Summary:
The perfect book to kick off summer! For as long as Rachel Brooks can remember, she’s had capital-G Goals: straight As, academic scholarship, college of her dreams. And it’s all paid off–after years of following the rules and acing every exam, Rachel is graduating at the top of her class and ready to celebrate by . . . doing absolutely nothing. Because Rachel Brooks has spent most of high school saying no. No to dances, no to parties, and most especially, no to boys.
Now, for the first time in her life, there’s nothing stopping Rachel from having a little fun–nothing, that is, except herself. So when she stumbles on a beat up old self-help book–A SEASON OF YES!–a crazy idea pops into her head: What if she just said yes to . . . everything?
And so begins a summer of yes. Yes to new experiences and big mistakes, yes to rekindled friendships and unexpected romances, yes to seeing the world in a whole new way. This book is a fresh and fun take on the coming-of-age novel that explores the quintessential themes of growing up: taking risks, making mistakes, and, of course, love. And who knows? Lindsey Roth Culli’s hilarious and heartwarming debut may just inspire your own SAY YES SUMMER.
Title: Say Yes Summer
Author: Lindsey Roth Culli
Publication Date: May 12, 2020
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Age Group: Young Adult
Review:
I loved this book from the first page! It did not disappoint in being a perfect summer read. It was evenly paced in a way that we don’t often see in books similar to this. There didn’t seem to be any “filler chapters” and I loved that. The book wasn’t so fast-paced that I felt like I was missing something, but it kept moving at a steady pace that kept me interested and intrigued.
It was amusing, relatable, and descriptive in a way that I loved. The main character, Rachel, was a lot of fun to witness this story through. She had a distinct voice that was beautifully portrayed by Culli. Rachel was very funny and so relatable in many ways. I found myself nodding my head in agreement, and smiling and laughing at so many parts. it brought back so many memories of my high school experience and of thinking a lot of the same things as the main character.
Something that I think made this book stand out to me was the descriptions used throughout the book. Culli has a beautiful way with words. The way she painted each scene and Rachel’s experience, in general, was wonderful to me. The descriptions weren’t cliche or overly used, but new and refreshing, and still completely relatable. It was creative and new and I loved every minute of it.
My only squabble was the fact that I really liked both of the guys and, although I was happy with Rachel’s choice, there wasn’t really a good resolve for me with the other one. There was no reason for me to dislike him or want Rachel to dump him like a sack of garbage. I found that I still wanted to have him be a part of her life somehow.
Overall, I loved this book! I will be recommending it to everyone I know this summer!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 4.5/5
To check out my other reviews, click here. Or to check out more books by Lindsey Roth Culli, go to her GoodReads profile or her website.
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