BeingIndian
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Fear the Worst
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Sydney Blake’s summer is shaping up to be typical for a teenager: she’s spending it with her...
The Adventures of the Crumpsall Kid
Book
Mike Harding has made generations of us laugh and cry at his stories of real life and growing up in...
Manchester Post-war Crumpsall
Restless Dolly Maunder
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The Women's Prize-winning and Booker-shortlisted international bestselling author returns with a...
Historical fiction Australia
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Last Summer of the Garrett Girls in Books
Mar 6, 2019
Jessica Spotswood said that she pitched this novel as "Little Women meets Gilmore Girls by way of Sarah Dessen," and I couldn't agree more. I didn't read this until her epilogue, and both the Little Women and Gilmore Girls pieces had already crossed my mind. This is such a lovely, charming, and touching book--I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Garrett sisters were so wonderful and engaging that as the book ended, I immediately found myself wishing there was a sequel, because I was completely immersed in their lives.
Spotswood creates some excellent, different, and completely captivating characters in these sisters. Each is unique in their own way--their own person. I loved the wonderful diverse representation in this one: "there aren't many YA books about girls falling in love," Vi says. It's so true, and how nice it is to have a well-written book where that storyline is just one of the many plots. There are some absolutely beautiful exchanges, as Vi has a crush on the girl who works at the restaurant next door, Cece. It was easily my favorite part of the book--I adored sweet Vi. I also loved how books played a such a strong role in the story--between the girls' family owning a bookstore and all of them loving books and stories in some way.
The novel itself is really about the universal themes of growing up, finding your way, and friendship and sisterhood. And love. It's so well-done and really sweet and fun. The girls seem so real, and it was quite easy to get caught up in their lives and problems. I found it quite enjoyable, even if I could guess how most things would resolve themselves.
Overall, this was a delightful novel about sisterhood and growing up. I truly wish I could have spent more time with the Garrett sisters. 4+ stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
Brung Up Proper: My Autobiography
Book
Jason Manford is firmly established as one of the country's favourite stand-ups and is up there with...