Perfect for fans of Morgan Matson and Netflix/Hallmark Channel rom-coms, this is the story of a girl who decides to give in to the universe and just say yes to everything, bringing her friendship, new experiences, and, if she lets her guard down, true love.The perfect book to kick off summer! For as long as Rachel Walls can remember, she’s had capital-G Goals: straight As, academic scholarship, … academic scholarship, college of her dreams. And it’s all paid off–after years of following the rules and acing every exam, Rachel is graduating at the top of her class and ready to celebrate by . . . doing absolutely nothing. Because Rachel Walls has spent most of high school saying no. No to dances, no to parties, and most especially, no to boys.
Now, for the first time in her life, there’s nothing stopping Rachel from having a little fun–nothing, that is, except herself. So when she stumbles on a beat up old self-help book–A SEASON OF YES!–a crazy idea pops into her head: What if she just said yes to . . . everything?
And so begins a summer of yes. Yes to new experiences and big mistakes, yes to rekindled friendships and unexpected romances, yes to seeing the world in a whole new way. This book is a fresh and fun take on the coming-of-age novel that explores the quintessential themes of growing up: taking risks, making mistakes, and, of course, love. And who knows? Lindsey Roth Culli’s hilarious and heartwarming debut may just inspire your own SAY YES SUMMER.
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My Rating: .5
Content Rating: 16+
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Published: May 12th, 2020 by Delacorte Press
Say Yes Summer is a light, straightforward rom-com that is a bit predictable, but still enjoyable. This is the first book by Lindsey Roth Culli that I have read, and while the writing and character development are relatively well done, it did feel a bit unpolished.
Rachel Brooks has done everything right in the first eighteen years of her life. She has had laser focus throughout her four years of high school and has let nothing interfere with her goals. The only problem with saying no is Rachel has missed out on all the ups and downs that high school has to offer. She has been a passive participant, a person looking in on but never experiencing anything.
“I was never brave enough to tell Clayton how I feel about him. I was never brave enough to talk to Clayton, period, and now it’s too late.”
Rachel is the valedictorian of her high school and has been accepted to her dream college with a generous scholarship. Her plan for the summer – to catch up on all the non-school reading she put aside over the last four years. That is until she comes across one of her Nonna’s old books, A Season of Yes!
“We are, as Aristotle said, what we repeatedly do. Therefore, if we repeatedly say yes to opportunities, people, and experiences, we will become our truest, fullest selves.”
For the first time in her life, Rachel is going to say yes to everything, yes to boys, yes to parties and yes to just about everything that comes her way. And YES, this gets her into loads of fun experiences. However, it also gets her into situations that she never expected to be in and ill-prepared to deal with, but isn’t that part of growing up?
“I can’t believe this happened. I can’t believe I made such a freaking mess.”
The relationship between Rachel and her mom had some tense moments, as mother-daughter relationships often do. However, I liked that the author took the time to show the renewed understanding, love, and respect that developed between Rachel and her mom. But my favorite relationship was between Rachel and her Nonna. Nonna is a real character; she is funny, caring, and hip for an old gal. The imagines of these two strong women supporting Rachel were very refreshing and so important to the story.
I would have liked if there had been more of a buildup between the characters regarding the romance portion of the plot. I don’t want to give too much away, but Rachel will have to make some hard decisions in her journey to adulthood.
Say Yes Summer is a cute, easy to read a book that I would recommend if you are looking for a lighthearted romantic coming of age book. You will smile, shake your head, thinking back on all the crazy decisions you made as a teenager. Happy reading and happy remembering.
* Please note the quotes in my review are subject to change once the book is published. *
** I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley, publisher, and author. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. **
My Thoughts:
Say Yes Summer was a delightful treat of a story! Rachel Brooks has always been a responsible, dedicated and hardworking student and daughter. As she’s delivering her Valedictorian speech, she realizes that she doesn’t know her classmates that well, and has missed out on a lot of fun during her high school years.
When at home, she comes across a book that inspires her to say “yes,” to every new experience and opportunity that comes her way. What follows is an entertaining, fun, and lighthearted story about growing up, friendship, dating, and coming into your own.
I happily turned the pages on my Kindle, as this story just flew by! It was exciting to see what new adventure would await Rachel as each new day begun. It was a joy to see her grow as a character as she ventured out of her comfort zone, and had new experiences. Best of all was a friendship rekindled, as well as the time Rachel spent with Clayton, her high school crush, and Miles, her co-worker and childhood friend. A word of warning, there is a love triangle is this story as Rachel finds herself growing feelings towards both guys, as she spends time with them.
If you are looking for a light-hearted, fun, and easy going read, check out, Say Yes Summer by Lindsey Roth Culli!
I liked this book. I found the main character of this book very likable and I thought the plot was compelling and fun. I enjoyed the concept of “just saying yes” and it was interesting to see what changes that brought to Rachel’s life. A really cute read. Of my own accord I am posting a forthright review.