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The Summer List
One summer can change everything.
At least, that’s what Naomi has heard. Personally, she’s not interested in changing anything. With the start of university looming like the Ghost of Adulthood Yet to Come, Naomi is ready to spend the most uneventful summer of her life house sitting for her dad’s boss.
Her friends might be making epic summer bucket lists, but to Naomi, two months alone in a giant mansion sounds like just the escape she needs from the anxiety that’s spent her whole life telling her change can’t be anything but bad.
Andrea is ready for a change. Sure, she might have taken things a little too far by dumping her boyfriend, quitting her job, and breaking into her dad’s seemingly empty house to spend the summer plotting her next move, but Andrea has never done anything by halves.
When she discovers the house is not, in fact, empty, and that the mysterious house sitter with the biggest blue eyes she’s ever seen is hiding a secret summer bucket list, Andrea hatches a plan to tick the items off together.
It’s the perfect Naomi gets an accountability buddy, Andrea gets an excuse to avoid planning her own future for just a little longer, and once the list is complete, they go their separate ways.
It’s simple, it’s effective, and it definitely doesn’t leave room for them to fall in love—no matter how many times they stay up all night talking, or how good it feels when their hands touch, or how much they both wish September would stay far, far away.
One summer can change everything...for better or for worse.
Bestselling author Katia Rose makes her young adult debut in this queer coming of age romance that will sweep you up into the magic of summer love.
At least, that’s what Naomi has heard. Personally, she’s not interested in changing anything. With the start of university looming like the Ghost of Adulthood Yet to Come, Naomi is ready to spend the most uneventful summer of her life house sitting for her dad’s boss.
Her friends might be making epic summer bucket lists, but to Naomi, two months alone in a giant mansion sounds like just the escape she needs from the anxiety that’s spent her whole life telling her change can’t be anything but bad.
Andrea is ready for a change. Sure, she might have taken things a little too far by dumping her boyfriend, quitting her job, and breaking into her dad’s seemingly empty house to spend the summer plotting her next move, but Andrea has never done anything by halves.
When she discovers the house is not, in fact, empty, and that the mysterious house sitter with the biggest blue eyes she’s ever seen is hiding a secret summer bucket list, Andrea hatches a plan to tick the items off together.
It’s the perfect Naomi gets an accountability buddy, Andrea gets an excuse to avoid planning her own future for just a little longer, and once the list is complete, they go their separate ways.
It’s simple, it’s effective, and it definitely doesn’t leave room for them to fall in love—no matter how many times they stay up all night talking, or how good it feels when their hands touch, or how much they both wish September would stay far, far away.
One summer can change everything...for better or for worse.
Bestselling author Katia Rose makes her young adult debut in this queer coming of age romance that will sweep you up into the magic of summer love.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2024
140 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
Katia Rose
25 books991 followersKatia Rose is not much of a Pina Colada person, but she does like getting caught in the rain. She loves to write romances that make her readers laugh, cry, and swoon (preferably in that order). She’s rarely found without a cup of tea nearby, and she’s more than a little obsessed with tiny plants. Katia is proudly bisexual and has a passion for writing about love in all its forms.
Join the Club Katia community and grab your romance freebies! katiarose.com/club-katia
Join the Club Katia community and grab your romance freebies! katiarose.com/club-katia
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August 4, 2024
🌻🌺NOW LIVE!🌺🌻
The Summer List is is here! This sweet, swoony, sapphic story of first love in the summertime is ready to sweep you up into the perfect read for the final weeks of summer.
I know I say I'm head over heels for every book I write, but this one has an extra special place in my heart. Naomi and Andrea are some of my favourite characters I've ever written, and there was something so joyful and deeply healing about writing a story where two queer teens get to just be and love and grow and learn, exactly as they are.
There are now so many more options for young queer people to see themselves represented than there was when I was a teenager. I'm so grateful to everyone who's worked to make that happen as well as the opportunity to be part of that change myself.
If I'd had a book like The Summer List when I was in my teens—a book where queerness is just a part of life, where girls like me fall in love in a city I know and everything actually turns out okay in the end—I think my transition into adulthood would have looked pretty different. I'm proud of the path I made for myself, but I'm even more proud to be one of the people working to make sure maybe even one person won't have to feel as scared and confused as I did.
And if you're a queer person way past your teen years and considering giving this story a read, I want you to know I wrote it for you too. I hope reading it helps you find some of the joy and peace and reassurance I felt writing a story where girls like these get to love like this 🏳️🌈❤️
January 28, 2025
I have read one of Katia Rose's books before and quite liked it and I have at least four more of her books to read, so I like her writing. I really enjoyed this one for most of the book, Naomi and Andrea both narrating their summer together. Naomi is neuro-divergent and very anxious about starting Uni in the fall. Andrea has just broken up with her boyfriend in Montreal and decides to stay at her father's place in Ottawa while he is away on holiday, but that's where Naomi is house sitting for the summer.
Lot to like here, I've never read a book based in Ottawa before, nor have I ever been there. Both leads and Naomi's best friends, twins Shal and Priya hang with them a lot, are likeable. They make a bucket list of ten things to do for the summer, ergo the book's title. Most of the book really worked for me, but the last quarter of so totally lost me, 4 stars down to two, so I'll settle for a 3 star read. Go Canada!
Lot to like here, I've never read a book based in Ottawa before, nor have I ever been there. Both leads and Naomi's best friends, twins Shal and Priya hang with them a lot, are likeable. They make a bucket list of ten things to do for the summer, ergo the book's title. Most of the book really worked for me, but the last quarter of so totally lost me, 4 stars down to two, so I'll settle for a 3 star read. Go Canada!
April 21, 2025
(rounded up from 4.5)
Katia Rose can't miss. All her books are great, and I was sceptical about this one, her first YA book, since I've always enjoyed her Adult books, but I needn't have worried.
Naomi is filled with anxiety and greatly afraid of all the life changes that are imminent as she and her best friends, twins Priya and Shal, are off to university in a few months. She takes on a summer job, housesitting and taking care of the cats belonging to her dad's boss. Having a mansion to enjoy with her besties for one last summer is a nice perk and a last chance to spend one summer together, just them, before they go to different universities and make new friends.
Andrea has just broken up with her boyfriend and snuck off to break into her dad's house while he's on vacation with his new family, just for a bit while she figures things out. After a gap year and many disappointing lectures from her overbearing mom, she just wants some space to work out what to do next. Neither of the girls expected someone else to be in the house while they're using it for the summer. As it turns out, Andrea is interested in the summer bucket list Naomi, Priya and Shal set up to do exciting and wild things this summer and the four vow to do them together and make it an unforgettable summer.
