Thursday, May 21, 2009

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

"Don't worry, Anna. I'll tell her, okay? Just let me think about the best way to do it."
"Okay."
"Promise me? Promise you won't say anything?"
"Don't worry." I laughed. "It's our secret, right?"
.
According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in ZanzibarBay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy ever 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.Beautifully written and emotionally honest, this is a debut novel that explores what it truly means to love someone and what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every single moment this world has to offer.

Twenty Boy Summer is a great summer read, but could be read any other time of the year! The novel tugged on my heart repeatedly and it's amazing when books do that, it shows that the author has a lot of skill with writing about emotions. And I do believe that Sarah Ockler has that skill, along with many others that are only proven after reading Twenty Boy Summer.

The overall feeling that Twenty Boy Summer gives off is just amazing! While at some moments, the novel was sad and depressing that your heart immediately goes to Anna, the main character, and at others it's just so fun and exciting that you wish you were there! In a market full of summer romances and experiencing new things, this one stands out, whether it's because of the writing or the overall affect the book has.

The romance was a main key point in the novel and played its role perfectly, I was never bored with it and always wanted to read on. The tragic event that stays on Anna's mind is unique and interesting. I never imagined being in her position and it was wonderful to read her thoughts.

I have only positive feelings towards this book and I'm certain I'll be reading it again soon. Sarah Ockler has done a marvelous job with this one.

Ratings:

Writing: 3.5/5
Story: 4/5
Characters: 3.5/5
Cover: 3/5

7 comments:

~The Book Pixie said...

I'm glad you liked this book. I've been wanting to read it myself. lol. It sounds really good!

Blindfolded miles said...

OOOH, this was on your waiting list^^ I like the cover..I think I should read it!

Busy Bookblogger said...

This one is on my wishlist you make me want to read it even more! Great review!

Watching said...

^O^

Molly Jo said...

*adds to the reading list*

Sounds great!

Kate said...

Great review, this sounds like an awesome review :)

Mari - Escape In A Book said...

Thanks for the great review, Danielle! I have this book on my wish list and now I want it even more! I just have to finish the pile I've got here before purchasing anymore books.