Book Review: The Summer I Found You by Jolene Perry

The Summer I Found You

by Jolene Perry

Genre: YA, contemporary, romance

Published March 1st 2014 by Albert Whitman Teen

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Purchase: Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Book Depository

Blurb (Goodreads):

All they have in common is that they're less than perfect. And all they're looking for is the perfect distraction.

Kate's dream boyfriend has just broken up with her and she's still reeling from her diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Aidan planned on being a lifer in the army and went to Afghanistan straight out of high school. Now he's a disabled young veteran struggling to embrace his new life. When Kate and Aidan find each other neither one wants to get attached. But could they be right for each other after all?

My Thoughts:

There were several reasons why I jumped in to request The Summer I Found You on Netgalley. First, the title (and theme). I've fallen in love with summer-themed contemporary novels and I'm always open to read more books with the same theme. Second, that cover. Enough said. And last but not the least, the blurb. It somehow reminds me of The Fault in our Stars. Augustus had a disability while Hazel was diagnosed with a cancer. I'm curious how will The Summer's story will go.

I expected a dramatic novel based from the title, cover, and blurb. But it turned out to be cool, easy read just like other YA contemporaries. The moment I started it, I can't help but read and read. I want to finish it and savor at the same time. I liked the vibe of the book, the pace was perfect for the story, and the feels. It was too soon, but I felt it anyway.

However, when I reached the middle of the book (even in pre-middle), that's when I noticed...certain things. I first noticed that the book's setting was on a high school. Not on a beach. And the time is not during summer. I noticed that it was more on high school drama than my anything-but-high-school-drama expectation. I finished the book wondering where summer went and the beach that was shown in the cover. I never encountered a beach scene on the book. I came to realize that the title and the cover has nothing to do with the story of the book. I wondered why it's called The Summer I Found You. I wondered why it was set in high school with a high school drama and there was no beach scene at all. My point here is not my search for the summer theme I've been craving--but the product that they gave me. It's like, they're offering me a chocolate-coated sandwich with choco filling (as shown on the pack) but when I opened, all I've got was a chocolate sandwich. The cover and title was different from the product. For me, it doesn't matter how I liked the product--I really liked this book--what mattered was the difference of the story they let us assume from the title and cover.

I also notice in the middle of the book the relationship of Kate and Aidan. I did have the feels, but I realized that the two were more on physical attraction. Aidan knew little from Kate and Kate lies. They do more kissing than talking. It was a weak foundation for their relationship for me to fully adore and ship. Their disability and disease was one of the highlight of this book and I was curious what will happen to them. This highlight was forgotten from the little disappointments I had including the unlikable attitude of Kate.

There were several things I decided to read this book and also several things I've been disappointed. Regardless, I enjoyed it and it was pretty cute. I just wished they gave this book a different cover and title to give justice and to lessen the disappointments. The Summer I Found You was like other YA contemporary romance and I'm sure you'll have the feels from the two characters just like I did. If you enjoy these type of books, you'll like this one as well. Just be prepared from the warning I gave you. Hopefully the disappointment lessens and you'd love the book more than I did.

*Thanks to Albert Whitman Teen and Netgalley for the review e-copy!

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