This was full of emotions, as usual, and some very cute moments as Naomi and Andrea get to know each other and start to show their vulnerabilities to each other. There are some great comedic moments, some lovely, sincere moments, and a fun adventure with lovable characters. I'd highly recommend this for a fun and cute YA read!
PS: Love Brayden. What a hardcore friend!
Katia Rose can't miss. All her books are great, and I was sceptical about this one, her first YA book, since I've always enjoyed her Adult books, but I needn't have worried.
Naomi is filled with anxiety and greatly afraid of all the life changes that are imminent as she and her best friends, twins Priya and Shal, are off to university in a few months. She takes on a summer job, housesitting and taking care of the cats belonging to her dad's boss. Having a mansion to enjoy with her besties for one last summer is a nice perk and a last chance to spend one summer together, just them, before they go to different universities and make new friends.
Andrea has just broken up with her boyfriend and snuck off to break into her dad's house while he's on vacation with his new family, just for a bit while she figures things out. After a gap year and many disappointing lectures from her overbearing mom, she just wants some space to work out what to do next. Neither of the girls expected someone else to be in the house while they're using it for the summer. As it turns out, Andrea is interested in the summer bucket list Naomi, Priya and Shal set up to do exciting and wild things this summer and the four vow to do them together and make it an unforgettable summer.
This was full of emotions, as usual, and some very cute moments as Naomi and Andrea get to know each other and start to show their vulnerabilities to each other. There are some great comedic moments, some lovely, sincere moments, and a fun adventure with lovable characters. I'd highly recommend this for a fun and cute YA read!
PS: Love Brayden. What a hardcore friend!
July 21, 2024
Mains, about to go to college, so significantly younger than me, but they are well written and have depth so they are just like regular people!
I liked the synopsis and I have to say I’m loving the book. It is an interesting premise, and one that is executed well. One main is certainly neurodivergent and has anxiety, again, well written or at least as someone without personal experience of that, it seems so to me.
The romance is well paced, and near the end a plot hint from earlier comes to fruition and it’s painful. I’m internally screaming nooooo. So good!
I am so not the age group expected for this book, but you are never too old for a well written book full of well drawn characters whatever their age and stage of life. (How do I know I’m old…… there is an incident with a pool party and I am horrified and want to know how they got it all cleaned up!!) There is also a life lesson in this book that you are never too old to be reminded of.
I liked the synopsis and I have to say I’m loving the book. It is an interesting premise, and one that is executed well. One main is certainly neurodivergent and has anxiety, again, well written or at least as someone without personal experience of that, it seems so to me.
The romance is well paced, and near the end a plot hint from earlier comes to fruition and it’s painful. I’m internally screaming nooooo. So good!
I am so not the age group expected for this book, but you are never too old for a well written book full of well drawn characters whatever their age and stage of life. (How do I know I’m old…… there is an incident with a pool party and I am horrified and want to know how they got it all cleaned up!!) There is also a life lesson in this book that you are never too old to be reminded of.
July 22, 2024
I enjoyed The Summer List more than I truly expected. Getting into the mindset of a teen is sometimes difficult for me when reading books like this, but the amount of internal dialogue helped tremendously. I thought it would be a nice, casual read until I found myself really feeling deeply for the MC. I also always appreciate when mental health topics are talked about in a way that's easy for anyone to understand.
I think that most of the struggles faced throughout the book were overcome in a realistic way and the good times were plentiful.
My favorite thing about this book was the friendships that were formed throughout.
I think that most of the struggles faced throughout the book were overcome in a realistic way and the good times were plentiful.
My favorite thing about this book was the friendships that were formed throughout.
July 20, 2024
I’ve enjoyed all the Katia Rose novels I’ve read so far, and this YA book was no different. The characters felt mature, something I think YA’s can sometimes lack, however Katia made sure they were developed and realistic which is something I really enjoyed. I think the maturity of the whole book whilst remaining suitable for a YA audience was also a major plus point for me - the themes, the descriptions and the plot were things a lot of young adults can relate to, and those who are moving into their twenties (like me) can still read it and feel a connection to the characters and plot. I absolutely recommend giving it a read! Thank you Katia Rose and StoryOrigin for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of The Summer List!!
July 26, 2024
The Summer List by Katia Rose gently explores the challenges of discovering oneself on the cusp of adulthood at the intersection of sexual orientation and neurodivergence. Our friend group also learns to trust themselves, be themselves, and accept their imperfections. The girls embark on a shared bucket list during their last summer between high school and college and find themselves pushing personal limitations and accomplishing more than they thought possible.
Rose spotlights social anxiety, self-doubt, striving for independence, and hairless cats, in this super cute new adult romcom. This author always seems to offer light and hope in her stories even when dealing with important issues. In The Summer List, our adorable mains and their friends learn that to be themselves is to be brave. It is an encouraging summer of friendship and love, tackling hard topics in a syrupy sweet manner and I'm here for it.
Kudos for bi-rep, POC, and neurodivergent rep.
#romcom #newadult #teens #birep #poc #neurodivergence #summer #hairlesscats #dysfunctionalfamily #socialanxiety #introvert #canada #foundfamily #lightalcoholanddruguse
I received this free ARC from the author and StoryOrigin. This is my honest opinion.
Rose spotlights social anxiety, self-doubt, striving for independence, and hairless cats, in this super cute new adult romcom. This author always seems to offer light and hope in her stories even when dealing with important issues. In The Summer List, our adorable mains and their friends learn that to be themselves is to be brave. It is an encouraging summer of friendship and love, tackling hard topics in a syrupy sweet manner and I'm here for it.
Kudos for bi-rep, POC, and neurodivergent rep.
#romcom #newadult #teens #birep #poc #neurodivergence #summer #hairlesscats #dysfunctionalfamily #socialanxiety #introvert #canada #foundfamily #lightalcoholanddruguse
I received this free ARC from the author and StoryOrigin. This is my honest opinion.
