This is what the summer before college is *supposed* to feel like. Confusing, romantic, life-changing... this book is summer on the beach in print form. 

I loved the refreshing-ness of a character having several love interests without any stereotypes or homophobia because they were all queer love interests. I loved Harry figuring things out and being real, messy, and unsure. I loved the rom-com references, I loved the family dynamic, I loved so many things about this book. 

Mostly, I just loved this book. 

This wasn't really what I was expecting it to be, and it surprised me in the best way! 

I really enjoyed Milo's inner monologue and boy could I relate to his anxiety and self-sabotage! 

The religious aspect wasn't something I expected to be so heavily featured, but Snipes did an excellent job of making it part of the story without making it *the* story. I liked that Milo stayed true to his faith, and Van and Marco's stay true to their lack-of-faith. It was nice to see characters have this massive difference and still be friends and not have the issues be a huge point of contention and plot point. 

I also really enjoyed the coming-out and coming to terms with yourself, even if parents or friends are supportive. I think this is going to be an important book for a lot of young people, and I'm excited that it exists!

I really enjoyed this one!

This was a super cute, quick read with excellent illustrations. I found the directionless-ness of being out of college and looking for a job aspect of this, too.

It was super cute to see Ben find his love of cooking and food and also crush hard on his cute mentor, Liam.

However, the chef of the resultant was just a not great addition to this story for me. I felt like he was supposed to be this grumpy guy that once you get to know was super soft, but it came across more as his being just entirely awful and then a switch flipping and he was fine. I can see the direction it was supposed to go, but it just didn’t get there with that character for me. 

Overall, it was a really fun and cute novel and I enjoyed my time reading it!

This book warmed my bitter midwestern heart. I grew up in Indiana, and Stamper does such an excellent job of portraying that midwest how I remember it- the feeling of wanting to know what else is out there, being so excited to leave your hometown, and how nothing else ever really feels like home. I'll forever have a complicated relationship with the midwest, but this book reminded me of so many of the excellent things and memories I have from my time there.

This book belongs in high school classrooms everywhere. It sends such an important, relatable message- not knowing what the hell you're doing in and after high school is okay. I remember the pressure these kids feel through most of the book, and it was so refreshing seeing them figure things out for themselves and learning to live the lives they wanted in such stressful, constantly evolving times in their lives.

This book just made me feel all warm and fuzzy for the best parts of my youth, and I truly think it should be required high school reading. I loved it.