The Last Summer (of You and Me) by Ann Brashares, 298 pagesI loved the Travelling Pants series by Brashares, so I had no problem reading this book lent by a friend. Two sisters, Riley and Alice, along with their best friend Paul spent their summers together in an idylic life on Fire Island. Growing up together, they are the best of friends. As they enter their twenties, relationships are changing, especially between Alice and Paul.
I found it a little slow going at first, but still enjoyed reading the beach lifestyle. Then some plot events happened that made the story pick up. It was a light, yet touching beach book. A literal beach book since much of the action takes place on the beach. My only complaint of the book was that the characters seemed like teenagers, living a relatively carefree life, still struggling with their sense of self, yet well into their twenties. Some people take longer to grow up I guess. I liked the love story, and the misunderstanding that happened was believable, and then the ending was sweetly sad.
I decided this summer to really focus on reading books lent to me by friends that I have been holding onto for far too long. (I was going to change that dangling participle, but it was too funny!) I still have a few more books to go, and just a couple weeks left. I think I might make it. Still to read: The Book of Negroes, Without You, Wintergirls, and Case Histories.
Man, I won a copy of this book forever ago! Really must read it...
ReplyDeleteI read this book at the beginning of the summer and just wasn't that into it. I liked the first book in the Traveling Pant Series but not the others. Your review is wonderful and points out the good and not so good parts wonderfully. Good luck getting through the rest of your borrowed books. :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your balanced review of this book. :-)
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This sounds good, but a little like 20 Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler.
ReplyDeletethere are books I borrowed from friends that I'm embarassed to admit I still have!!! I try not to borrow from friends actually, I know it'll take me months to get to those books anyway.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember the last book I borrowed from a friend. It's not something I normally do. I tried reading this book earlier in the year, but I gave up in the end.
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