August 12, 2024
So I received this book as a ARC for a honest review. I have read pretty much all of Katia's books..at least the WLW ones and have enjoyed all of them to some extent. I liked her YA entries the most and she is back with another one of those here. The book has recent high school grads that are preparing for what will happen when september rolls around and they move onto the next stages of their lives. It revolves around 4 girls for the most part with 2 being the mains. You won't find much steam in this book and rate is a G. Overall well written as I would expect from Katia Rose. Characters are well developed and the plot is well fleshed out. Some humor and some charm..She is a Indie author so if your looking for a nice read pick it up. 4 stars and I await her next book
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April 29, 2025The Summer List is a YA Contemporary Romance that was so fun to read!
{A group of friends complete a bucket list to celebrate their last summer before college.}
I really liked Naomi and Andrea. I enjoyed the way their friendship then romance slowly and authentically developed. They are so cute together and are exactly what the other needs.
I’m a sucker for a bucket list and liked the way this list originated and how the characters went about completing it. I enjoyed the journey each individual character (from the two main characters to the two friends that were a major part of the story) went on while completing the list.
Overall the author definitely nails writing a sweet and swoony romance!
Pub Date: July 31st, 2024
Thank you to the author for a copy of this eARC.
{A group of friends complete a bucket list to celebrate their last summer before college.}
I really liked Naomi and Andrea. I enjoyed the way their friendship then romance slowly and authentically developed. They are so cute together and are exactly what the other needs.
I’m a sucker for a bucket list and liked the way this list originated and how the characters went about completing it. I enjoyed the journey each individual character (from the two main characters to the two friends that were a major part of the story) went on while completing the list.
Overall the author definitely nails writing a sweet and swoony romance!
Pub Date: July 31st, 2024
Thank you to the author for a copy of this eARC.
July 31, 2024
4 stars for “The Summer List” by Katia Rose!
Andrea has spent a year running from her future and trying, desperately, to run toward herself. Instead, she inadvertently runs into the life of anxious Naomi and the summer bucket list *Naomi* would like to run from.
Always a heckin great sign when a book gets 4 stars from me even when the topic wasn’t fully up my alley (which usually results in 3 stars via my rating chart). Rose’s writing is beautiful and tends to pull great ratings from me regardless, and her characters are people I’d like as friends (or, at the very least, people I gosh darn enjoy getting to spend time with on the page)!
“The Summer List” is a sweet, fun Young Adult/New Adult romance - relatively clean based on things I’ve read but for younger readers or people looking for trigger warnings, ‘tis good to note there’s mild drug use with that bucket listed marijuana moment, and some alcohol/drunkenness (but *no sex*). Overall, a great YA/NA summer read!!
*A big ol' thank you to the author and StoryOrigin for the Advance Review Copy!
Andrea has spent a year running from her future and trying, desperately, to run toward herself. Instead, she inadvertently runs into the life of anxious Naomi and the summer bucket list *Naomi* would like to run from.
Always a heckin great sign when a book gets 4 stars from me even when the topic wasn’t fully up my alley (which usually results in 3 stars via my rating chart). Rose’s writing is beautiful and tends to pull great ratings from me regardless, and her characters are people I’d like as friends (or, at the very least, people I gosh darn enjoy getting to spend time with on the page)!
“The Summer List” is a sweet, fun Young Adult/New Adult romance - relatively clean based on things I’ve read but for younger readers or people looking for trigger warnings, ‘tis good to note there’s mild drug use with that bucket listed marijuana moment, and some alcohol/drunkenness (but *no sex*). Overall, a great YA/NA summer read!!
*A big ol' thank you to the author and StoryOrigin for the Advance Review Copy!
August 13, 2024
thank you to katia rose and her team for the arc!!
this book was so so good!! i loved rose’s adult work so was very exited to see what her ya work would be like and wow was it good!! i loved the characters and their struggles, as well as their growth. seeing them change was so incredible and rose’s writing style really complemented the story!! additionally i loved the plot and was so invested, i literally put this down twice!! anyways this book was everything please go read it!!
this book was so so good!! i loved rose’s adult work so was very exited to see what her ya work would be like and wow was it good!! i loved the characters and their struggles, as well as their growth. seeing them change was so incredible and rose’s writing style really complemented the story!! additionally i loved the plot and was so invested, i literally put this down twice!! anyways this book was everything please go read it!!
July 31, 2024
4.5
HAPPY RELEASE DAY !
This is my favorite Katia Rose’s book to date ! I must say that i’m not queer nor am I neurodivergent nor do i have anxiety. Katia was able to make me feel all the feels. I was right there with Naomi and Andrea. I wanted to do the summer bucket list with the girls. It was a sweet story about discovering who you are and what you want. I think many young adults will be able to see themselves in Naomi and her questionning about the beginning of college.
*I had the chance to receive an ARC of this book but all opinions are mine.*
HAPPY RELEASE DAY !
This is my favorite Katia Rose’s book to date ! I must say that i’m not queer nor am I neurodivergent nor do i have anxiety. Katia was able to make me feel all the feels. I was right there with Naomi and Andrea. I wanted to do the summer bucket list with the girls. It was a sweet story about discovering who you are and what you want. I think many young adults will be able to see themselves in Naomi and her questionning about the beginning of college.
*I had the chance to receive an ARC of this book but all opinions are mine.*
August 1, 2024
What a fun summer story! This YA book captured everything I loved about summer as a kid! It was sweet, cute, and nostalgic! I wish I had these books to read when I was younger. It's so heartwarming that queer, coming of age stories like this are available for our youth today. And as a neurodivergent bisexual adult with ADHD and anxiety, I thought Katia did such a beautiful job incorporating a diverse group of characters with thoughts and internal struggles that I could relate to. I feel so seen and I love it!
July 17, 2024
Katia Rose’s best and most important work yet.
Look, I went into reading this ARC having already loved Katia’s other works (this is the 10th WLW/NBLW book of hers that I’ve read this year), but I admittedly (to my great shame) didn’t expect as much given it’s YA (as I’m a massive sucker for spice). How wrong I was, I should’ve known better: Katia doesn’t miss. You, dear reader, will be doing the Katia Rose-trademarked “laugh, cry, swoon combo”, and then some with “The Summer List”!! The POV characters are excellent (both of them are her best yet, in my opinion; fantastic characterisation, done with great care and consideration), the supporting characters are great, and the relationship dynamic is top notch.
Re: Naomi especially, I’ve never felt so seen: and I’m a straight married guy who only got diagnosed a year ago (and I only really, truly accepted it in my bones much, much later: and christ if this isn’t a lot to be saying in a Goodreads review of all places). There’s a hundred million Naomi’s out there. Nearly every page I caught myself thinking: “Damn, I’ve been there, Naomi.” or, “That’s just like [loved one], exactly what she went through.” — I wish I read this (or something like it) when I was an adolescent/newly-minted adult, so much more would have made sense then.
