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Our Common Hatred of Florida Summers
Jack Connors hates Florida.
He hates the gators. He hates the humidity. He hates the summers. He hates it all. He's anxious to leave it all behind him after he graduates this coming May. First he needs to make it through his senior year, but with his tight-knit group of friends and close relations with two mentors, the school year should be a good one. However, everything changes when he meets Z, a mysterious girl who has recently moved to the area. Soon, she captivates his every thought and captures his heart. Will the love he has for her change how he feels about Florida or will it all end in heartbreak and push him closer to moving away?
He hates the gators. He hates the humidity. He hates the summers. He hates it all. He's anxious to leave it all behind him after he graduates this coming May. First he needs to make it through his senior year, but with his tight-knit group of friends and close relations with two mentors, the school year should be a good one. However, everything changes when he meets Z, a mysterious girl who has recently moved to the area. Soon, she captivates his every thought and captures his heart. Will the love he has for her change how he feels about Florida or will it all end in heartbreak and push him closer to moving away?
280 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2024
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 16, 2025
I just finished reading 'Our Common Hatred of Florida Summers,' and I'm still basking in the warmth of this wholesome tale. It's been a while since I've indulged in a young adult novel, and this book reminded me of the magic that sparked my love for romance stories in the first place.
This beautifully crafted narrative follows Jack and Zendaya, two teenagers navigating the sweltering summers of Florida. The character development is impeccable, with each personality shining through in a genuine and relatable way. I found myself reminiscing about my own high school days, replete with friendships, drama, and first love.
The relationship between Jack and Zendaya is particularly noteworthy. Jack's chivalrous nature and unwavering care for Zendaya had me swooning, while Zendaya's unwavering support and emotional intelligence made her a truly admirable heroine.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with characters like Khalan, Nick, and Gay Simon adding depth, humor, and heart to the story. I appreciated the abundant green flags throughout the narrative, showcasing healthy relationships and communication.
While I wished for a more optimistic outcome for Lydia, the story nonetheless expertly captured the essence of high school drama, relationships, first love, family dynamics, and teenage emotions.
As a bonus, this book proudly wears its LGBT+ friendly badge, making it an inclusive and welcoming read.
In short, I adored 'Our Common Hatred of Florida Summers' and its endearing characters, particularly 'Pookie Jack' and 'Witty Z.' If you're looking for a heartfelt, feel-good YA romance, this is an excellent choice.
This beautifully crafted narrative follows Jack and Zendaya, two teenagers navigating the sweltering summers of Florida. The character development is impeccable, with each personality shining through in a genuine and relatable way. I found myself reminiscing about my own high school days, replete with friendships, drama, and first love.
The relationship between Jack and Zendaya is particularly noteworthy. Jack's chivalrous nature and unwavering care for Zendaya had me swooning, while Zendaya's unwavering support and emotional intelligence made her a truly admirable heroine.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with characters like Khalan, Nick, and Gay Simon adding depth, humor, and heart to the story. I appreciated the abundant green flags throughout the narrative, showcasing healthy relationships and communication.
While I wished for a more optimistic outcome for Lydia, the story nonetheless expertly captured the essence of high school drama, relationships, first love, family dynamics, and teenage emotions.
As a bonus, this book proudly wears its LGBT+ friendly badge, making it an inclusive and welcoming read.
In short, I adored 'Our Common Hatred of Florida Summers' and its endearing characters, particularly 'Pookie Jack' and 'Witty Z.' If you're looking for a heartfelt, feel-good YA romance, this is an excellent choice.
December 12, 2024
I really feel like I traveled through Jacks year right beside him from the night before his first day of senior year to the night before leaving for college. Beautifully written and eloquently challenges the power dynamics between men and women in young relationships. This will be a particularly impactful book for young boys to read. One of the rare well written novels from a teenage boys perspective that perfectly captures the ups and downs of senior year and high school relationships from a YA perspective. Beautiful book, the ending was a perfect conclusion to Jack and Z’s story. 10000/10
January 27, 2025
May be a little bias, but it is a very fun read. A nice breath of fresh air between heavy books.
January 18, 2025
Our Common Hatred of Florida Summers is a coming of age story about love, friendship, and growth. It is a must read!
The author does a wonderful job at painting the scenes and characters - making it easy to imagine as if they were real and in the room with you. The story travels through the senior year of high schooler Jack and explores what it is like to be a teen in the 21st century. I really liked how the emotions of the teens in the story were authentic, making them very easy to relate to (probably even more so for actual teens!).
Jack and Z’s relationship was dynamic, and it was easy to see how much they care about each other. I especially liked how Jack’s relationships with his friends weren’t negatively impacted once he and Z got together. Also, Jack’s character development was impacted by Z, but not dependent on her- showcasing depth of knowledge for healthy relationships. Overall their relationship was very healthy and there was just enough drama to keep it realistic to the teenage experience but also entertaining to the reader.
