I was so fed up with my life. Then, “Summer Reading” came. All the things in my life were a mess. I was hustling so much I forgot to live my life. I just didn’t have a break. And, a book is the perfect place to escape from reality and get into new world.
My life already was upside down. So, I didn’t want to read anything that involved intense emotional investment and attachment. I just wanted a quick, short, and light read so that I could take the much-needed break from my life without having to interact with the real world.
Just then I came across “Summer Reading”. It’s like the universe knew what I wanted and brought me to this book. I was definitely in the mood to read romance and, I am so grateful to do that.
Synopsis
For Samantha Gale, a summer on Martha’s Vineyard at her family’s tiny cottage was supposed to be about resurrecting her career as a chef, until she’s tasked with chaperoning her half-brother, Tyler. The teenage brainiac is spending his summer at the local library in a robotics competition, and there’s no place Sam, who’s dyslexic, likes less than the library. And because the universe hates her, the library’s interim director turns out to be the hot-reader guy whose book she accidentally destroyed on the ferry ride to the island.
Bennett Reynolds is on a quest to find his father, whose identity he’s never known. He’s taken the temporary job on the island to research the summer his mother spent there when she got pregnant with him. Ben tells himself he isn’t interested in a relationship right now. Yet as soon as Sam knocks his book into the ocean, he can’t stop thinking about her.
An irresistible attraction blossoms when Ben inspires Sam to create the cookbook she’s always dreamed about and she jumps all in on helping him find his father, and soon they realize their summer fling may heat up into a happily ever after.
loved the concept of dyslexia
First of all, I loved the idea of introducing dyslexia, a learning disorder in the book through a character. Many people do not know what dyslexia is and it was informative for those people. As for me, I had an idea about it. I actually have watched a movie named “Taare Zameen Par” which has a plot where a child has dyslexia and is struggling to adapt to the school reading.
I loved that the author introduced dyslexia, even I was completely surprised because normally you don’t see these kinds of awareness in fictional romance books. Let me know if you guys have similar kinds of books like “Summer Reading” cause I would love to read it. Additionally, I also liked that the book’s font was dyslexia-friendly to enhance the reading experience for neurodivergent readers who pick up this book.
Plotline
I grew to love the storyline because of the author’s writing style. Slowly and steady, the whole picture comes into view and just like movie the scenes were taking place one after another. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed reading like this. The sibling bond after the couple bond was one of my favorite parts of the book. Despite having different mothers, the way they began to care for each other as if they hadn’t just met just a few weeks ago was so emotional and heart-warming. And, how can I miss Sam being dyslexic? The way she had managed to deal with it and overcome her trauma related to it, it was commendable. I felt bad while reading that part but at the same time, I felt proud of her that she had managed to survive the negativity.
There’s also a best friend reunion and “a hot guy crush” tropes going on. It gives the story a little bit of spice. The fact the story is adapted to Martha’s Vineyard Setting gives the much-needed summer vibe. It makes this book perfect for summer reading just like the title of the book – “Summer Reading”. Also, the fact that the male main character is a book lover and a library researcher makes the story more interesting. Because usually, we see in a romance book, the female main character is the one who loves to read the book and so on.
Last but not least, Ben’s search for his biological father adds an element of mystery and intrigue. Otherwise, the story would have become so boring and obvious that it would have made the experience of reading worthless. And, the way it all came back to square in the same place was unexpected but made sense and I felt satisfied.
Sam and Ben’s bond
Honestly, this couple is an example of what a healthy relationship would look like. From the moment they met, there was a spark and chemistry surrounding them. In short, they both are green flag having good intentions and are crazily attracted to each other at first sight. I never had a dull moment when they both interacted. They just had positive energy within them that didn’t want others to get hurt in any other way.
My most favorite part of the book is when Ben decides to read his book to Sam knowing she can’t read. I think this bonded them and made them closer than before.
Sam and Ben both had their own problems in their life. Despite that, they had really good communication that strengthened their relationship. Except for the last part where Ben had closed his heart. He was pushing Sam away but come on it’s the last part of the book. It deserves some climax scene that would intensify your emotion, no? Anyway, I enjoyed their strangers-to-friends-to-lovers journey.
I loved that there was no misunderstanding plot between them because that would have stressed me out so much. I would have become emotionally drained if either of them had decided to break up and there’s comes regret, angst, guilt and whatsoever emotions for which I wouldn’t have been prepared.
Foods and Recipes
Given the fact that the female main character is a chef. It was obvious we would be getting a lot of food references and food recipe scenes in the book. And, I am not complaining because who doesn’t like food?
Although I love food, it was frustrating when reading about food stuffs. It would make me hungry every time Sam was in the kitchen making her perfect Portuguese dish. I wish Sam were in my life. She would force me to eat her delicious food, just like she did for Tyler. Nevertheless, I adored that Sam was inspired by her grandmother’s cooking style and skills. It had added a sentimental touch to the storyline.
My thoughts
The book is free of drama, angst, and emotional wreckage. It feels like you are on holiday with them. Enjoying life and finding its purpose, finding love at unexpected places, and bonding with siblings you didn’t think would become so special – of course it feels like a vacation. My experience regarding reading this book is stress-free like a therapy session.
I would highly recommend “Summer Reading” to those people who would love Martha’s Vineyard Setting that gives off summer vibes, Neurodivergent and Dyslexic Female Character, Hot Library researcher Male Character, Bonding between Siblings, Soft and sweet love story along with lots and lots of delicious food recipes.
If you like sad romance kind of book, you can try out reading – “You’ve reached Sam“. It is beautifully written and heart-wrenching story about loss, grief, and the importance of moving on.