On the recurring themes of self-actualisation, self-acceptance, “[no matter how this turns out] getting better for me, doing this —for me— is worth it”, “finding someone who loves you, for you, and accepting that you’re enough, and not too much” that are present across all of Katia Rose’s romance novels, this is by far my favourite execution (somehow topping “Turning Back”).
Thank you Katia. Really, thank you.
When this book comes out, I’m going to be buying several copies of the paperback to handout wherever I can.
P.S.
P.P.S. I really, really hope this gets a sequel/follow-up. Both POV characters are just… aaahhhhhhh!!! I need to know how their story continues: this is just the beginning!!
Look, I went into reading this ARC having already loved Katia’s other works (this is the 10th WLW/NBLW book of hers that I’ve read this year), but I admittedly (to my great shame) didn’t expect as much given it’s YA (as I’m a massive sucker for spice). How wrong I was, I should’ve known better: Katia doesn’t miss. You, dear reader, will be doing the Katia Rose-trademarked “laugh, cry, swoon combo”, and then some with “The Summer List”!! The POV characters are excellent (both of them are her best yet, in my opinion; fantastic characterisation, done with great care and consideration), the supporting characters are great, and the relationship dynamic is top notch.
Re: Naomi especially, I’ve never felt so seen: and I’m a straight married guy who only got diagnosed a year ago (and I only really, truly accepted it in my bones much, much later: and christ if this isn’t a lot to be saying in a Goodreads review of all places). There’s a hundred million Naomi’s out there. Nearly every page I caught myself thinking: “Damn, I’ve been there, Naomi.” or, “That’s just like [loved one], exactly what she went through.” — I wish I read this (or something like it) when I was an adolescent/newly-minted adult, so much more would have made sense then.
On the recurring themes of self-actualisation, self-acceptance, “[no matter how this turns out] getting better for me, doing this —for me— is worth it”, “finding someone who loves you, for you, and accepting that you’re enough, and not too much” that are present across all of Katia Rose’s romance novels, this is by far my favourite execution (somehow topping “Turning Back”).
Thank you Katia. Really, thank you.
When this book comes out, I’m going to be buying several copies of the paperback to handout wherever I can.
P.S.
P.P.S. I really, really hope this gets a sequel/follow-up. Both POV characters are just… aaahhhhhhh!!! I need to know how their story continues: this is just the beginning!!
August 19, 2024
Wow, I loved this so freaking much. When it comes to YA romance books, my experience now that I am an adult is that either I hate it or I love it, and I am so happy this one was the latter. I went into this a little hesitant, not only because it was a YA novel and the first one of the genre by this author, but also because while I absolutely love most of the books I've read by Katia, the last one I read (Passing through) fell kinda flat for me.
This book though... I smiled, I cried, I swooned. This was everything a YA romance novel should be. To me, one of the greatest things about reading is being able to see yourself represented and feeling that you're not alone in your struggles. With this book, I related to both the MCs so much. Sometimes, it felt as if I was reading my own thoughts from when I was 17/18. Naomi has social anxiety and is scared of going to college when the summer is over and having to face a completely new environment. My experience with social anxiety was and still is very similar to Naomi's, and I was very grateful for the care the author put into portraying that. Andrea, the other MC, is struggling to find her place in the world, and she has no idea what she wants to do or how to think outside of her mother's expectations. It's scary, getting out of high school and suddenly having to decide what you want the rest of your life to look like. I tried going the route I thought would make my parents happy, but I ended up changing my major after two years because I was just miserable.
This book touches on subjects that most people who read it will be able to identify with at least a little, and that is what makes a YA novel good. The romance here was also really well done and soooo cute, the kind where you find yourself smiling at your book/e-reader like an idiot. Anyway, I loved this so much and I hope Katia continues to write for this genre because she really killed it with this one
This book though... I smiled, I cried, I swooned. This was everything a YA romance novel should be. To me, one of the greatest things about reading is being able to see yourself represented and feeling that you're not alone in your struggles. With this book, I related to both the MCs so much. Sometimes, it felt as if I was reading my own thoughts from when I was 17/18. Naomi has social anxiety and is scared of going to college when the summer is over and having to face a completely new environment. My experience with social anxiety was and still is very similar to Naomi's, and I was very grateful for the care the author put into portraying that. Andrea, the other MC, is struggling to find her place in the world, and she has no idea what she wants to do or how to think outside of her mother's expectations. It's scary, getting out of high school and suddenly having to decide what you want the rest of your life to look like. I tried going the route I thought would make my parents happy, but I ended up changing my major after two years because I was just miserable.
This book touches on subjects that most people who read it will be able to identify with at least a little, and that is what makes a YA novel good. The romance here was also really well done and soooo cute, the kind where you find yourself smiling at your book/e-reader like an idiot. Anyway, I loved this so much and I hope Katia continues to write for this genre because she really killed it with this one
July 27, 2024
This was a fun YA romance featuring a main character with an anxiety disorder who is probably also neurodivergent.
Naomi is apprehensive about starting college and how it might change her high school friendships. She decides to spend the summer housesitting for her dad’s boss and hopes it will be uneventful.
Instead, Andrea (the daughter of Naomi’s dad’s boss) returns to what she thinks is an empty house looking for space and time to figure out what is next for her. Naomi and Andrea end up living together for most of the summer and developing feelings for one another.
I enjoyed this book even though I am not normally a big fan of YA books. I think a fan of YA books would have enjoyed this even more than me. This book is a romance, while still being appropriate for younger audiences. The book focuses equally on romance and the importance of friendship.
Katia Rose did a great job capturing the emotions around starting college and not wanting anything to change. I also thought she thoughtfully handled Naomi’s realization that she is likely neurodivergent and how that affects her sense of self. I also appreciated Shal and Priya (Naomi’s high school friends) felt well-rounded. I thought the book did a good job of capturing friend group dynamics. Additionally, Andrea’s parents are divorced, and I thought the narrative did a good job of showing how that affected Andrea’s self-perception.
As always, I appreciate that Katia Rose included content advisories on her website.
Highlights:
- bucket list for the summer after high school
- lesbian main character & bisexual love interest
- YA romance
- importance of friendship
- protagonist with an anxiety disorder
Thank you to the author for an ARC!
