Friday, June 7, 2013

Review: Natucket Blue by Leila Howland


Author: Leila Howland
Title: Nantucket Blue
Publication: May 7th 2013
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Source: Publisher via Netgalley


Blurb
For Cricket Thompson, a summer like this one will change everything. A summer spent on Nantucket with her best friend, Jules Clayton, and the indomitable Clayton family. A summer when she’ll make the almost unattainable Jay Logan hers. A summer to surpass all dreams. Some of this turns out to be true. Some of it doesn’t.  When Jules and her family suffer a devastating tragedy that forces the girls apart, Jules becomes a stranger whom Cricket wonders whether she ever really knew. And instead of lying on the beach working on her caramel-colored tan, Cricket is making beds and cleaning bathrooms to support herself in paradise for the summer. But it’s the things Cricket hadn’t counted on--most of all, falling hard for someone who should be completely off-limits--that turn her dreams into an exhilarating, bittersweet reality. A beautiful future is within her grasp, and Cricket must find the grace to embrace it. If she does, her life could be the perfect shade of Nantucket blue. 

I originally received this title for a blog tour for an excerpt that I would choose myself. As I skimmed through the first chapter or so, I came across a few interesting passages but there was one that stood out the most because it highlighted the dynamics of Cricket's relationship with Jules and her family, which essentially got me hooked on the story. Jules, her best friend, changes and I didn't like her most of the book because I think she's unfair to Cricket, who is just trying to be there for her. Now, her relationship with Jules isn't the only one focused on in the book but the relationships with her mother, father and the boy she likes. Cricket's journey to becoming more of an individual, not letting setbacks stop her from pursuing the summer of her dreams, makes her an endearing character to root for to succeed. The story is complex and engaging with so many different directions that will define Cricket's path. Overall, I was touched by this beautiful story about love, loss, family and friendship. Loved it. 





About the Author
LEILA HOWLAND loves to read, explore L.A., and engage in funny and meaningful conversations with her friends and family, especially her brother who calls from Washington D.C. whenever he’s waiting for the bus. A lot gets discussed in those phone calls, but they tend to end abruptly when the bus shows up. She can really cut the rug, but wishes she could sing without people covering their ears. A graduate of Georgetown University, Leila spent five years acting in New York where she was a company member of the award-winning Flea Theater in Tribeca. It was a lot of fun and she often talks about “getting back into it.” The closest she has come was a stint as an extra on The Young and the Restless in 2010. Leila now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two dogs. She teaches high school English and blogs for HelloGiggles. NANTUCKET BLUE is her first novel.
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10 comments:

  1. I thought this sounded familiar and that you had already reviewed it. However, after reading your thoughts and clicking on the link...I see you hosted it on a blog tour. I seriously could not do what you do. I am constantly drawn in by a book's synopsis. I would/do have a list of books to read that is probably a mile long. I'm glad you enjoyed this book though. :)

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  2. Great review! This type of read isn't my usual, but it sounds like a nice one. :)
    I enjoy seeing characters grow and overcome things in their lives.
    Thank you for sharing.

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  3. Hyperion books have been really good this year. Glad you enjoyed it and found it touching! Great review Cricket!

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  4. Thanks for the review! I own a copy of this but have not read it. I definitely look forward to it though :)

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  5. It sounds like a moving coming of age story. A great read for a young adult. :-)

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    1. It really is and wish I could read more about Cricket, I really liked her character.

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  6. This one has been high on my list to read. It just sounds like a perfect summer book. I've got a copy from NetGalley too and need to get it read. Thanks for your review!

    Tressa @ Tressa's Wishful Endings

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