I am a sucker for road trip books. I just love them so much, and a good road trip book to me is like the perfect book to read–especially if I am in a rut. Someone Else’s Summer is a really good road trip book. It has everything you expect: searching for identity, mishaps, high jinx, romance, and unexpected twists and turns; however, Someone Else’s Summer is not predictable or like any other road trip book. It has all the feelings of comfort with new adventures, characters, and conflicts.

Storm was the opposite of Anna, but she was Anna’s very best friend, no matter how much they’d grown apart in high school, so when Storm dies, Anna knows she has to do something to honor her friendship with her sister, and it had to be something like what they did as kids. One of the things Storm liked to do was make to-do lists; however, her very last one is one that Storm will never be able to finish–so Anna decides she needs to. And it is only right that Storm’s best friend and the boy next door, Cameron, accompanies her.

This book was mostly cute! Similarly to some of the other books on this list, I really regretted picking it up for the first 50 pages and didn't know why I had requested it in the first place. Of course, as soon as I thought that, they pulled up a list. I love anything and everything to do with lists or games or challenges in books, so I'm quite sure that's what drew me to this book. In any case, it wasn't what I was expecting, and a lot of the situations made me intensely uncomfortable. Still, the road trip vibes were cute, and I enjoyed it for what it was.

Someone Else's Summer is a coming of age story. Anna's older sister, Storm, dies in a car accident on the night of her graduation. Some time after Storm's accident, Anna finds her sister's journal which includes a summer bucket list. Anna decides that. to help her heal, she will do all of the things Storm wrote down on her bucket list, along with Storm's friend and neighbor Cameron. What unfolds from here is an inspirational story, which ended up being a great summer read. I recommend this book as an easy read.

This was overall an easy read - but I recommend it. It makes you think about your own bucket list and your own choices in life. There's even a great twist at the end.

This was a really interesting premise, and I thought that it had the perfect execution to make the story interesting and keep me turning the pages!

Summer Else's Summer is a sweet, nostalgic coming-of-age story. I enjoyed it for what it is. Not my favorite of this genre, but it was a good quick read.

Thank you for the chance to review this book, however, unfortunately, I was unable to read and review this title before it was archived.

Book that seems predictable but has a twist ending. Made me think about what would be on my list of things I would want to do before I die. Overall an easy read.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.

How horrible to lose a sister... but how wonderful it would be to take that sister's bucket list and do all the activities as a memorial for her? LOVE the idea for this story! I could totally see this being a move and the author wrote this brilliantly. What a way to find yourself!

Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me. I was intrigued by the blog, but the story didn't really keep my attention and I didn't finish the book, sorry.

Cute, adorable and very relatable. Getting a copy for a family member, who I'm hoping will love it as much as I did.

Anna er a great main character, but i never understood why Storm was so important to her, not really. Since that's the premise, i didnt enjoy most of this book

I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this book. I first decided to read it because of the cover—it is really pretty!—and the summary came second. The book was something I would normally read when it comes to contemporary YA books, but it also has a potential to be a disappointment. Especially since it was written in 1st person POV. When I first started reading seriously, I really hated books in 1st POV, and it took me awhile make myself like 1st POV (since most YA contemporary are written in that POV) but there was still some books that were written in 1st person POV that really put me off. Yes, the badly written ones.

I am so glad that wasn’t the case with this book.

What I like about this book:

1. Well-written narration
2. It made me cry
3. ROAD TRIP!!! (yes, I really love those)
4. Bucket list (or any kind of list that they have to complete)
5. Male-female friendship
6. Friends-to-lovers romance

What I didn’t like about this book:

1. Anna can be annoying sometimes
2. Storm almost feels like a Mary-Sue. Keyword: Almost
3. Anna’s attitude at times
4. Some parts are a bit cliche/ boring
5. Anna and Cameron’s romance scenes

It took me awhile to write this review, because I can be a bit biased and often doesn’t think properly if I write immediately after finishing the book. The reason I decided to rate this book 4 stars instead of 3.5 stars was because of the one extra point for the “like” list.

Things I dislike about this book are usually enough to make me not want to read the book or DNF it, but taking into consideration the fact that it managed to make me cry, I decided to continue on with the book. Although some—my sister—says that it’s easy to make me cry; when it comes to books, it has to be well-written, and the characters have to be decent.

It is a bit difficult for to like or empathize with Anna, because sometimes she is too whiny, but sometimes, she’s okay. I don’t like or dislike Anna, because whenever there is something I disliked about her, a few minutes later, I would find something that makes me like her and that kind of cancels things out and made me feel neutral towards her.

Cameron, on the other hand… Cameron I like. He is best friends with Storm, and I really love male-female friendships. He is kind, and loyal…and I just can’t help but like him.

