This was a fun read & even ended on a “WTF” moment, and  that’s always fun! YA thrillers always manage to keep me engaged and wanting to know more from the start. 

I hope Julie Soto continues to write in this genre because I have a feeling I’m going to eat them up every time!! 

One thing I can count on with Jessica Goodman books is that no matter the book, it’ll be a fast read. This is a young adult thriller murder mystery told in alternating timelines between chapters as we get a glimpse into a small town’s elite camp  and the passes given to people with money. 

The things the townspeople allowed these camp kids to get away with is craaazy but I guess when your camp tuition helps fund the town, they will just pretend you’re of age to legally drink. 

I still recommend if you’re wanting the nostalgia of summer camp and a read you’ll fly through. 

dnf at 38%

Unfortunately this just didn’t work for me. I did get further in than I thought I would but I’m trying to be better at letting go of books that I don’t care about or am not connecting to. 

This book put me through a rollercoaster of emotions that had me crying so many tears. I can’t even describe the brilliance and beauty of this book without needing to stop & catch my breath because of the emotion that would take over. 

Backman was able to capture the human experience so beautifully with its many facets of heartbreak, grief, childhood wonder, human connection and most of all, art. The pockets of humor sprinkled in to lighten the heaviness of the themes explored were needed and very much appreciated.

The found family aspect was one of my favorite parts- in both the past and present timelines. Seeing Ted and Louisa find each other, albeit at the encouragement of someone else, at the exact time they needed someone was a miracle in and of itself. 

I think I read this book at the exact right moment because this story touched my heart in such a profound way. While reading I was broken and somewhat healed but hopeful in the end.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. 

RTC. 

Without a doubt five stars! I love how honest Drew was and her empowering nature towards women and other marginalized people. So many quotes worthy of highlighting! I look forward to returning to these words of wisdom time and again. 

mmmkay. more thoughts to come.