Latest Read: Fifteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton

Here are the basics ...
Fifteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton
Publication date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Category: Young Adult - Contemporary
Source: Borrowed from the library

Summary: Chelsea isn’t looking forward to her summer at the lake. It’s the first time her family has been there since her grandmother died, and she can’t break out of her funk. But her summer takes a turn for the better when she meets a boy who works in the bookstore. Josh is cute, sweet, funny…and best of all, seems to like her as much as she likes him. As the days pass by in a blur of boat rides, picnics, and stolen kisses, she can’t believe how lucky she is. No one has ever made her feel so special, or so beautiful. But Chelsea knows her days with Josh are numbered. She’ll be heading home at the end of the summer—and he’ll be staying behind. Will this be Chelsea’s summer of love? Or will it be the summer of her broken heart? (Adapted goodreads.com)

My thoughts…

The good: Fifteenth Summer reminded me of so many times during my own life. Chelsea is a fifteen year old, shy bookworm (oh the similarities already!) going on vacation with her family at their lake house. Or rather, it was her grandmother's lake house until she passed away and they're all still trying to cope with the recent loss. Her parents are trying to be as normal as possible, her two older and much more outgoing sisters are ready for some summer flings and Chelsea.. well, she's just interested in reading books. But then she notices the new bookstore in town, Dog Ear, and meets Josh, one of the employees. Very cute and awkward sparks fly and before she knows it, she's the one with a summer romance and falling in love for the first time.

If you love books and remember what it's like to be fifteen years old, you will undoubtedly love Chelsea. The author really captured the insecurity, emotions and changes you feel at that age. Chelsea displays the right amount of self-doubt without overwhelming her character and part of the beauty of this story is watching her confidence grow. She turns to her sisters for advice (easily my other favorite aspect of the story; made me wish I had two older sisters!) but most of all, she kind just tries to find her own inner strength while being adorable and awkward along the way.

And the romance! I didn't really fall hard for any guy until I was eighteen but reading Chelsea's experiences brought me right back to my own. Chelsea and Josh insta-crushed on each other and neither were very good at admitting how they felt at first. But once they got their footing - oh my, the cuteness! It wasn't over-the-top though. We actually get to see these two hang out and get to know each other and find joy in the little things like holding hands or the first date. It helps that both Chelsea and Josh are very likable down-to-earth people and I enjoyed the simpleness of their story. It's about spending a summer falling in love for the first time, nothing more to it. (And yet, it will make you feel so much!)

(No) reservations: Like I said, I liked the simplicity and lack of crazy drama. But if you're looking for something more involved, then you should know you won't find that here.

Do I recommend?: I do! If you're in the mood for something that will remind you of being young again and a quick, straightforward read, this is a good one to pick up.

Happy reading!