Naomi is apprehensive about starting college and how it might change her high school friendships. She decides to spend the summer housesitting for her dad’s boss and hopes it will be uneventful.
Instead, Andrea (the daughter of Naomi’s dad’s boss) returns to what she thinks is an empty house looking for space and time to figure out what is next for her. Naomi and Andrea end up living together for most of the summer and developing feelings for one another.
I enjoyed this book even though I am not normally a big fan of YA books. I think a fan of YA books would have enjoyed this even more than me. This book is a romance, while still being appropriate for younger audiences. The book focuses equally on romance and the importance of friendship.
Katia Rose did a great job capturing the emotions around starting college and not wanting anything to change. I also thought she thoughtfully handled Naomi’s realization that she is likely neurodivergent and how that affects her sense of self. I also appreciated Shal and Priya (Naomi’s high school friends) felt well-rounded. I thought the book did a good job of capturing friend group dynamics. Additionally, Andrea’s parents are divorced, and I thought the narrative did a good job of showing how that affected Andrea’s self-perception.
As always, I appreciate that Katia Rose included content advisories on her website.
Highlights:
- bucket list for the summer after high school
- lesbian main character & bisexual love interest
- YA romance
- importance of friendship
- protagonist with an anxiety disorder
Thank you to the author for an ARC!
July 31, 2024
I have truly loved everything I have ever read by Katia Rose but this YA had be a little nervous because…well…I very rarely read YA since I kinda aged out lol! Nevertheless, Katia and The Summer List definitely do not disappoint. Great characters, great story and just great! I was worried I might not be able to relate to the mains because of how young they were but they truly did resonate with me. I admired their bravery and strength, especially Naomi given her neurodivergence. And might I say, I really appreciate a neurodivergent character. Anyway, I certainly wasn’t that brave at their age and wonder if I have become so even now. My path to finding myself was wrought with insecurities and though insecurities and the like so come through with both Naomi & Andrea, they navigate through so much more gracefully than I ever did. Katia Rose developed such realistic and beautifully flawed young women: I found myself totally immersed in them & their journey! I feel like I learned from them something about the courage to discover who you are that may be taken for granted in some non YA sapphic romance. I’ll say it again, they are braver than I was. I really enjoyed it! Naomi and Andrea meet by happenstance and find something with in each other that helps them to better understand themselves. They are both wonderfully substantive characters and I so enjoyed their journey together. Being a YA novel there was (expectedly) no spicy love scene and I was worried. I really feel that the physical love scenes are not only fun as heck to read, they add something pivotal to the love story. However, the young love story of Andrea & Naomi didn’t suffer one bit. A great story & a must read! Thank you so much for my ARC!!!
August 14, 2024
This review is based on an ARC of The Summer List.
Naomi Waters is a shy, introverted 18 year old who’s recently graduated from high school. She’s nervous about going to university in the fall, and she’s signed herself up to housesit for her father’s boss this summer. We see her anxiety rise as her mother drives her closer to her summer destination. All of it seems so overwhelming for Naomi, who oftentimes feels like she just doesn’t understand the world around her. Things that seem “easy” for other teenagers just don’t resonate the same way with Naomi who may be neurodivergent according to her therapist. Add in a couple of close friends, a love interest, and a summer bucket list and you have the makings of an extraordinary summer adventure for Naomi Waters and her friends.
The summer bucket list Naomi, Shal, and Priya come up with serves as an anchor for the story leading them away from their high school selves and into a new world of possibility, including a love interest for Naomi that shows up out of the blue to crash her summer housesitting gig, Andrea King.
Andrea King is flailing, but she puts on a good show for the people around her. She’s just left a relationship and comes to hide out for a bit at her father’s house knowing that he and her step-mother are going to be out of the country this summer. What she doesn’t count on is the fact that her father and step-mother have hired a house sitter who will change her life.
Andrea King is so different from Naomi; at least that’s what Naomi initially thinks. Andrea is confident, outgoing, and seems to move through the world with ease. This, of course, is not all there is to Andrea, and we begin to see the cracks in her armor throughout the book. Her relationships with her divorced mother and father are problematic, and she’s not quite sure what she wants to do with her life.
As the characters move through the different items on the summer bucket list, they begin to grow and move beyond who they were at the beginning of the summer. Katia Rose’s writing is solid throughout The Summer List. Naomi and Andrea have my heart. From the start of The Summer List, I wanted to wrap them both up in a blanket and keep them safe. They’re meant for each other because they see each other for who they are and who they are becoming.
The supporting characters are interesting and add to the overall storytelling. The fact that Naomi has a conflict with her best friend, Priya, makes sense and allows them to start building their friendship in a new way. And Shal adds to the comic relief throughout although she’s more than someone that just throws out a funny line here and there. She’s got depth as well, which is sometimes difficult to do when writing supporting characters.
Overall, a solid story with compelling characters and plot lines. Go and read The Summer List. You know you want to.
Naomi Waters is a shy, introverted 18 year old who’s recently graduated from high school. She’s nervous about going to university in the fall, and she’s signed herself up to housesit for her father’s boss this summer. We see her anxiety rise as her mother drives her closer to her summer destination. All of it seems so overwhelming for Naomi, who oftentimes feels like she just doesn’t understand the world around her. Things that seem “easy” for other teenagers just don’t resonate the same way with Naomi who may be neurodivergent according to her therapist. Add in a couple of close friends, a love interest, and a summer bucket list and you have the makings of an extraordinary summer adventure for Naomi Waters and her friends.
The summer bucket list Naomi, Shal, and Priya come up with serves as an anchor for the story leading them away from their high school selves and into a new world of possibility, including a love interest for Naomi that shows up out of the blue to crash her summer housesitting gig, Andrea King.
Andrea King is flailing, but she puts on a good show for the people around her. She’s just left a relationship and comes to hide out for a bit at her father’s house knowing that he and her step-mother are going to be out of the country this summer. What she doesn’t count on is the fact that her father and step-mother have hired a house sitter who will change her life.
Andrea King is so different from Naomi; at least that’s what Naomi initially thinks. Andrea is confident, outgoing, and seems to move through the world with ease. This, of course, is not all there is to Andrea, and we begin to see the cracks in her armor throughout the book. Her relationships with her divorced mother and father are problematic, and she’s not quite sure what she wants to do with her life.
As the characters move through the different items on the summer bucket list, they begin to grow and move beyond who they were at the beginning of the summer. Katia Rose’s writing is solid throughout The Summer List. Naomi and Andrea have my heart. From the start of The Summer List, I wanted to wrap them both up in a blanket and keep them safe. They’re meant for each other because they see each other for who they are and who they are becoming.
