Member Reviews
"I think some people are supposed to get together, no matter what happens."
Includes: two teenagers who amble round, 3 ams, split into 3 nights over 3 years, photographer and a dancer, poetry anxiety ocd rep, captures the emotions of falling in love
Ohh man I didn't realise how happysad emotionalinloveandfrustrated this book would make me feel. I didn't realise it was written in a poem type layout instead of a traditional book, but atter getting used to the writing style I'm so glad they chose this way to publish it. This book was so easy to read too. I grew to love both characters, Jude and Florence. When he called her honey
I also LOVE Ravyn, she was one of my favourite parts of this story
"Sometimes I think the only things we're put on this earth for are to create art and make connections with the people we're supposed to connect with."
This book is broken down in 3 parts aka 3 nights over 3 years. Night 1 was so good, we got to know the characters and got a feel for their story but the end of part 1...nooo.
Night 2 was beautiful, frustrating, *yay* moments and heartbreaking at the same time. Night 3 was <3 <3 it made me giggle and kick my feet towards the end because I loved reading some of the scenes so much
I didn't expect to cry
at the end of this book, but cry I did. This book gives me warm fuzzy comforting feelings and I think it would make an absolutely amazing movie too
"I can't think of anyplace I wouldn't want to go with you."
Definitely adding Before sunrise to my film list because it sounds so good. Bumping up The bell jar on my tor too. I feel like this book can be for anyone so if it sounds like something you might like please read it, you won't regret it
What a lovely romance, set on the same night over three years. These kids stole my heart and it was just a delightful reading experience.
Thank you to NetGalley, authors Jeff Zentner and Brittany Cavallaro, and HarperCollins Children's Books: Quill Tree Books for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
The Before trilogy has been on my radar for the longest time, as I adore films and several of Linklater's other works. However, I had never seen any of them before this summer when I discovered my friend is absolutely obsessed with them; we went to go watch a double feature of the first two in the most charming wine bar, and I instantly fell in love. What makes the Before trilogy so unique and still enchanting, I think, is the limited view we as the audience has of the two protagonists. They only know each other for a brief night, and we only know them over the course of that night as well. So even though we feel as we get to know them so intimately (and in ways we do), we only know what they're willing to present throughout the constant stream of dialogue, which is a fascinating technique. When I saw that Sunrise Nights was being marketed as a homage to the Before movies and in a similar format to them, I knew I had to check it out. I ended up really enjoying this read, especially given that parts of it are written in verse! Even though this is a YA read, it doesn't feel too juvenile, and both Florence and Jude are very mature in this, so I think many different audiences would enjoy. This book is not only similar to the films in the sense that it follows them over the course of 3 separate nights 3 years apart, but also in that it is very dialogue heavy. We do get to see inner thoughts for each character, so it is a little more revealing, but the scenes in which they are together are extremely similar to the films formats: lots of walking around and talking. I personally thought it worked really well, and I enjoyed seeing where the book would take me over the course of each night and over the course of the years. I was really rooting for both characters, and I was happy to see that the book didn't come across as too cheesy/unrealistic or trying too hard to copy the movies. It's definitely self-aware, and I thought the writing style of both authors meshed really well together. Overall, if you enjoy the Before trilogy, I do think you will be pleased with this read, even if it's a little less "mature" since it's YA!
Okay... I am a super fan of Before Sunrise (I saw it in the theatre), and the subsequent sequels, and I even, at one point in time probably thought I was like Ethan Hawke in my life, or at least wanted to be. With this being said I am not 100% sure that I needed a novel that tried to emulate the story of Before Sunrise to an exact point, even mentioning the film in the book and trying out one of their most pointed moves in the film (I was making this comparison about 10% earlier than BS was actually mentioned, so I felt pretty good about that, but then it was so in my face I became a little annoyed). In all actuality, I think that Before Sunset, at least the ending of it, was much more satisfying than Before Sunrise, but that really isn't the point here. However, I suppose that Zentner and Cavallaro did try and make the trilogy happen with this book considering it takes place in three sections. Anyway...