To sum things up, you might find things you don’t like about this book, or you might encounter scenes you will find boring or cliche-ish, but I can assure you that you won’t regret reading on despite everything. I can assure you that in the end, the book is worth it. It’s a cute and sad coming-of-age story with road trip, friendship and romance mixed in. I think people who enjoyed PS. I Love You might find this book interesting.

I rate this book 4 / 5 stars.

"I should have known right away. That's the way it always happens in movies- there's intuition, a feeling deep in the gut. I had none of that, just a mild irritation at whoever was calling... Then my world ended with Mom's ear-breaking scream."

Anna's big sister Storm dies in a car crash one night on her way home from a graduation party. This leaves Anna, her parents, and her best friend Cameron in shock, they all deal with the grief differently. The parents become super protective of Anna in order to keep anything from happening to her. While Anna just feels alone and regrets having grown apart from Storm. One day she finds a list her sister made of things to do that summer. It reminds Anna of the good times they had when they were kids.

"1. Watch the sunrise
2. take pictures of everything
3. get a tattoo
4. go inside a lighthouse
5. Meet my soulmate (cross out) Fall in Love
6. go skinny dipping
7. Kiss in the rain
8. put a secret in a balloon & let it fly away
9. road trip!
10. Crash a wedding
11. Go to a dive-in movie
12. Speak in a british accent all day
13. Sleep in the UNCW dorms
14. go parasailing
15. Be brave with my life"
Anna wants to do everything on the list, even if some of them don't make sense to her, and there's only one person she knows she can ask to go on this adventure with her Cameron. Cameron knew Storm better than anyone else, and because of that he also knows a secret about Storm that could ruin the whole trip.

"So, he waited. He went with you on this crazy journey to work through what happened and waited to tell you the truth. Maybe he waited too long, but I can see why he did. I bet if you realy think about it, you can see why, too."

Overall I really enjoyed this summer road trip. Anna and Cameron made a pretty good team, most of the time. Cameron kept her on track with the list and explained things she didn't understand why were on the list. Anna remembered the good times they all used to have together and contemplated what her future would be like, she knew she didn't just want to be a cheerleader anymore, and she wanted to find something else that she really liked and could see herself doing, but she was also afraid of what that would mean.
As for the whole Cameron/Anna relationship, I saw it happening almost immediately. But I didn't really care for it, and I actually found myself getting annoyed with both of them because of it. I did understand why Cameron kept the secret from her and I don't blame him for doing so, that's a big thing to have to tell someone, especially someone you care about and know is going to be hurt by it.
I am interested in reading another of Bateman's books, because her writing did make me feel like I was right there with them on the roadtrip.

Posted on Blog on 7/7/17

I received an ARC ebook of this in exchange for an honest review.

Storm died in a car crash. The story begins with Anna at her sister's funeral. She got reacquainted with Cameron their childhood friend who was so guilt ridden because he was supposed to drive Storm back home that night but for some reasons, didn't. Fast forward to a few days? or weeks where Anna then found Storm's book with 15 to-do bucket list for the summer and strives to do them all in the summer with Cameron. What ensues is more tragedy? and life and laughter until the revelation of what exactly happened that night and before.

My humble opinion is this book is quite well written. To be honest, the plot was nothing much, it was rather cliche but however the language this story was in was simple yet beautiful, and the story was told through Anna's eyes, which I find to be just perfect. I can see why Anna loves Storm and how much she misses her. I love Storm so much, I think it's a pity she wasn't the heroine of this book instead of Anna. I wish Storm was there to be with Anna to witness Anna's transformation. Storm would be truly amazed. Wish list number 15. Be brave was the epitome of living a greater life for me myself so imagine when I saw that being practised in this book. I'm still struggling so much so it means a lot when Anna conquered it all. The hero, Cameron as was Anna was rather bland though he is sweet. Both of them, I get the feeling they were meant to be together at the beginning of the book so that was so predictable. The revelations at the end I kind of suspected too so it was actually of no surprise to me. However, the story was still at a good traction and I was still invested in it to read till the end though some scenes I could see them a mile away. Although somewhat predictable, I have to admit this book is quite good. It shines at some parts or plot of the story. I recommend this for its feel good vibe and those who love a somewhat Happily Ever After ending to a tragedy. Read this, guys!
Thank you to Net Galley, Rachel Bateman and Running Press Publishing for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

I am doing a point wise review for this book since there are too many things that i loved about this book.
♥SUMMER-FEELS♥

This book perfectly set me into my summer reading mood. IT was a light read and had me drooling over the wonderful summery setting.


♥WRITING AND NARRATION♥

The writing was clear and easy to read. I completely the book in two days due to the beautiful writing. I don’t prefer to read book on an electronic device but i was just hooked on this book. Also this is the first book which i have read and completed on an electronic device!