Having lived in Florida myself, the author does a magical job at describing the setting. I found myself back in those places, along the beach, the sunset, the highways, the restaurants, etc. Florida itself has a very specific feel unlike anywhere else, and reading this book put me right back there, embraced in its warmth.
This one is a must read for anyone who is looking for a heartwarming tale centered around love and friendship. Though it’s aimed for teens and young adults, this book is truly for anyone! Make sure you add this one to your reading list!!
The author does a wonderful job at painting the scenes and characters - making it easy to imagine as if they were real and in the room with you. The story travels through the senior year of high schooler Jack and explores what it is like to be a teen in the 21st century. I really liked how the emotions of the teens in the story were authentic, making them very easy to relate to (probably even more so for actual teens!).
Jack and Z’s relationship was dynamic, and it was easy to see how much they care about each other. I especially liked how Jack’s relationships with his friends weren’t negatively impacted once he and Z got together. Also, Jack’s character development was impacted by Z, but not dependent on her- showcasing depth of knowledge for healthy relationships. Overall their relationship was very healthy and there was just enough drama to keep it realistic to the teenage experience but also entertaining to the reader.
Having lived in Florida myself, the author does a magical job at describing the setting. I found myself back in those places, along the beach, the sunset, the highways, the restaurants, etc. Florida itself has a very specific feel unlike anywhere else, and reading this book put me right back there, embraced in its warmth.
This one is a must read for anyone who is looking for a heartwarming tale centered around love and friendship. Though it’s aimed for teens and young adults, this book is truly for anyone! Make sure you add this one to your reading list!!
September 2, 2025
Very much loved this book! The story was engaging and the characters were very well-rounded and interesting to read about (& root for!). It was very reminiscent of a John Green novel, which is always a hit. Overall incredible!!!
January 21, 2025
When the final pages of the book rolled in, I realised that I didn't want it to end. The book had a mix of humor, emotional depth, and authentic character development had me hooked from the first chapter.
Jack Connors, the protagonist, is a refreshing change from the arrogant male leads that I often read. He’s not overly brooding or stereotypically edgy; instead, he’s a relatable combination of ambition, introversion, and wit. Rather, his inner monologues about life had family had me nodding in agreement. His interactions with his family and friends and especially Zendaya are heartwarming and layered with genuine affection.
The dynamics between Jack and Z, the enigmatic girl who enters his life, kept me riveted. Their banter, misunderstandings, and subtle moments of vulnerability are so beautifully written that I rooted for them even when circumstances seemed bleak.
What stands out most about this book is its attention to detail. The author captures the oppressive heat of Florida summers so vividly that I could almost feel the humidity seeping through the pages.
Jack’s observations about tourists, his struggles at work, and his longing for the cooler climes of Alaska create a vivid backdrop that feels as much a character as the people in the story.
Mitchell J. De Haan’s ability to balance humor with emotional resonance is commendable. The comedic moments—whether it’s Jack’s deadpan reflections or his friends’ antics—are perfectly timed, providing relief without overshadowing the story’s emotional core. The sensitive exploration of themes like identity, friendship, and unspoken emotions adds a layer of depth that’s rare to find.
I also appreciated how the author incorporated diverse characters with authenticity. Khalan’s nonbinary identity and Nick’s journey as a transmale are handled with care, making them integral to the story rather than token representations. These characters remind us of the importance of inclusivity in literature.
This book is not just a slice-of-life story; it’s an introspective journey about growth, connections, and the little moments that shape us. It made me laugh, reflect, and even tear up at times—a testament to the author’s ability to create a truly immersive reading experience.
This book is going in my heartwarming books list and should do the same!!
Jack Connors, the protagonist, is a refreshing change from the arrogant male leads that I often read. He’s not overly brooding or stereotypically edgy; instead, he’s a relatable combination of ambition, introversion, and wit. Rather, his inner monologues about life had family had me nodding in agreement. His interactions with his family and friends and especially Zendaya are heartwarming and layered with genuine affection.
The dynamics between Jack and Z, the enigmatic girl who enters his life, kept me riveted. Their banter, misunderstandings, and subtle moments of vulnerability are so beautifully written that I rooted for them even when circumstances seemed bleak.
What stands out most about this book is its attention to detail. The author captures the oppressive heat of Florida summers so vividly that I could almost feel the humidity seeping through the pages.
Jack’s observations about tourists, his struggles at work, and his longing for the cooler climes of Alaska create a vivid backdrop that feels as much a character as the people in the story.
