Say Yes Summer by Lindsey Roth Culli
Published May 12, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
4 Stars
“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.”
This book sounds like the summer reading 16 year old Heidi would have immediately gobbled up in a heartbeat…..okay, let’s be honest, 20something year old Heidi did just that!
This book has all the makings of a typical summer YA romance, and I loved it. It has miscommunications, rekindled friendships, emotional mistakes, and, my favorite part, a sassy grandma with the quick quips and sound advice.
Don’t get me wrong, I love me some YA summer romance, but I also acknowledge that I am not the target audience.
Rachel is the good girl – straight A student, focused on education instead of the “high school experience” – and now, the summer after graduation, she finds a book titled A Season of Yes and decides to give herself a Summer of Yes. Yep, just like our favorite Queen of TV Producing, Shonda Rhimes.
Surprise, surprise (*heavy dose of sarcasm required*) this Summer of Yes lands our dear Rachel in the middle of choosing between her years-long crush and the guy who she grew up with in her family’s restaurant. I’ll let you pick who you root for – Clayton or Miles!
Miles, dear sweet Miles, is the kind of guy I would have secretly swooned over all my life, with the exception of his lack of drive. Rachel honestly doesn’t deserve him with how she acts – #MilesDeservesBetter
Without a doubt, Rachel’s grandma, Nonna, was probably my favorite character in this entire book. She’s the sassy sounding board that our gal Rachel needs, and let’s face it, everyone wants an Italian grandma who can cook and pass judgement. She’s not afraid to shoot from the hip, but does it with love.
Honestly? Rachel was my biggest complaint. For someone who was supposed to be so smart, girl pulled some real dumb moves. It’s a classic YA summer story, but it was almost too classic of moves she pulled. I wanted to reach through the pages and just ask her “REALLY? Just…… REALLY???” many, many times.
The female side characters also made me sad. They had the chance to really rebuild on female friendships and not judging a person by their social media presence, and it felt like that was all brushed aside to focus on the boys. Maybe it’s because I have nieces who are entering into the social media phase of their lives, but I wanted a little more bonding and a little less bitchy.
This was promised for fans of Morgan Matson, and while I don’t think it’s quite on Ms. Matson’s level of squee worthy works, it was a very cute, sweet story and was what I needed at this moment of tough times (read: we are in the MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC SO MY BRAIN NEEDS A BREAK)
I give it 4 out of 5 stars – Rachel needed a little more sense smacked into her
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Thank you to Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
H & B Hit the Books 