♥CHARACTERS♥

I really like the character Anna and could wholly relate to her. She is portrayed as a typical teen girl dealing with the death of her elder sister, Storm. She has this various unpredictable impulse and mood swings which were totally relatable.

Though her elder sister was not there in the story but her character descriptive made me idolize her too. She had the potential of becoming everything that i want to be.

And Cameron will always be the hot guy for me! I so happy ship both Anna and Cameron. They have such a cute chemistry and i keep drooling over it



♥BUCKET LIST♥

One unique feature of this book was the bucket list which was left by Storm. I was so excitedly when they started the road trip to fulfill the list!!

Overall the book is perfect for anyone searching for a right contemporary romance for summer ❤

♥RATING♥
♥♥♥♥

Originally posted on Forever Young Adult on 2017 May 31

This was a decent read. It was really captivating from the start, I loved how Mrs. Bateman put the accent on the characters rather than the plot. Anna's character development was an awesome experience, but I have to say that the best part of it all is Mrs. Bateman's ability to put emotion into her work. The text in it's entirety emits emotion and lingers, simply asking for a reread.

It's a great coming of age, character development story that deserves a place on the shelves of YA fans.

*I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

This was a feelsy summer novel in the vein of a Sarah Dessen story. Tragedy, romance, family and friend issues- this had it all. Super quick and easy read, even though emotionally it was pretty heavy. The romance was very much insta-love, though it was no surprise and they had known each other all their lives. But yeah, an angsty summer teen novel, which I always enjoy.

A teenager finds the summer bucket list of her recently deceased older sister. She decides to complete the list and hopes doing so will help her find some comfort in losing the one person she idolized the most. Author Rachel Bateman gives young adult readers this somewhat sappy but ultimately disappointing story in her novel Someone Else’s Summer.

The night of Storm Holloway’s high school graduation should be one of celebration for the Holloway family; instead it turns into a horrific event. After refusing a ride home with her classmate and next-door neighbor, Cameron, Storm dies in a car accident. The town of Muscatine, Iowa, falls into shock, and the Holloway family is devastated.

Hardest hit is Anna, Storm’s younger sister by 11 months. Anna worshipped Storm, following her and Cameron around when they were all kids, wishing she had Storm’s confidence. Maybe, Anna reasons, Storm’s surety about herself came from being a cancer survivor. Maybe it came from not caring what others thought about her eclectic style. As one of the popular kids, Anna always ran with the “in” crowd but Storm always seemed more secure.

Now Anna and her parents must grapple with their grief. Her parents struggle with the loss of a child and don’t know how to help Anna who consoles herself one day by visiting Storm’s room. There she finds Storm’s summer bucket list, which includes a road trip to North Carolina where Storm had accepted college admission for the coming fall. All of the adventures on the list feel like Storm and unlike her all at the same time to Anna, and on the spur of the moment she decides to complete it. Maybe, she reasons, finishing what Storm hadn’t even started will bring the two closer in some way.

Anna shares her intentions with Cameron who insists on coming along. The two get into Storm’s stick shift car and drive from Iowa to North Carolina, spending the road trip reminiscing about Storm and challenging one another through the list. As they go from one item on the list to the next, they will have to decide how their own relationship moves forward in light of their memories of Storm and what she meant to both of them.

Author Rachel Bateman cares about her characters, and her concern for them comes across on every page and in every chapter. Unfortunately that deep affection for Anna and Cameron does not translate to a convincing story. Anna’s parents seem grossly isolated in their own mourning; with Storm’s death occurring before the book begins, readers never get a chance to get to know Anna and Storm’s parents. Bateman may intend for her target audience to focus on Anna and Cameron, but by doing so she inadvertently relegates Anna’s parents to stereotypes.

Anna’s grief, too, comes across as disjointed. For pages at a time, she thinks of nothing but her sister. Then she bounces right back into the tropes of the teenage world. The book almost portrays Anna as two separate people: the Anna who lost her sister and the Anna who wants to hang out with her friends. Each of them comes across as distinct from the other, and neither of them feel fully relatable.

The road trip Anna and Cameron take comes off as more of an excuse for their romance to blossom. Some of Storm’s bucket list items seem downright mundane—get a tattoo; kiss someone in the rain—and that’s precisely why, as Anna completes the items one by one, her accomplishment in doing so feels just as mundane. Because readers never meet Storm directly, they never get to understand just why these particular bucket list adventures would have made a difference to her.

The “big reveal” at the end of the book, then, feels forced. Anna and Cameron keep insisting that Storm was different, reminding one another that “you know how Storm was,” but readers don’t and therefore can’t relate to the climax. With this book checking off so many other criteria of a YA novel, Anna’s big moment may not even come as a surprise to most readers.

Those looking for a fast summer read that doesn’t really require much alertness might want to pick up this book; otherwise I recommend readers Bypass Someone Else’s Summer.