Mitchell J. De Haan’s ability to balance humor with emotional resonance is commendable. The comedic moments—whether it’s Jack’s deadpan reflections or his friends’ antics—are perfectly timed, providing relief without overshadowing the story’s emotional core. The sensitive exploration of themes like identity, friendship, and unspoken emotions adds a layer of depth that’s rare to find.
I also appreciated how the author incorporated diverse characters with authenticity. Khalan’s nonbinary identity and Nick’s journey as a transmale are handled with care, making them integral to the story rather than token representations. These characters remind us of the importance of inclusivity in literature.
This book is not just a slice-of-life story; it’s an introspective journey about growth, connections, and the little moments that shape us. It made me laugh, reflect, and even tear up at times—a testament to the author’s ability to create a truly immersive reading experience.
This book is going in my heartwarming books list and should do the same!!
January 20, 2025
Mitchell J. de Haan’s Our Common Hatred of Florida Summers is an amusing and highly relatable take on the trials of surviving the Sunshine State’s oppressive summer heat. The book is packed with witty observations that anyone who has spent even a week in Florida will appreciate. From the suffocating humidity to the relentless mosquitoes, De Haan leaves no sweaty stone unturned.
One of the book’s strengths is its humor. De Haan has a knack for turning mundane irritations into laugh-out-loud moments. His description of stepping outside and feeling like you’ve walked into “a hot yoga studio you didn’t sign up for” is just one example of how he captures the universal frustration of Florida summers.
However, the humor can sometimes feel a bit one-note. The recurring focus on the heat, mosquitoes, and sudden storms, while funny, starts to lose its edge after a while. There’s a sense that the book keeps circling back to the same themes without diving deeper into the culture or unique experiences of Florida summers. A broader exploration—perhaps stories of memorable summer adventures or reflections on how the season shapes the state’s identity—might have added more depth.
That said, De Haan does sprinkle in some thoughtful moments. He reflects on how shared discomfort can bring people together, writing, “You don’t just survive a Florida summer—you bond over it.” These quieter, introspective passages balance the humor and remind readers that even in the heat, there’s something to love about where you live.
While it’s not without its flaws, Our Common Hatred of Florida Summers is an entertaining and quick read that perfectly captures the quirks of Florida life. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to share with friends just to say, “This is exactly what it’s like!”
One of the book’s strengths is its humor. De Haan has a knack for turning mundane irritations into laugh-out-loud moments. His description of stepping outside and feeling like you’ve walked into “a hot yoga studio you didn’t sign up for” is just one example of how he captures the universal frustration of Florida summers.
However, the humor can sometimes feel a bit one-note. The recurring focus on the heat, mosquitoes, and sudden storms, while funny, starts to lose its edge after a while. There’s a sense that the book keeps circling back to the same themes without diving deeper into the culture or unique experiences of Florida summers. A broader exploration—perhaps stories of memorable summer adventures or reflections on how the season shapes the state’s identity—might have added more depth.
That said, De Haan does sprinkle in some thoughtful moments. He reflects on how shared discomfort can bring people together, writing, “You don’t just survive a Florida summer—you bond over it.” These quieter, introspective passages balance the humor and remind readers that even in the heat, there’s something to love about where you live.
While it’s not without its flaws, Our Common Hatred of Florida Summers is an entertaining and quick read that perfectly captures the quirks of Florida life. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to share with friends just to say, “This is exactly what it’s like!”
January 20, 2025
This is such a perfect rom-com.
Jack is a good student, who works part time at a diner. He has two best friends Nick and Khalan. Their friendship is really something to look forward to.
Jack meets Z in the diner, initially he thinks she has an attitude, but later her sweet nature is expressed. As the name of the book suggests both start to bond over their hatred over the Florida summer.
The character of Jack is very endearing, and the way the author has introduced him is very cool. I loved how he kept babbling about himself and that's exactly how I would imagine the introduction of the main character in a rom-com movie. Also this was my first rom-com book with a male protagonist and it was really fun to read from his perspective. I liked the friendship of the trip a lot, it was relatable to some extent. Z's character has some layers but she's also very sweet.
This was a light read for me and I enjoyed it a lot. And spoiler alert I like books with a happy ending especially romcoms.
Jack is a good student, who works part time at a diner. He has two best friends Nick and Khalan. Their friendship is really something to look forward to.
Jack meets Z in the diner, initially he thinks she has an attitude, but later her sweet nature is expressed. As the name of the book suggests both start to bond over their hatred over the Florida summer.
The character of Jack is very endearing, and the way the author has introduced him is very cool. I loved how he kept babbling about himself and that's exactly how I would imagine the introduction of the main character in a rom-com movie. Also this was my first rom-com book with a male protagonist and it was really fun to read from his perspective. I liked the friendship of the trip a lot, it was relatable to some extent. Z's character has some layers but she's also very sweet.
