The Summer My Life Began

Summary:

"Elizabeth Margaret—better known as Em—has always known what life would contain: an internship at her father’s firm, a degree from Harvard and a career as a lawyer. The only problem is that it’s not what she wants. When she gets the opportunity to get away from it all and spend a month with the aunt she never knew, she jumps at the chance. While there, Em pursues her secret dream of being a chef, and she also learns that her family has kept some significant secrets from her, too. And then there’s Cade, the laid-back local surfer boy who seems to be everything Em isn't. Naturally, she can’t resist him, and as their romance blossoms, Em feels she is living on her own terms for the first time."

Plot: The Plot is perfect for a spring and/or summer break read, if you are a young pre-teen.

Characters: For the most part I found all the characters pretty one dimensional, even though most had back-rounds and everything. I just couldn't really feel for them. Ironically, the characters I like the most Frederick, Gwenny and Sid. Weren't even main characters. And really WHY was Beth a character? Her being there and her story line was pointless.

Pros: Prefect for the younger crowd, perfect for summer or a quick read.

Cons: It felt forced, and didn't live up to the potential it had.

Final Thoughts: The cover and the title promise a lot and in the beginning the book really lived up to all that, I thought okay I could totally dig this book while lying on the beach catching some sun. Then something happened something in the middle of the book, that I can't explain really, besides forced and maybe fake? I didn't feel the love connection and all though the secret was surprising, I just didn't feel that compelled to be sympathetic or anything over it. Oddly, my favorite part of the book is when the characters are having ice cream and the choice of ice cream flavors, fits each character perfectly. Would I recommend this book to my blogger friends.. no. Would I give this my 12 year old cousin? Yes.

The Summer My Life Began Will Be Available May 10th

Thank You To NetGalley and Speak / Penguin!