christhereader8's Reviews (2.42k)

A book I last reread as part of my A Level studies, it's beautiful and iconic and equal turns heartbreaking and healing. I loved picking up this new edition and rereading an important, relevant, timeless story.

A really enjoyable memoir that examines a cross-section of 20th century America - the pocket of affluent African Americans who thrived both pre- and post-the Civil Rights era - through the lens of both personal experience (summer camps and school friends and expectations) and a wide pop culture lexicon (Little Women, Dorothea Towles, and Audrey Hepburn are all explored here).

*sigh*

I wanted to enjoy this book a lot than I did - it sounded like a perfect romantic cocktail (bad boy/good girl pairing, fake dating, gorgeous cover). Ultimately the parent stuff (and the well-documented-by-other-reviewers instances of the treatment of the Muslim faith in the book) left me at odds with the attempts to write a fluffy, sweet romance. I'd check something out by this author again, but this could have done with some serious editing (464 pages in hardback is a lot for a YA romance). Fortunately the actual writing style is great and I did enjoy the central romance.

I utterly adore this perfect book. Completely sweet and uplifting with all the sparkling wit of When Harry Met Sally and a steady, true heart full of love. If you want a book that reminds you about friendship and love and chosen families and joy, this is ideal.