16+

There is a reason that Judy Blume’s books have become modern YA classics and honestly this one feels timeless and yet a perfect snapshot of less than a year and a relationship that would change forever and yet change nothing.

I originally picked this up because it was a banned book in American schools, and I got curious because I had loved Blume’s Tiger Eyes the previous month. I can see why it is banned because it explores sex more explicitly – but not gratificationally to the reader –  than YA books especially ten or so years ago did. I enjoyed this one because of how directly it discusses the difficulties of teenage life, and Blume’s straightforward writing style guides us through a summer with Katherine that somehow changes everything and nothing.

The plot was relief to read after the trope filled books on my shelf and this is definitely a book that I would recommend for readers who are looking for a lasting impact. When you finish it you don’t think – wow, this was perfection – but you slowly start to realise that the simplistic prose and the characters stay with you in a way that lots of four stars don’t.

World – 4/5 – its our world. Albeit a few years ago so I can’t really say much about it.

Characters – 5/5 – human. So so human. They all are complex or some of them even aren’t because we are seeing them through Katherine’s eyes whom doesn’t really understand some of the people’s emotions.

Plot – 4/5 – it is achingly straightforward and realistic while still being interesting which is very very rare.

Romance – 4/5 – Swoony C – can’t say much for the spoilers but realistic and also perhaps a little toxic. This is not the idealised romance that many YA feature where they always know what to say and respect each others emotions completely without ever discussing triggers/experiences and it was enjoyable for that.

Romance Rating: Swoony C

Violence Level: Level 1 – but with content warnings, this is not a romance level 1!

Content Warnings: attempted suicide by a side character, negative body image (between Katherine’s parents and focused on her mother. Small sentences but heartbreaking.)