Contemporary YA discussion

Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer--they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one terrible and wonderful summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.

1. What did you like best about the book?
2. What did you like the least about the book?
3. Did any characters stand out to you?
4. Would you recommend this book?
5. Were there any lessons learned?
6. If you could ask the author one question what would it be?

I read this last year, and I actually did not like it. I was so happy that I liked her new book much better!

1. I did really like the setting. It reminded me of spending summers on the beach.

2. The girl's name! Ew. Who wants to be called Belly? lol. But mostly, the idea of her liking two brothers. That always gives me a squicky incestuous vibe.

3. I don't remember most of them, so I guess not!

4. No, I didn't like it.

5. Not that stuck around.

6. Which of your characters are you most like?

I'm glad I'm not the only one. I'm really struggling through it. It's a formula, predictable YA book. Insert love triangle here etc... That's ok, I just expected more from Jenny Han after loving the Lara Jean books. Belly (yuk) is not that likeable character like Lara Jean was. I'm disappointed. I'm only going to listen to the first book.

1. I really like how it ended, how they decided to continue their summers on the beach.
2. I didn't like that she chose Conrad, I was rooting for Jeremiah. The girl never picks the nice guy, she always picks the one that's more work.
3. Bella's mom really stuck out, the fact that she bought her the dress made me love her.
4. I would definitely recommend this book.
5. Family is important. Even if they aren't your blood family. You need to stick together no matter what.
6. Why did Bella have to pick Conrad? Why not Jeremiah???

Anna wrote: "1. I really like how it ended, how they decided to continue their summers on the beach.
2. I didn't like that she chose Conrad, I was rooting for Jeremiah. The girl never picks the nice guy, she..."

I agree about love triangles. It really bothers me that they are so predictable. I think I wouldn't mind them if they kept me guessing, but it seems like from the beginning, you always know the girl will pick the 'bad boy.' Except in Hunger Games, I can't think of any books where the girl goes against that formula.