This book reminded me so much of the stories I grew up on. Judy Blume, Sarah Desson, Meg Cabot, all authors whom I loved as a teenager and if this book came out back then, I would've loved it with my whole heart. Sadly, I now struggle with coming of age novels and just don't get the same enjoyment from them as I did when I myself was coming of age. It is a beautiful story though.

Looking for a story about friendship? The Summer List will deliver!

This is a slow burn read which allows you to really get to know both characters from their younger years, through their 'break-up' and into the present. Will they be able to put things behind them and rebuild their friendship or will the past continue into the future.

Not usually my style of a read but it was a nice, calm story that helped me reset my brain between a few Thriller reads.

This novel is a thoughtful and enjoyable version of the summer holiday trope - returning to the lake house where the main character spent her childhood summers, she reunites with an old friend and together they expose the secrets that tore them apart. Exploring themes of friendship and mother-daughter relationships, the novel was somewhat predictable but still touching and bittersweet.

I enjoyed reading this book, although it was a little more intense than what I thought it would be. Any book about best friends is going to pull some heart strings.

I plan to read more by this author.

Don't let the title fool you. This isn't some light, summer beach read that you will fly through in a day. Instead you will find yourself in the midst of a slow burn, exploring friendships, familial relationships, first love and regret. This novel was beautifully crafted and I so enjoyed watching all of the pieces fall into place in real time as the characters. If you like complicated families, then this is a book you are not going to want to miss.

This was my first book by this author, and I can positively say that I really enjoyed reading this one. Its captivating. For sure I will be checking other books written by this author.

Thank you for the advanced copy of this book. I truly enjoyed this novel about love and friendship. Basically, two friends separate and reunite many years later. A well written book about adult friendships. Thank you again.

A novel about friendship. However I was confused throughout 60% and finally gave up on it. My interest was lost and it was just too slow for me.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Between the cover and the comparison to Summer Sisters by Judy Blume, this book was a must for my beach bag.

Listen, we all have that one friend- that glorious friend that we exchanged BFF necklaces with or mood rings and promised to be by each other’s side. And you know.. maybe you still are. Or maybe your friend got a boyfriend and forgot about you. Or you just drifted apart. Whatever. The point is that most of us can relate to both Laura and Casey.

For me, Casey was kinda like reading about Caitlin from Summer Sisters. Getting to “see” Caitlin grow up in a way.



What I liked:

The cover. Gah, the cover was so delicious. I really wish I had gotten a real book instead of the e-book version, because this cover is SO bookstagrammable.

How the gals decided to go on the treasure hunt. They could have decided not to do it. I mean, they are adults. But I liked how their childhood friendship lured them into doing this, but without immediately falling back into BFF mode (because they did have some issues!)

The secret.



Bottom line: I really did enjoy The Summer List, but I think I enjoyed Summer Sisters by Judy Blume a touch more.



*This book was sent to Traveling With T for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.*

The Summer List is the perfect beach read with secrets and betrayal! Amy Mason Doan's debut novel is a rock solid hit!

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, well-paced and beautifully written. A story--split between three timelines--of a friendship broken, The Summer List paints a picture of those awkward and confusing years of adolescence while exposing the truth we all know: that even adults don't have it all figured out and need a little help sometimes. The weaving together of multiple, layered storylines into a satisfying conclusion pushed this book beyond being simply a good read into being one of my favorites of 2018.

Graydon House and NetGalley provided me an electronic copy of The Summer List. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Laura and Casey were inseparable through their teenage years, until a shocking revelation shatters the bond between the best friends. After a seventeen year absence, Laura returns with a possible reconciliation on the table. When the pair are sent on a scavenger hunt, not unlike those that were the favorite pastime of many of the town's youths, will they learn more about themselves and each other that they could ever dream possible?

The transitions between the adult versions of Laura and Casey and their youthful counterparts could have been handled better, but The Summer List overall was a good read. Taking a chance to atone for past mistakes, Casey's mom sends the pair on an epic search to find each other again. The book proves that it is never too late to change the path upon which a person is traveling and that the possibilities are endless when it comes to love. Certain aspects of the story were not all that believable and I found the constant back and forth in time ruined the continuity of the book. Despite a few missteps with the plot, I would recommend The Summer List to other readers.