Yeah, this book was a lot like the Before/After movies, and while that isn't a bad thing it did get a little boring at times. I liked the vibe between Jude and Florence and in my pretentious (at least in my faltering memory of being a 16-18 year old) personality as a teen, I identify with this story and with Jude. Maybe that's why I'm being more harsh. Jude could have been me. Hell, Jude probably is me. Okay, before I get too far down the rabbit hole I'm going to sign off. This is a good book. Check it out. It's a little dry at times, but overall, good.
Sunrise Nights is a story in the vein of movies like Before Sunrise or books like 28 Summers. Two teens meet at a camp for their "sunrise night" and immediately hit it off. They agree to not speak, text, call, or even look each other up on social media for a year. Their sunrise night is the only time they talk and get to know one another. While this may be the type of story that has been told many times over, I've never read it in verse and I think this is what makes it special. Jeff Zentner and Brittany Cavallaro wrote this in collaboration and it is a wonderful book.
This romance takes some pages from the Before trilogy but still feels uniquely distinct. By taking the trope of seeing the characters on three days one year from each other, the authors allow us to see character growth and change. The use of poetry and dialogue makes this more palatable for reluctant readers.
This was such a beautifully written novel in prose. It follows two teens over the course of several summers. It took me back to memories of being young and how it felt to drink in summer days (and nights) and all the emotions that came with the terms years. Wonderfully done
This was such a wonderful book! Not only was it beautifully written but all the descriptions and world building was outstanding! Sometimes I did get slightly confused what was going on but it was overall a really pleasant read! Would definitely recommend to people who want a book that doesn’t have too much complex world building.
This was such a fun and quick read! The short chapters and verse made it easy to swiftly read this book, but I did find some of the dialogue to be too on the nose. I understand that with a concept such as this that the dialogue needs to be that way, but often times it felt too much. However, I really enjoyed getting to read about Jude and Florence and look forward to reading more from these authors.
Sunrise Nights is a sweet story about Florence and Jude told over the course of three nights over three years. Florence and Jude met at an art camp. Florence is a dancer whose eyes are failing her and Jude is a photographer whose mind gets caught in spirals. The two meet on Sunrise Night, a tradition at camp where the campers head into town and stay up until sunrise. After all of their adventures together, they decide to take a year of no communication and meet up again at the next sunrise night. The relationship between the two teens is very heartwarming to read about, but they're of course plagued by their own issues and miscommunications. The novel is written in verse and in conversations, so it s a pretty quick read. At times the characters are prone to melodrama, but that makes sense for two teenagers who have no way of communicating with each other. The story was interesting and the characters were enjoyable. This will be a good read for fans of Zentner's other work, or fans of John Green.
I would give this book a 4.5/5 stars. Florence and Jude's slow burn love story was captivating and full of heart. My one problem with this book is that I wish there was more of a hook at the beginning, as I began to disconnect from the story. I loved the story, but wished the first couple of chapters pulled the audience in. Overall, the drama was incredible and it was a beautiful book.
Sunrise Nights, by Jeff Zentner and Brittany Cavallaro, is a love story that takes place over three summers at an art camp for teens. Another perfect summer read: it’s funny, true, and romantic without being sappy. Gorgeous language packaged in prose AND verse. These two authors created a wonderful story about realistic teenagers who grow over time in ways that the reader doesn't expect, but welcomes.
This could be a back-to-school read aloud OR an end-of-school celebration. Highly recommended for late middle school to adult.
Content warning: teen pregnancy (although that is just a small part of the complete story)
4 Stars!
Thanks to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for an advanced copy!
I am a fan of Jeff Zentner and Brittany Cavallaro, so this was a great combination for me. I don't usually read a lot of poetry, but this novel in verse was very good. I loved Florence and Jude, and their relationship was so fun to read about. The characters felt alive and had so much depth, There was also a very good blend of humorous and serious moments. I would highly recommend this book!
