Justine's Thoughts: Cruel Summer by Alyson Noel

Cruel Summer
By Alyson Noel

Source: Library
Pages: 229
Book Description:

Having recently discarded her dorky image -- and the best friend that went with it -- Colby Cavendish is looking forward to a long hot season of parties, beach BBQs, and, hopefully, more hook-ups with Levin Bonham, the hottest guy in school. But her world comes crashing down when her parents send her away to spend the summer in Greece with her crazy aunt Tally.

Stranded on a boring island with no malls, no cell-phone reception, and an aunt who talks to her plants, Colby worries that her new friends have forgotten all about her. But when she meets Yannis, a cute Greek local, everything changes. She experiences something deeper and more intense than a summer fling, and it forces her to see herself, and the life she left behind, in a whole new way.

A quote:

Life brings nothing but change, Colby. Our job is to make the necessary adjustments, so we can continue to be fine.

Any thoughts:

I have never been to Greece before! After this fun, summer read with details of the scenery in Greece, I cannot help but dream of going to Greece more than ever. It’s definitely a destination I’ll have to check out sometime in my life.

The story begins with Colby, appalled that she is being sent to Greece by her parents who are in the middle of a divorce. As she starts to freak out because it seems that life is over in high school where she has built up to a great reputation, she writes letters, postcards, emails, and even creates a blog initially entitled ‘Cruel Summer’ that details her entire summer. The writing format is different and interesting, although I think it’s pointless. There is only one side to everything that is happening and that side is through the eyes of Colby, who starts from being a whiny, irritating, teenage girl to a person who slowly sees herself and accepts things as they are. It indeed is a novel of self-discovery, which others may find relatable.

Though predictable, Cruel Summer is a very short, light read. It’s perfect for summer, perfect for those who are searching for a cute, fluffy romance.