We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
12:00 PM
Author: Jenny Han
Release Date: April 26, 2011 (hardcover)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster's Children Publishing
Pages: 304
Source: Bought
Overall: 5 Stars
Summary:
Belly has only ever been in love with two boys, both with the last name Fisher. And after being with Jeremiah for the last two years, she's almost positive he is her soul mate. Almost. Conrad has not gotten over the mistake he made when he let Belly go even as Jeremiah has always known that Belly is the girl for him. So when Belly and Jeremiah decide to make things forever, Conrad realizes that it's now or never--tell Belly he loves her, or lose her for good.
Belly will have to confront her feelings for Jeremiah and Conrad and face a truth she has possibly always known: she will have to break one of their hearts.
My Thoughts:
I think I'm still in shock that one of my favourite trilogies is over. There's an ache in my chest as I replay the events of the novel over and over again, and think of how Jenny Han has led us so far following the lives of Belly, Conrad and Jeremiah over the course of the three novels. It has been such a journey following these three as they've slowly grown up and matured... but it's ultimately time to face the facts and say goodbye.
I just absolutely love Jenny Han's beautiful writing! There's a distinct style to these novels that I can never quite put my finger on but I guess the closest way to describe it is that they have a sort of elegant, reminiscent touch to them. Even since the very first novel, The Summer I Turned Pretty, it has always felt like all the events had already occurred but Belly was slowly narrating her life story as a teenager and young girl. Maybe that's just me, but in any case, it was just another aspect that made me fall harder for these novels.
My high expectations for We'll Always Have Summer left me extremely anxious and nervous to read it. I've been waiting for so long to discover which Fisher boy Belly would finally choose but there was always a conflicted feeling as well because you just know that one of the boys- either Conrad or Jeremiah- would have their hearts broken. Don't get me wrong, both boys have their faults but the strength of the love they both feel for Belly has always left me a bit jealous of her. I was definitely supporting one boy in particular but I'm not going to say who here for fear it would lead you to drawing conclusions... and really, this is a novel to be enjoyed by not knowing what's going to happen next! So while I could easily elaborate more, I'm going to show a bit of restraint...
When I reached the last final pages, tears of joy and relief glistened on my eyes as I realized I would be getting the ending I'd been wishing for in my heart. Did I think the ending was perhaps too sudden instead of drawn out more? Yes... but it's okay. I can live with it. These novels go so much more beyond being summer novels on the beach. And much like its predecessors, We'll Always Have Summer will prove to be a coming of age tale filled with love, loss, heartbreak, friendship... and maybe most all, following your heart and never giving up hope that's it's not too late to change the future.
And now that one of my most favourite summer series ever is over, I feel like there's this empty void that needs to be filled... but I'm not sure how. Jenny Han's Summer trilogy has always stood apart from the rest and having this feeling like I'll never get to read something so special again leaves me feeling so incredibly sad...
12 comments
I know what you mean about being a little sad that this series is over. I felt the same way when I read it. And I still couldn't read it slowly. I enjoyed your review and it's making me want to read all three books over.
ReplyDeleteI loved how you described the book! I've been looking forward reading this. But I don't want the series to end...
ReplyDeleteThanks for not spoiling it. I need to catch up with this series as I've only read the first book and will probably to read the second one this summer
ReplyDeleteI was surprised that I cried with this book - with Conrad's POV, actually - and I agree, it did have that feel like Belly was telling her story but it had already passed.
ReplyDeleteI wished for more, you know what part disappointed me, but I do like where it ended, I just wish it hadn't ended so abruptly.
I totally agree about the ending... well, I think I mentioned it too in my review. I wish there had been more lead up. It was perfect, and yes, I felt a little cheated of moments I wish we could have been privy to.
ReplyDeleteBut you're right... these books are beautiful. Jenny Han's writing is so lovely. It's so simplistic and easy to follow, but it's really poetic too. You're one of the few people I've seen, like me, who have been reading these books all along. Most people seem to have discovered these books after the 3rd was on GalleyGrab, which is awesome, I'm glad so many people have discovered them, but it's nice to read a review from someone else who has journeyed with these books for the past little while.
Wonderful review! I completely agree with you.
ReplyDelete"...I feel like there's this empty void that needs to be filled... but I'm not sure how." That's EXACTLY how I feel as well! But I love experiencing this feeling because it means that the series holds a special place in my heart.
ReplyDeleteWAHS was just amazing. The perfect conclusion.
I'm very disappointed. I loved the first two. I feel that this one is a disappointment. Not a lot of the same Belly that I grew to love. I didn't like the way they made Jeremiah seem. I miss the Jeremiah that was loving towards his mom and seemed like a little kid who needed someone to love him. I didn't like how Jenny Han made him seem like a jerk and cheat on Belly. Nope, it makes me mad. Team Jeremiah forever. It was very sad, I was crying so bad at the end with the whole thing about it just wasn't meant to be, I wish under other circumstances they could have been forever......
ReplyDeleteAshley- I'm glad to see so many new readers finally beginning this series as well. And perfect timing too because summer is finally starting to arrive!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous- That is definitely a problem with love triangles because no matter what, someone will be disappointed with the outcome. I was talking about some of the personality changes with a friend and neither of us liked how he became in the novel. It was like the charming summer boy we grew to love disappeared but I think Jenny Han needed us to see that both boys weren't perfect even though they were loveable... and it was this that made the decision all the more harder for Belly. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
I loved this book. I felt the writing was good, but in the end overall it was a great book. I still was pulling for Jeremiah and Belly, but oh well. Sad, though!
ReplyDeletei also think there should be a fourth book to the series the ending wasn't enough it needs more to it than what it was
ReplyDeletefirst read the summer i turned pretty after a trip to the libray i could not put it down and when i found out there was a sequel i was so excited, i finished its not summer without you and all i can say is i love these characters so much.
ReplyDelete