This was a light read for me and I enjoyed it a lot. And spoiler alert I like books with a happy ending especially romcoms.
January 21, 2025
This story follows Jack Connors, a teenager who can’t stand living in Florida and is desperate to leave. However, before he can, he has to get through his final year of high school. I really enjoyed how his close friends and two supportive mentors helped him deal with the challenges along the way. Their guidance and friendship made Jack’s struggles relatable, and I found myself rooting for him throughout the story.
I had so much fun reading this! It’s such an easygoing story with just the right mix of romance, humor, and clever moments. I’d definitely suggest this book to anyone who enjoys stories about young love, friendships, and the ups and downs of school life.
This book left me feeling warm and happy. The story is easy to connect with, and the emotions feel real and honest. It’s a wonderful choice if you enjoy reading about young characters dealing with life, love, and growing up. It’s uplifting and leaves you with a smile.
I had so much fun reading this! It’s such an easygoing story with just the right mix of romance, humor, and clever moments. I’d definitely suggest this book to anyone who enjoys stories about young love, friendships, and the ups and downs of school life.
This book left me feeling warm and happy. The story is easy to connect with, and the emotions feel real and honest. It’s a wonderful choice if you enjoy reading about young characters dealing with life, love, and growing up. It’s uplifting and leaves you with a smile.
January 20, 2025
Have you ever thought about it when you desperately wanted to leave someone, but some circumstances made you stay there and rethink it?
The protagonist of the story is Jack, who desperately wants to leave Florida, but a mysterious girl enters Jack's life, which changes his perspective on life, relationships and mainly his thoughts about Florida.
Isn't it fishy? Who is the mysterious girl? Why does she help Jack? What's her character?
Though I should be raving more about the protagonist and their life but more than them, I like the character development of 'Z', her courage, her bravery, how she bravely handles the situation and everything about her, her resilience and her strength. Z, The X factor girl's impact on Jack is the central theme of the book.
If you want to know what happens at the end? Jack left Florida or decided to stay with her? Then you must pick this up.
The protagonist of the story is Jack, who desperately wants to leave Florida, but a mysterious girl enters Jack's life, which changes his perspective on life, relationships and mainly his thoughts about Florida.
Isn't it fishy? Who is the mysterious girl? Why does she help Jack? What's her character?
Though I should be raving more about the protagonist and their life but more than them, I like the character development of 'Z', her courage, her bravery, how she bravely handles the situation and everything about her, her resilience and her strength. Z, The X factor girl's impact on Jack is the central theme of the book.
If you want to know what happens at the end? Jack left Florida or decided to stay with her? Then you must pick this up.
January 21, 2025
To a read that was just the right one to be intrigued with.
A wholesome experience to entangle in a story that is penned with perfectionism.
Our Common Hatred For Florida Summers, is a read that will diversify your own mind process in a benevolent manner,leaving no trait left unnoticed for you to be captivated by a different story inked with genuineness.
The book revolves around Jack Connors whose hatred for Florida pushes him to leave the territory but for escaping the same all he needs to first survive is his senior year that is backed by some great friends and two mentors who has made the journey a little easy.
A twist in tale can be experienced when a mysterious girl takes her heart away.
Will the aura of love take away the hatred he had for the place or will it turn out to be a vice versa situation.
Read this phenomenal one to enjoy an exemplary work of fiction.
A wholesome experience to entangle in a story that is penned with perfectionism.
Our Common Hatred For Florida Summers, is a read that will diversify your own mind process in a benevolent manner,leaving no trait left unnoticed for you to be captivated by a different story inked with genuineness.
The book revolves around Jack Connors whose hatred for Florida pushes him to leave the territory but for escaping the same all he needs to first survive is his senior year that is backed by some great friends and two mentors who has made the journey a little easy.
A twist in tale can be experienced when a mysterious girl takes her heart away.
Will the aura of love take away the hatred he had for the place or will it turn out to be a vice versa situation.
Read this phenomenal one to enjoy an exemplary work of fiction.
February 3, 2025
Mitchell does an amazing job bringing a group of characters to life in the blazing heat of a Florida summer. Green flags abound in this group and the representation here makes this an important book to find on your “read” list in these strange times. The emotional growth described, especially with Jack & Z, was the highlight of the book for me. Hoping for a sequel from this friend group 🤞🏼 no “hate” for this story here!!
January 20, 2025
I enjoy reading this . A perfect light read filled with Romance, humor and wit . Recommendations to readers who like teenage Romance and high school drama .
I highly recommend reading this especially for the lively description of Florida.
I highly recommend reading this especially for the lively description of Florida.
September 28, 2025
Lots of plot holes, and besides, they did not even hate Florida!
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