Latest Read: Lovestruck Summer

Here are the basics ...
Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker
Publication date: May 5, 2009
Publisher: HarperTeen
Category: Young Adult - Contemporary
Source: Purchased

Summary: Yay, summer in Austin! Good food, good times. Okay, living with my sorority-brainwashed cousin, who willingly goes by "Party Penny," is not exactly what I had in mind. But the cute musicians I've met totally make up for it . . . like Sebastian. Swoon. So why can't I stop thinking about Penny's friend All-American Russ and his Texas twang? (Adapted goodreads.com)

My thoughts…

The good: If you love music (especially country), have ever wanted to visit Texas or want a feel-good romance - Lovestruck Summer is the perfect book to pick up. Priscilla, better known as Quinn, is a self-proclaimed hipster music snob who practically lives in her headphones (don't you just love her already?). This summer she's gotten herself an internship in Austin, TX with Amalgam, the record label for her favorite band. She's envisioning a summer of music festivals, cute guys and absolute freedom since the cousin she'll be staying with will probably be at the library all the time. When she gets to Austin though, she is unprepared for just about everything. The heat, the love of country music, her bubbly sorority sister cousin and the adorable cowboy living next door who both infuriates and intrigues her. It's sure to be a summer to remember and I had fun being along for the ride.

I loved Quinn as a main character. Even though it's clear she still has a lot of growing up to do, I liked her impulsiveness and her love of music. I am no stranger to having my headphones on a lot (this is me at work) and fangirling over bands so I got that side of her. But what's great is that she does grow up. Texas, her cousin Penny, her neighbors (Chrissy, another sorority girl and cute cowboy Russ) and other people she meets begin to open her eyes. They expose her to new music and new experiences. On the surface, the book is really an ode to summer, music and romance but if you read between the lines, there's a deeper message there. It's also about not judging people at first glance and letting go of idealizations to see the beauty (whether it's a person or a song) right in front of you. I really, really liked that. 

(Potential) reservations: It's a very short book and definitely on the light contemporary side so be forewarned if that's not what you're looking for. 

Do I recommend?: Yes! I think this is a great book to bring to the beach or if you want something short but entertaining to read. (Note: If you're interested, there's now an e-book version available! Buy here.)

Happy reading!