Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Published May 1st, 2010 (Originally Published June 1st, 2009)

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Paperback, 290 Pages

Source: Birthday Present

Summary from Goodreads:

"   "Don't worry, Anna. I'll tell her, okay? Just let me think about the best way to do it."

"Okay."

"Promise me? Promise you won't say anything?"

"Don't worry." I laughed. "It's our secret, right?"

According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in ZanzibarBay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy ever day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie—-she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.

Beautifully written and emotionally honest, this is a debut novel that explores what it truly means to love someone and what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every single moment this world has to offer.

My Review: ***** = 5 Stars

(I'll say minor spoilers, but there really isn't anything you wouldn't figure out if you read the book summary...)

After finishing this book, it immediately became a favorite of mine. Prior to this book, a contemp would have been hard to come by on my shelf. Now it seems like I am looking for books similar to this. Seeking out novels that will make me feel the way I did when I devoured every word from this work. While no two books will leave you feeling the same way, reading this has led me to find more contemporary books that I love, and it is now quickly becoming my new favorite genre. Who needs magic when an author can weave a tale so beautiful, full of love and heartbreak, with the story of three best friends, one lost love and a secret? (Don't worry, it was just a question, I still love you magic, vampires, werewolves and shadowhunters). It's not that I don't love books about magic and paranormal creatures, but I think a book like this hits you harder when you know it is something that could happen to you, or someone you know.

The author managed to engage me into the relationships of Anna, Frankie and Matt. I became interested, and involved. I cared about them and I cryed when one was lost forever. The journey that Anna and Frankie take is full of a wide range of emotions. The story is so natural and flowing, and when I turned the last page I couldn't help but think... "Wow.. what an amazing book. I want to read it again right now."

I feel the best way to review a book that touchs your heart, like this one did, is to keep it short and simple. I love this book and I recommend it to all of my blogging friends and any other reader out there that manages to see this review. It is simply an amazing book, and the authors debut novel at that. I very much look forward to reading Sarah's next book, Fixing Delilah, which after reading the first chapter, left me with no doubts that it will be just as wonderful, if not better. 

To learn more about Sarah Ockler, or her books, check out her website.

Sherry<3