I am responsible for the 'Staff Picks" web page for the library I work in. I was thrilled to include this book.

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would! The first half of the book totally pulled me in and it made me feel like I was reliving my childhood summers with my close friends. This charming tone gets lost as the book progresses and the story definitely takes some unexpected twists and turns. I was disappointed that the second half of the book felt more like it was written to just to finish writing rather than give the characters the ending they deserved. That being said, I still would recommend this as a good, quick read.

Loved this book! The Summer List was a perfect summer read! Laura & Casey, once inseparable in their teenage years, have been tricked into spending a weekend together. Reluctant at first to visit the past, we delve into what happened, what can tear friendships apart and the secrets between family & friends. Alternating between past & present very fluidly, this book is a must read!

This book wasn’t for me. Instead of posting a negative review, it is my policy not to review the book on my site or label it as DNF (did not finish) on Goodreads/Amazon.

This is an amazing book by a debut author. This is a beautiful novel with some great characters and lovely descriptive writing. The story is about two childhood friends, Laura and Casey, and the breakdown and repair of their friendship. In high school they are inseparable until a misunderstanding occurs that tears them apart. In the process Laura also destroys her relationship with her boyfriend JB. Laura has been gone from their small town for 17 years until she is drawn back by a letter from Casey. As it turns out the letter was from Casey’s mom in an attempt for the girls to reconcile. They are sent on a scavenger hunt to help rekindle their friendship. Along the way they learn truths about each other and the people they love. A captivating book about hope, love, and the bonds of friendship. A perfect summer read!

I moved this book - it was well written, the characters were well thought out, and there was just enough of a mystery, and it was one that didn't seem too forced. I'd definitely recommend it!

Laura and Casey were inseparable best friends growing up but circumstances and misunderstanding tore them apart. A scavenger hunt orchestrated by Casey’s mother brings them back together as adults and forces them to confront the many secrets of their past.

This is a beautifully written, poignant, heartfelt and powerful story. It is a story of friendship, love and suspense all rolled into one. The characters are very real and lovable.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Graydon House and Pamela Crane for providing me with a complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It has been seventeen years since Laura and Casey were best friends. It all fell apart the summer after their senior year. That summer was carefree and relaxing as they planned to head off to college. Casey's mom would put together these elaborate scavenger hunts for the girls and their friends. Alex's relaxed rules and an open mind towards social situations made "The Shipwreck" the place for the kids to be on hot summer nights. One night Casey's father catches them in an act that he doesn't understand and it sets off a chain of events that changes everything.

It has been seventeen years since that summer and seventeen years since Laura has spoken with Casey. She receives an invitation in the mail from Casey and after weeks of agonizing, Laura returns to the house on the lake that held so many memories. She arrives to discover that it wasn't Casey who sent that invitation, but her mother. Alex set them up for a weekend alone and has left the girls one of her elaborate scavenger hunts. The hunt sends them down memory lane and helps to provide answers to decades-old questions. Like what is the truth of Laura's parentage? And what really sent Laura on a path that took her away from Jade Cove?

The Summer List was a fun book to read that reminded me a bit of Firefly Lane and an old Bette Midler film. (To say which one would give it away.) Let me say first, that I loved the setting of Jade Cove and the cabins on each side of the lake. I like both Casey and Laura. Laura was obviously subdued and I think it came from having parents of an older generation. Casey gave her a sense of confidence that she never had before. A few things to note - the fact that she was adopted played a lot into Laura's story. And I loved (!!) how one particular about Casey was handled by the author, by Laura, and by Alex. It was all so natural. And I loved it. Some elements of the story were predictable and cliche, but the writing was mostly engaging and the characters were enjoyable. I had figured out some of the surprises, but not all of them. -CLICK HERE FOR SPOILERS

Bottom Line - The Summer List is one of those books that you should probably read with your best friend. Especially if your best friend was around during your high school years. You will likely find a lot of similarities between you and Laura and Casey.

Details:
The Summer List by Amy Mason Doan
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Pages: 384
Publication Date: 6/26/16
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