Review: Jenny Han - We'll Always Have Summer

Jenny Han - We'll Always Have Summer

Summer #3

• Pub. Date: May 2011
• Publisher: Recorded Books
• Format: Audio Book
• Age Range: Young Adult

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.

I didn't particularly like the first two books in this series, but I'm glad I stuck it out. I was going to quit because I didn't like the narrator at all and didn't really care about the characters or their stories very much. But the final book in this series was one I could relate to personally.

Having been 19 and in similar shoes, I knew how Belly felt with all the questions and such. They're rude and uncomfortable, but it comes with the territory. However, I was not in a weird triangle, and my choice was wrong for different reasons. Belly is kind of selfish and immature, but it was strong and brave of her to stick with her decisions I suppose. One way or the other, Belly sticks up for herself in this novel.

She's more worried about her friends than her parents though. And she's more concerned with telling her mom first before her dad when it comes to a certain decision. While her priorities are usually messed up, she's only always thinking of herself again. But by the end I knew exactly what I wanted from the novel, and I was really getting into it. I actually gasped a couple times at the end there. Goosebumps and all. Just glad it's over. I hope she grows up and matures, though. Aye.

I've mentioned before my dislike for Jessica Almasy, except for in Cindy Ella. She has to read the right kind of books. These books weren't for her, really. But this last one wasn't as bad. I actually got into the story, and maybe that's because I listened to Cindy Ella in between these books. Either way, I enjoyed this one more than the other two.

What I liked:

• Able to relate. I could relate to Belly much more in this one. This story is a little similar to something I went through, so that made this novel much more interesting to me.
• Finality. We finally know who she ends up with. Thank goodness!
• Conrad's POV. Conrad has his own chapters in this novel to explain his side of things. I liked that part quite a bit.
  

What I didn't like:

• The narrator. Jessica Almasy doesn't always read books that are right for her. She has a distinctive voice, and these novels weren't really for her.
  
• Belly's priorities. She needs to get her maturity on and soon. That's all I'm saying.

Bottom Line: If you've started this series, I suggest you finish it. This one makes the other two worth it. If you haven't started, think twice.

Rating:

3.5 / 5 book sharks