The supporting characters are interesting and add to the overall storytelling. The fact that Naomi has a conflict with her best friend, Priya, makes sense and allows them to start building their friendship in a new way. And Shal adds to the comic relief throughout although she’s more than someone that just throws out a funny line here and there. She’s got depth as well, which is sometimes difficult to do when writing supporting characters.
Overall, a solid story with compelling characters and plot lines. Go and read The Summer List. You know you want to.
July 31, 2024
Thank you to the author for an ARC provided through StoryOrigin.
Naomi is spending her summer between high school and university house sitting and cat sitting for her father's boss who lives in a mansion in a ritzy Ottawa neighborhood. Inviting her best friend, Priya, and Priya's twin sister, Shal, the three spend time swimming in the pool and watching movies. Naomi has social anxiety and dreads the start of a new life in college, wishing everything in her life could stay the same. Shal convinces the other two to create a summer bucket list of 10 activities they have never done and will accomplish this summer. Then, Andrea, the daughter of man who owns the house arrives unexpectantly, having broken up with her boyfriend and reluctant to go back to her mother in Toronto.
The book not only follows the budding relationship between Naomi and Andrea, but also focuses on the growth of each of the four girls as they move through the items on the list and deal with their deep seated fears and issues.
There are many positive aspects of this book. The portrayal of Naomi's neurodiversity is well-described and convincing, as is Andrea's own issues about needing to find her own path and separate from her domineering and successful mother. The portrayal of the cultural background of the twins, who are South Asian with family from India, is also well drawn. This book departs in a good way from other sapphic novels where the best friend is a person of color but there is no exploration of how that impacts the character. This book does that pretty well.
My only drawback is how quickly some of the growth realizations happened, not in terms of time, but in terms of sudden, complete epiphanies. But that is something that's very common in YA fiction and I'm not penalizing this book for it.
All in all, a recommended read.
Naomi is spending her summer between high school and university house sitting and cat sitting for her father's boss who lives in a mansion in a ritzy Ottawa neighborhood. Inviting her best friend, Priya, and Priya's twin sister, Shal, the three spend time swimming in the pool and watching movies. Naomi has social anxiety and dreads the start of a new life in college, wishing everything in her life could stay the same. Shal convinces the other two to create a summer bucket list of 10 activities they have never done and will accomplish this summer. Then, Andrea, the daughter of man who owns the house arrives unexpectantly, having broken up with her boyfriend and reluctant to go back to her mother in Toronto.
The book not only follows the budding relationship between Naomi and Andrea, but also focuses on the growth of each of the four girls as they move through the items on the list and deal with their deep seated fears and issues.
There are many positive aspects of this book. The portrayal of Naomi's neurodiversity is well-described and convincing, as is Andrea's own issues about needing to find her own path and separate from her domineering and successful mother. The portrayal of the cultural background of the twins, who are South Asian with family from India, is also well drawn. This book departs in a good way from other sapphic novels where the best friend is a person of color but there is no exploration of how that impacts the character. This book does that pretty well.
My only drawback is how quickly some of the growth realizations happened, not in terms of time, but in terms of sudden, complete epiphanies. But that is something that's very common in YA fiction and I'm not penalizing this book for it.
All in all, a recommended read.
August 12, 2024
I don't normally read YA books so this was an adventure for me. However, when I got to the end just just thought, Wow! All of my friends need to read this book. As someone who is also neurodivergent, I have always had trouble explaining to other people what is going on in my head Katia Rose has just described the way my brain works perfectly.
The Summer List tells the story of two teenagers on the brink of life changes. Naomi is about to commence university and is riddle with anxiety as she is convinced that chnage is a bad thing. Meanwhile, Andrea is desperately ready for change after dumping her boyfriend and quitting her job. She just doesn't know what she wants to do next. When the two unexpectedly find themselves sharing a house over the summer they end up coming to an arrangement that allows Naomi to get an accountability buddy in ticking off her bucket list whiel Andrea finds the pefect excuse to avoid planning her own future for just a little longer.
Katia Rose proceeds to weave a beautiful story that incorporates, neurodivergency, anxiety and self-doubt, desire for independence and learning to be brave while tacking the hard stuff through friendship.
I absolutely adored this story and will certainly be reading it again in the future.
Definitely a 5 star read for me.
I am grateful for receving an ARC copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Summer List tells the story of two teenagers on the brink of life changes. Naomi is about to commence university and is riddle with anxiety as she is convinced that chnage is a bad thing. Meanwhile, Andrea is desperately ready for change after dumping her boyfriend and quitting her job. She just doesn't know what she wants to do next. When the two unexpectedly find themselves sharing a house over the summer they end up coming to an arrangement that allows Naomi to get an accountability buddy in ticking off her bucket list whiel Andrea finds the pefect excuse to avoid planning her own future for just a little longer.
Katia Rose proceeds to weave a beautiful story that incorporates, neurodivergency, anxiety and self-doubt, desire for independence and learning to be brave while tacking the hard stuff through friendship.
I absolutely adored this story and will certainly be reading it again in the future.
Definitely a 5 star read for me.
I am grateful for receving an ARC copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 30, 2024
Thank you Katia Rose for the opportunity to receive an eArc in exchang for an honest review!
Oh my goodness, this is THE summer ya sapphic romance if there ever was one!
There is so much to love about this book and I think the reason I found so much joy in reading it is because of the character development of Naomi and Andrea as individuals, as well as themselves as a couple, but also the friendships within the story.
I am outside of my YA years but this brought me back and offered such a wonderful story that I know I would have appreciated even more in my prime youngin’ years.
The mental health, anxiety, and neurodivergence representation and conversations is also extremely well illustrated and is written about in a way that has you rooting for Naomi and really feeling for her.
This read had me hooked in from start all the way through to the finish. While I read it quickly I didn't think it was lacking substance, it was just very palatable and easy to digest while also offering a qualitative storyline with nuances.
This is a wonderful book for anyone who enjoys YA, sapphic, queer, friendship, life transitions, family dynamics, identity, neurodivergence, pickle pajamas, and hairless cats (!!)
Oh my goodness, this is THE summer ya sapphic romance if there ever was one!
There is so much to love about this book and I think the reason I found so much joy in reading it is because of the character development of Naomi and Andrea as individuals, as well as themselves as a couple, but also the friendships within the story.
