific summer read!
WOW!,
So this book was nothing like i expected, the ending was very surprising. but it was definately well written. it was the whole summer that changed that changed my life, and i loved it.
So this book was nothing like i expected, the ending was very surprising. but it was definately well written. it was the whole summer that changed that changed my life, and i loved it.
Great story!
