We'll Always Have Summer Review

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Title: We'll Always Have Summer
Author: Jenny Han
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's
Published: April 26, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 288
Source: S&S Galley Grab

It's been two years since Conrad told Belly to go with Jeremiah. She and Jeremiah have been inseparable ever since, even attending the same college-- only, their relationship hasn't exactly been the happily ever after Belly had hoped it would be.

And when Jeremiah makes the worst mistake a boy can make, Belly is forced to question what she thought was true love. Does she really have a future with Jeremiah? Has she ever gotten over Conrad? It's time for Belly to decide, once and for all, who has her heart forever.
Belly is practically a grownup now, and her heart still remains torn between both Jeremiah and Conrad, though she's technically made her decision and gone with Jeremiah. She's in college, she's having the time her life, but something remains lingering in the back of her mind. When Jeremiah slips up, Belly is forced to re-examine her feelings, her emotions and the pieces of her heart that are divided between two great guys. Does she have the strength to make the decision once and for all?

We all know that contemps aren't really my thing, but I began this series a good while back with the first book, The Summer I Turned Pretty and It's Not Summer Without You. I remember being captivated by the love triangle even though they tend to aggravate me, and the writing was engaging throughout. Jenny Han has created a brilliant third book that's emotional and raw, alternating between breaking your heart and gluing the pieces back together again with a great story of love, friendship and growing up.

I have to admit that I felt this story wasn't quite as powerful as the previous two books - perhaps just because Belly is older now. She's in college and she has this whole new life going on. That said, Belly, Jeremiah and Conrad are as fabulous as ever. Their character traits are as strong as book one in We'll Always Have Summer, and I definitely read the fast-paced plot at a steady speed to figure out what happened in the end...and I have to say that, overall, I was pleased with the outcome.

In a sea of YA stories where we lose the characters and plot as the books progress, We'll Always Have Summer was a refreshing read. Sweet, heartfelt and powerful, I give it a strong 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to YA fans of the series, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction and romance.

I received this eARC free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

33 comments:

  1. I enjoy contemporary fiction quite a bit and this seems like a book I would like. I need to get my hands on the first book in the series!

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  2. I have been holding off reading the second book until the final book comes out. I am desperate to find out who Belly ends up with. Great review :)

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  3. If it wasn't for the triangle I would love to read the series. Now I am in two minds about it. Perhaps. Thanks for a well-balanced review!

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  4. ARGH. I SO want this book

    *loved* your review, mate! I am so scared of the outcome and how it is all going to work out :/

    xo Nomes

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  5. I just started the first book in this series last night! It is fabulous so far! :)

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  6. I haven't read this series. It's nice that the characters and plot stay strong throughout the books. You don't read too many YA with college aged characters. Kind of refreshing.

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  7. I agree with Alison - I like the fact that this is 'older' YA. There needs to be more of that out there. I haven't read the series either, though - review sounds lovely, but this series might be one that I will have to wait to be in the mood for.

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  8. Ahhhh, okay I have heard loads about this series. I need to read it. I have the first book but the second one was not in stock. I'm am a little reluctant in starting it because I can't read the second book right away. LOL! Thanks for this review!!

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  9. I can't wait for this one!!! Team Conrad all the way :)

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  10. Fab Review! Mine is set to go up in the next few days... sometime? I totally loved this series and I, too, felt that this book was a bit less powerful compared to the other two. I also felt like there was actually little character growth which bothered me for some reason. It felt like Belly and Jeremiah were still 16 but in college at times, I guess that was part of the charm with the Belly, Conrad, Jeremiah trio- no matter how old they got their dynamic stayed the same.

    Totally Team Conrad by the way. LOL

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  11. I just bought the first one in this series..Ive heard such great things..:D Lovely review

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  12. I haven't read these books yet, but I really want to. Sounds like a really fun series!

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  13. I guess I feel different than everyone else. I felt this book was the best out of all 3 (I gave #1-3 stars, #2-4 stars, and #3-5 stars). Maybe because it was emotional and the end to everything...not sure. But great review Melissa!

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  14. I haven't read any Jenny Han, am I missing out hugely on greatness? It kind of sounds like I am! I love that you think that even though this one isn't quite as strong as prior books, it's still a great read and doesn't disappoint:)

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  15. I didn't know this book was part of a series. Maybe I'm too new to contemp to know for sure, but you don't often see series books for this genre, right? That alone is pretty interesting.

    Though you didn't find it as strong as the previous books, I'm glad to hear you'd still recommend it. That let me know the series is worth my time. Looking forward to checking it out. Thanks.

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  16. I might save this for summer. If we ever get a sumemr. Great review :)

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  17. I really need to start this series! It sounds great! Thanks for the review!

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  18. This series is amazing seriously! I want to read this one so bad, must know who she ends up with! :)

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  19. I'm so glad you liked this one. I've been waiting for this last book in the series. I've read the other two and though I didn't think the second was as strong as the first I'm still waiting anxiously for this last one. Good review!

    Heather

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  20. I haven't read any YA books in a while..should change that. But I am feeling more fantasy YA than contemporary, hm

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  21. I agree, I didn't think this was quite as good as the 1st two... yet I still devoured it. There was a lot of good about it, it just wasn't quite as engaging as the first two.

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  22. Hmmmmm... I am totally on a paranormal kick so I think that this being more so contemporary will not itch my scratch so to speak. But when I get sick of paranormal I will def give this one a go! Thanks for the great review Melissa!

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  23. I read the first book in this series and found Belly immature and whiney but enjoyed the boys. Haven't gotten around to the 2nd book but glad to see the series ends on a high note!

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  24. Huh, the love triangle that you mention sounds interesting. Maybe I'll have to check out this series!

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  25. I'm glad you enjoyed this one. It sounds like she grows and that is good. I'll have to keep this in mind when I'm on a contemp kick.

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  26. Ok, I was able to read this review now since I just finished book 3 last night :-) !!!! I LOVE this series. So, so much. I think I threw up all over twitter talking about them in the last few days. I don't care though - every one should read them!

    Great review, Melissa! & psst.. need more YA Contemp rec's?! ;-) you know I love my contemps!

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  27. I really love this series. Its just SO AMAZING. I can't wait to get my hands on this one and find out who she picks in the end. Your review is so lovely and thoughtful. Hopefully I will be as pleased with the ending to the series as you were! :)

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  28. how are people getting advanced copies of this book? it doesn't come out till April 26th

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  29. Fantastic review! I read the whole SUMMER series in two days what felt insane, but still so good. This summer love triangle is captivating, although you are right when saying the third book isn't as powerful as the first two books in this series. What I really like is that you call this book "heartfelt", because it definitely is!I am sad the story had to come to an end, but isn't there always an end, even to the most beautiul love story *sigh*
    I can't wait to publish my reviews of all three books and share my SUMMER love:)

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  30. P.S. Haven't you written reviews of THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY and IT'S NOT SUMMER WITHOUT YOU? I would love to read your thoughts on them, too

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  31. Nice review! This series keep growing on me, and I'm looking forward to reading the final installment!

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  32. I just have to chime in with some friendly disagreement... I think the last book is dreadful and does a complete character assassination on both of the boys. The turns feel wholly unearned to me, and I for one was very disappointed in the outcome. I think those who favor truly realistic, contemporary stories (a la John Green or Sara Zarr, for instance) will find themselves very disappointed.

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