Mundie Moms

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Book Review: Sixteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton

Written by: Michelle Dalton
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Source: Purchased
Purchase: IndieBound | amazon | Barnes and Noble

Sixteenth Summer


Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars - make yourself a bowl of ice cream and settle in for a yummy treat.

I read a number of summery, beach-y reads this past summer, and unfortunately due to a number of things -- mostly an overwhelming sense that my kids aren't little any more and a feeling that I have to make some family summer memories (yes, I know I sound like Clark Griswold) just didn't give me the time to review as many books as I read. So in the next few weeks, as I catch up, please indulge me by remembering that feeling of sand under your toes one more time.

And that feeling of sand sticking to your feet, ice cream cones melting in the warm summer air and the possibility of maybe finding someone who is right for you is exactly what Michelle captures in Sixteenth Summer. This book is exactly what you're thinking it will be, but the depth of characterizations will surprise you as will the tension which leads up to the first kiss.

One of the things I loved were Michelle's description of Dune Island -- the people who live there year-round versus the people who come for vacation. She captured that moment of wonder from Will as he explored the island with Anna, and I remember wondering myself how people can live in such idyllic surroundings. But, Anna's perspective reminded me that for those living there it's just the same old thing over and over again. Much like our own lives at times.

Time goes by and Anna's cover-up gets more tattered by the elements (I loved the little detail of the cover-up ritual) and her time with Will gets shorter. What will happen when he leaves? Can their summer fling survive into the Fall and their separation? You do get to find that out.

As the pumpkin spice lattes and apple-crumble muffins start appearing in our favorite cafes, feel free to pick up this book. You'll be reminded of summer rituals, family vacations and that one summer love who appeared at just the right time.

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