I am outside of my YA years but this brought me back and offered such a wonderful story that I know I would have appreciated even more in my prime youngin’ years.
The mental health, anxiety, and neurodivergence representation and conversations is also extremely well illustrated and is written about in a way that has you rooting for Naomi and really feeling for her.
This read had me hooked in from start all the way through to the finish. While I read it quickly I didn't think it was lacking substance, it was just very palatable and easy to digest while also offering a qualitative storyline with nuances.
This is a wonderful book for anyone who enjoys YA, sapphic, queer, friendship, life transitions, family dynamics, identity, neurodivergence, pickle pajamas, and hairless cats (!!)
August 2, 2024
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Katia Rose is a long-time favourite author of mine, and I have been lucky enough to review ARCs of several of her standalones in the past few years. I was very excited to get a chance to read her debut YA novel, and I hope you will enjoy it too.
The Summer List is a delightful summer romance, following an anxious teen, Naomi, as she and her friends attempt to make the most of their summer before they start college. This is somewhat interrupted by the arrival of Andrea, the daughter of the owner of the house.
As per usual, Katia Rose has delivered us a book filled with laughter and joy, while still giving her characters plenty of depth, with them each having individual problems and feelings to work through. I didn’t connect with these characters quite as much as I have in previous books, but I think that’s simply because I’m no longer a teen girl trying to figure out my identity. They still felt like completely real people, with individuality and quirks.
Overall, The Summer List was a bright and warm addition to a rather cold winter. I’d definitely recommend it, especially if you’re generally a fan of YA romance because it is a great read and a very strong YA debut.
Katia Rose is a long-time favourite author of mine, and I have been lucky enough to review ARCs of several of her standalones in the past few years. I was very excited to get a chance to read her debut YA novel, and I hope you will enjoy it too.
The Summer List is a delightful summer romance, following an anxious teen, Naomi, as she and her friends attempt to make the most of their summer before they start college. This is somewhat interrupted by the arrival of Andrea, the daughter of the owner of the house.
As per usual, Katia Rose has delivered us a book filled with laughter and joy, while still giving her characters plenty of depth, with them each having individual problems and feelings to work through. I didn’t connect with these characters quite as much as I have in previous books, but I think that’s simply because I’m no longer a teen girl trying to figure out my identity. They still felt like completely real people, with individuality and quirks.
Overall, The Summer List was a bright and warm addition to a rather cold winter. I’d definitely recommend it, especially if you’re generally a fan of YA romance because it is a great read and a very strong YA debut.
August 2, 2024
Oh my god this book is so good!!
I wasn’t sure about reading a YA book as most of the things I read are very spicy but I’m a huge fan of Katia’s other books so I had to give this one a chance and I’m so glad I did!!
It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with both Naomi and Andrea! This story is not only something my teenage self would have killed to read, but something I thoroughly enjoyed now as a 34 year old. The book is beautiful, heart felt, and as always has some great humour thrown in. I felt like I was transported to the time of being 18/19 all over again when you’re just figuring yourself out as an adult. The bucket list concept really is the perfect vehicle for this story.
The love story, the growth arcs for ALL the characters, and the complex and interesting relationships all make this a must read. Plus PLUS the anxiety and neurodivergence representation is done SO WELL. I felt so seen. Neurodivergent people are worthy of love and getting to see that play out was seriously amazing.
If you’re on the fence at all about reading this I recommend you jump off immediately and just READ IT because I highly doubt you’ll be disappointed.
I received an ARC in exchange my honest review.
I wasn’t sure about reading a YA book as most of the things I read are very spicy but I’m a huge fan of Katia’s other books so I had to give this one a chance and I’m so glad I did!!
It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with both Naomi and Andrea! This story is not only something my teenage self would have killed to read, but something I thoroughly enjoyed now as a 34 year old. The book is beautiful, heart felt, and as always has some great humour thrown in. I felt like I was transported to the time of being 18/19 all over again when you’re just figuring yourself out as an adult. The bucket list concept really is the perfect vehicle for this story.
The love story, the growth arcs for ALL the characters, and the complex and interesting relationships all make this a must read. Plus PLUS the anxiety and neurodivergence representation is done SO WELL. I felt so seen. Neurodivergent people are worthy of love and getting to see that play out was seriously amazing.
If you’re on the fence at all about reading this I recommend you jump off immediately and just READ IT because I highly doubt you’ll be disappointed.
I received an ARC in exchange my honest review.
September 8, 2024
The Summer List is the tale of a post high school bucket list. The to do items consist largely of items many graduates would have indulged in at a younger age. Still, it is an enjoyable journey with twins Priya and Shal, long time friend Naomi, and new acquaintance Andrea all taking part with varying degrees of enthusiasm.
Naomi and Andrea each have a few personal issues complicating their budding romance, but finding their way through these adds interest to their developing relationship. The narrative switches between Naomi and Andrea’s points of view. The transition between these is well handled by the author and this approach provides insights into their respective states of mind.
There is a decent supporting cast led by the twins and the Sphinx cats. Other characters fill minor, largely one-dimensional roles. Ultimately, Naomi’s neurodivergence and Andrea’s parental issues are partially addressed though both remain areas of concern. The story comes to a generally satisfactory conclusion with the couple happy for now as the contemplate their respective futures.
Naomi and Andrea each have a few personal issues complicating their budding romance, but finding their way through these adds interest to their developing relationship. The narrative switches between Naomi and Andrea’s points of view. The transition between these is well handled by the author and this approach provides insights into their respective states of mind.
There is a decent supporting cast led by the twins and the Sphinx cats. Other characters fill minor, largely one-dimensional roles. Ultimately, Naomi’s neurodivergence and Andrea’s parental issues are partially addressed though both remain areas of concern. The story comes to a generally satisfactory conclusion with the couple happy for now as the contemplate their respective futures.
July 28, 2024
"The Summer List" by Katia Rose is a charming and relatable story about a group of friends figuring out who they are during their last summer before college. It's all about discovering your true self, exploring sexual orientation and neurodivergence, and learning to embrace your quirks. The friends take on a bucket list together, pushing past their personal limits and realizing they can do more than they ever thought possible.
Katia Rose tackles big themes like social anxiety, self-doubt, and the struggle for independence, but she does it in such a light and heartwarming way perfectly capturing the bittersweetness of growing up.
