Twenty Boy Summer Review

Thursday, September 16, 2010


According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy every day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.
Taken from GoodReads.

Twenty Boy Summer follows the story of 16-year-old best friends Anna Riley and Frankie Perino as they cope with the prospect of visiting the family's vacation spot one year after Frankie's brother's tragic death. A year ago, Anna was floating on air, experiencing her first kiss with Matt Perino, finding her first love, and waiting for the perfect moment to tell Frankie. In an instant though, Matt was taken away, the void left in Anna's heart couldn't be filled, and she had to keep her promise to Matt. She had to protect Frankie in the wake of his death - and she could never tell Frankie, no matter what.

I never read a review for Twenty Boy Summer, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The premise sounded intriguing, and frankly the only reason I put off reading this book so long was because of the title. It sounded, well...loose, shall we say. Nevertheless, I decided to give it a go, and I'm so glad I did. Sarah Ockler has spun a magnetic tale that examines the intricacies of friendship, mourning, loss, and finding the will to live again.

Twenty Boy Summer had the elements of romance that make it sweet and beautiful, while tempering them with the overwhelming sorrow one feels in the wake of a loved one's death. Frankie's emotions, while a bit trying to read, felt real, and Anna's quiet demeanor helped the story ring true. If I could sum Twenty Boy Summer up in one general theme, it would be that true love never dies. It changes, transforms, and helps one overcome the sadness and find out how to live again. Most of all though, this book deals with the depth of Frankie and Anna's friendship, and it proves just how strong they are united.

I give Twenty Boy Summer a very strong 5 out of 5. I would recommend it to those who enjoy realistic YA fiction, romance, and reading about the complexities in a unique coming-of-age tale. I would, however, recommend it to a more mature YA audience due to some discreet sexual situations and drinking etc.

25 comments:

  1. LOL! The title does sound a little "loose" as you said:) I haven't read this one, but I've seen a lot of talk surrounding her second book, so I think this is an author I need to try. Great review as usual!

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  2. Thanks for the review. I love your sum up of the story and it sounds like it's a really good one. It seems like the characters were especially powerful.I've heard a lot about this book and all of it positive. I can't wait to read it!

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  3. I was wondering... does the paper heart on the cover tie into the story? Excellent review by the way =)

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  4. Great review! I haven't seen this one. Sounds awesome! :-)

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  5. awesome review, melissa! i've been curious about this one since it came out!

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  6. Now how did I never see that, I have no idea what I was thinking when I read the title.
    Great review, and a strong 5, I am impressed

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  7. Its been a while since I read this one, but I remembered liking it. Thanks for the review!

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  8. I've seen this around before, but never knew what it was about. It sounds awesome!

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  9. Wow, fabulous review! You know, I always thought that this book was just a fun, flirty read about a girl who likes a guy. (Or, shall we say, twenty guys?) I'm so glad there's more to it than that! Thanks for changing my mind.

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  10. Oh god I am glad you like this. I won it and have yet to read it, but 5 out of 5 is great. I will try moving it up in the overwhelming pile that is my TBR shelf.

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  11. Fantastic review, Melissa! I paid no attention to this one either because of the title. I’ll have to pick it up next time I’m at the library.

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  12. This is the second review that I've seen today that raved about this book. I'm definitely going to have to give it a shot now!

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  13. I've seen this one around quite a bit, but I haven't read it. I hadn't read it because like you, the title made it sound "loose". Not to mention, I steer clear of books involving death whenever possible, because I've lost too many people so it hits too closely to home. But I think I'll definitely have to pick it up now!

    Great review!

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  14. I've seen this cover around but like you thr title put me off & I never even read the summary to see what it was about. After reading your review I think I'll have to check it out :o) Fab review Melissa!

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  15. Great review! I should put this book on my wishlist! :)

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  16. Wow! A 5 out of 5 you say? I'll have to definitely stop ignoring this one and put it on my TBR list then. Loved your review!

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  17. I just picked up this book today. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm following you as well.

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  18. I'm adding this book to my to-read list! Looks great... thanks for the review. :)

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  19. Wonderful review! I'm heard mixed things on this one myself...but I love the summarization in your review. Certainly gives it one more fan in my book....and a another positive point towards me possibly reading it in the future. Thanks for sharing....and happy reading!

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  20. I just love your reviews! I have not heard of this one until now but am putting it on my TBR list. Thank you, Melissa!

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  21. YAY! I've yet to post up my review (it's waaay behind the queue) of TBS. But I loveedd it so much. It's such a true, moving book. I would recommend it to everybody. Fantastic review, Melissa. I'm glad you liked it.

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  22. I'm been so curious about this book ever since all the hoopla about trying to get it banned from schools started.

    If the heart of it is a love story, how can that be bad? Thanks for the review. I now have this one in my cart!

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  23. I just read and reviewed this one as well, and also quite enjoyed it! Love the symbolism of the glass pieces...the cover makes so much more sense once you read the book :)

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  24. I've just started reading this book and I'm really enjoying it so far. Thanks for sharing a great review. I'll link it from mine when I write it.

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  25. This book sounds very good.
    and the title does sound a little off haha.
    i heard frankie is very annoying though.
    but great review =D
    i shall have to cheak it out when i get money (:

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