Cool for the Summer
“Just because you're telling a good story, doesn't mean it's the right story. And I think that it's really important to tell the right story.”― Dahlia Adler, Cool for the Summer
Long Story, Short
Cool for the Summer follows Lara's "then" and "now," taking the reader along as she faces her burgeoning love for the girl she met last summer and the feelings she holds for a longtime high school crush.
Tell Me About It
Another adorable romance novel to add to your list!
If you want a wholesome coming-of-age and coming-out story, this novel is it. I'd say the cruelest people in this book are her imperfect friends. But there was still depth to this story as Lara unpacks her own understanding of romance, relationships, and sexuality without relying on trauma.
Lara's character can be difficult to get behind sometimes because of the teenage propensity to over-analyzing every interaction (unfortunately something I would've related to). However, I think this was a great take on how personal growth doesn't happen because of others, but rather, that others can be a catalyst for self-reflection. A lot of young adults struggling with understanding themselves and their feelings will appreciate the way Lara sorts out her problems even if it's imperfect.
However, if you're an adult, I would not recommend the audiobook. It felt really invasive to actually hear this teenager talk about her sexual exploration. I think I would have been able to separate myself from that discomfort if I had gone with the text version instead. But to each their own!
Why...
You'll Love It
- Fluffy romance
- Self-discovery and character growth
- LGTQ+ story with accepting characters
You Might Not
- Lopsided love triangle
- Side characters feel flat
- Lots of teen angst