This book is a great pick for anyone who loves queer young adult summer romances with a strong focus on friendship. It’s got everything — adorable characters, inclusive representation (bi, POC, and neurodivergent), and a sweet vibe that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. If you're into stories that blend serious issues with lots of heart and a good dose of humor, "The Summer List" is definitely worth the read.
Katia Rose tackles big themes like social anxiety, self-doubt, and the struggle for independence, but she does it in such a light and heartwarming way perfectly capturing the bittersweetness of growing up.
This book is a great pick for anyone who loves queer young adult summer romances with a strong focus on friendship. It’s got everything — adorable characters, inclusive representation (bi, POC, and neurodivergent), and a sweet vibe that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. If you're into stories that blend serious issues with lots of heart and a good dose of humor, "The Summer List" is definitely worth the read.
July 31, 2024
This is Katia Rose’s first YA novel, but you’d never know it by reading it.
First, let me just say, the *pining* in this book is what dreams are made of. Naomi and Andrea are so crazy about each other and it’s just delightful.
The anxiety and neurodivergence representation in this book are so wonderful, and it’s so great to see it in a YA book. The way Naomi describes her experience in the world is beautiful and painful and relatable to anyone with any proximity to neurodivergence. The most wonderful part, though, is that the love she receives is never framed as being despite her “otherness.”
I really appreciated Andrea as a character in that respect. Even though she has the “cool” persona, she never examines those around her through that lens. She is enthusiastic and caring and such a solid support system, even as she tries to navigate her own life.
This book is adorable and lighthearted and has all the summer vibes you could possibly wish for.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy!
First, let me just say, the *pining* in this book is what dreams are made of. Naomi and Andrea are so crazy about each other and it’s just delightful.
The anxiety and neurodivergence representation in this book are so wonderful, and it’s so great to see it in a YA book. The way Naomi describes her experience in the world is beautiful and painful and relatable to anyone with any proximity to neurodivergence. The most wonderful part, though, is that the love she receives is never framed as being despite her “otherness.”
I really appreciated Andrea as a character in that respect. Even though she has the “cool” persona, she never examines those around her through that lens. She is enthusiastic and caring and such a solid support system, even as she tries to navigate her own life.
This book is adorable and lighthearted and has all the summer vibes you could possibly wish for.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy!
August 3, 2024
Haven't been 18 or 19 in a while but I had no trouble getting into this new story by Katia Rose.
Beginning gives us time to get to know the MC's who could not be more different. Naomi is an introvert who suffers from anxiety attacks and who does not do well in new situations. Andrea gratuated last year and took a gap year in another town where she worked and lived with her boyfriend.
I like how they get put together by accident and despite not knowing each other they just roll with it. It's also a lot of fun that Naomi and her friends came up with a summer bucket list and Andrea wants to finish this list with them. The items on the list don't seem all too crazy but some things are crazy enough for each of our characters. It was quite a ride seeing them push their own boundaries and take a leap of faith with themselves and each other.
Past the halfway mark it did take a little dip for me pace wise but the ending made up for it.
An ARC was provided to me via StoryOrigin in return of an honest review.
Beginning gives us time to get to know the MC's who could not be more different. Naomi is an introvert who suffers from anxiety attacks and who does not do well in new situations. Andrea gratuated last year and took a gap year in another town where she worked and lived with her boyfriend.
I like how they get put together by accident and despite not knowing each other they just roll with it. It's also a lot of fun that Naomi and her friends came up with a summer bucket list and Andrea wants to finish this list with them. The items on the list don't seem all too crazy but some things are crazy enough for each of our characters. It was quite a ride seeing them push their own boundaries and take a leap of faith with themselves and each other.
Past the halfway mark it did take a little dip for me pace wise but the ending made up for it.
An ARC was provided to me via StoryOrigin in return of an honest review.
July 14, 2024
I was super excited when my favorite romance author announced she was releasing a YA novel since I’m a YA enthusiast. And this did not disappoint, delivering on all the laughing, crying, and swooning I’ve come to expect. Seriously, this book is the cutest.
As a neurodivergent introvert I related so much to Naomi. Loved her from page one. Andrea’s search for herself and struggle not to disappoint her parents were also relatable. And the two of them were perfect for each other. Their love was so sweet, and the way they really saw each other, believed in each other, and encouraged each other to be the best possible versions of themselves truly moved me.
No spice in this—hey, it’s YA—but that doesn’t make the story any less romantic.
I hope this is the first of many YA books from Katia because she so beautifully captures coming of age and first love.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
As a neurodivergent introvert I related so much to Naomi. Loved her from page one. Andrea’s search for herself and struggle not to disappoint her parents were also relatable. And the two of them were perfect for each other. Their love was so sweet, and the way they really saw each other, believed in each other, and encouraged each other to be the best possible versions of themselves truly moved me.
No spice in this—hey, it’s YA—but that doesn’t make the story any less romantic.
I hope this is the first of many YA books from Katia because she so beautifully captures coming of age and first love.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
July 28, 2024
This book was so cute. It's a classic coming-of-age/summer between high school and university story, but without being a cliché. It is YA and is absolutely appropriate for a YA audience, but as an adult, I really enjoyed it too. Instead of feeling too young for me, it felt nostalgic.
So much of this book was relatable for me, as a ND queer woman who grew up in Ottawa, and it was so much fun to see my own experiences mirrored in this story.
It is always a joy to see topics like mental illness and queer identity come up In a novel organically and without feeling contrived.
At it's core, this book is just about a group of young women finding themselves and their confidence. It was funny and sweet and lighthearted. I definitely recommend!
So much of this book was relatable for me, as a ND queer woman who grew up in Ottawa, and it was so much fun to see my own experiences mirrored in this story.
It is always a joy to see topics like mental illness and queer identity come up In a novel organically and without feeling contrived.
At it's core, this book is just about a group of young women finding themselves and their confidence. It was funny and sweet and lighthearted. I definitely recommend!
July 31, 2024
Thank you to Katia Rose and StoryOrigin for the ARC of The Summer List. I'm a big fan of Katia Rose's other books, so I was curious to see how she'd handle YA. I can happily say her YA debut was amazing! It keeps the same vibe and style I've loved in her other books. Naomi, Andrea, Priya, and Shal really captured that time in life when you're moving from high school to university and figuring out who you are outside of old roles and expectations. I especially liked how Naomi's social anxiety was shown. We got to see exactly where her thoughts were going, how her reactions escalated and calmed down. As someone with social anxiety, it felt super accurate and really put my own thoughts and feelings into words. Definitely recommend giving it a read.
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