I loved this verse novel about two teens, Jude and Florence, who attend an arts camp each summer. Jude is a photographer and Florence is a dancer. She has an eye condition that is causing her to slowly lose her eyesight. They agree to only talk on this one night and not during the rest of the year. They meet for the next three years and happen to run into Ravyn each time. Their last year Ravyn sends them enough money and they agree to go to Europe after camp and spend all their time together. Excellent read!!
Thank you, #NetGalley and Harper Collin's Children's Books, for allowing me an advanced copy of Sunrise Nights by Jeff Zentner and Brittany Cavallaro. # #SunriseNights
Zenter and Cavallaro's dual perspective is beautifully crafted in prose and verse, and both writing styles flow seamlessly. Their masterpiece concerns two young artists: Florence, a dancer who is losing her eyesight, and Jude, a beautiful photographer who deals with his mental challenges. Both find themselves on the last day of their summer art camp, Sunrise Night. On this night, HACers, which is what the campers are called, are allowed to stay up all night and explore the town. Florence and Jude make a plan to go into town for pizza. Over a cheesy slice, the two get to know each other. Their adventure and getting to know each other grows. They promise not to talk to each other over the school year and meet back up the next sunrise night. The second time meeting, things are different between them, and feelings start to grow. Their second night ends drastically different than their first. Will their third sunrise night get any better? Read Sunrise Nights today to learn about the rest of Florence and Jude's story!
This is a must-read for any YA reader and should be in every school library!
Subjects to be aware of: Mental Health- OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Disability, and Divorce
Very sweet YA novel full of big teenage feelings and longing. Written in part prose, part prose poetry, I think young readers will feel like they are engaging with an art form that feels smart. Lots of Richard Linklater vibes.
I adore this book! It's a sweet teen romance told from both perspectives over the course of a few summers. Jeff Zentner's books are always a must-read, but now I also want to read more from Brittany Cavallaro.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book!
Here's the thing--I'd read Jeff Zentner's grocery lists and love every second of it, so it's no surprise I loved this book. Sunrise Nights is a story of two teens (who are very much kindred spirits) who meet at an arts camp and spend 3 last, or "Sunrise" nights together. Despite the short amount of hours spent together, Florence and Jude grow to care about each other a great deal. I really enjoyed the structure and how some of the story was told through verse and other parts were told in prose. Both characters are dealing with difficult things in their lives and their journey and growth throughout the book is a beautiful aspect of the story.
10/10, no notes.
This book is perfect for readers who like gorgeous writing, poetry, a camp setting, young love, artsy teens, and even bowling. I preordered this months ago before reading and can't wait to get into my students' hands in the fall!
Most of us have a memory from when we were teens and young adults of a night that was unlike all others. A night filled with the thrill of possibility, where you felt like you could do anything and be anything. This collaboration between Jeff Zentner & Brittany Cavallaro, both excellent authors in their own right, is a story about two teens drawn together on such a night for three consecutive years.
At this summer camp for the arts, the final night of camp is called "Sunrise Night," where campers can spend all night exploring the town & making memories before heading back home. Jude, a photographer whose anxiety melts away when he's behind the lens, and Florence, a dancer whose dreams are stolen away by her failing eyesight, meet by chance on the Sunrise Night of their sophomore year. While the two feel the pull of destiny bringing them together, they agree to go no-contact until the next Sunrise Night...and then the next.
This is a story of 3 nights told partially in verse. For me, the most powerful moments were those relayed in verse, and if that had been the entire narrative style I think this would have been a solid 5 stars. That being said, this book IS excellent, and is a perfect read for teens looking for slow-burn romance & a book filled with flawed characters who just need time to find themselves before they can truly find each other.
The collaboration between Zentner and Cavallaro is wonderful! I appreciated the voice of Florence and Jude, the premise behind their encounters and how they navigated their relationship over the course of three nights (and the time in between). I