Summer Evenings

by Nathan Nicolau

Shy and reserved Christina is a recent high school graduate with no plans or direction in life. With her parents nagging her about her future, she can’t seem to enjoy her summer vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. But when Christina meets a wise yet mysterious man known only as Captain, they form a partnership to help rediscover herself.

An existential musing and coming-of-age tale, Summer Evenings is a heartwarming exploration of mindfulness.

82 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 3, 2025

About the author

While most kids wanted to be astronauts or firefighters when they grew up, Nathan wanted to be a writer. Ever since a young age, he has been captivated by stories and how they shape us. He mainly writes fiction, poetry, essays, and non-fiction. His work can be found in multiple publications. He lives in Charlotte, NC.

Reviews

[Himanshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was rejuvenating to read a short story that answered my overthinking. It was indeed an impulsive read because I found the cover cute but the content....
I related so much to Christina, going through the same phase I am currently waddling through myself. The lost mind, the quest for answers and an unpromised great future waiting.
What is it all meant to be?
Captain in my inference was a figment of her own creation, a way of escape, a way to find her own self, but wouldn't it be great if he had existed after all? Just like the neighing horse.
The story was wholesome and nice. It just couldn't hold me to one sitting, although it was really comforting.
Thank you to the author and Booksirens for giving me this e-review copy!! And I am leaving this review voluntarily!!

[Alyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick read. I would have liked it a bit more if it was novella length I think. I wanted a bit more of Christina’s background and more about the dynamic with her parents. Loved Captain’s character. I thought the neighing horse motif was smart added to the depth of the story nicely.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whimsical novelette
This coming-of-age story, although short, is full of depth and detail, exploring Christina’s thoughts after her high-school graduation. Having been closely protected by her parents and simultaneously considering herself the mediator between their minor disputes, she has no idea of navigating her own life. This is demonstrated in her newfound ambition of taking her first ever solo walk on the beach!
Captain, an enigmatic older man, teaches Christina to look beyond the visible and to explore her inner mind.
Although the ultimate decision about her future remains unknown, this little narrative can bring peace of mind to the reader who absorbs the lessons Captain shares.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Raghav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Evenings is one of those books that came into my life just at the right time. As someone who suffers from overthinking, the book is a calm reminder that one needs to not worry about the future but rather enjoy the moment. At the same time, the story’s protagonist, Christina, is at the same stage in her life as my daughter. As such, it gives me good insight and a reminder of what it is like at the end of high school, when a world of possibilities is at your doorstep. The shortness of this coming-of-age story makes it all the more memorable. It doesn’t preach, instead plays out an idea from which the reader can take whatever knowledge they wish to. Truly a beautiful book! I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kaitlin Stubbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good But Could Be Better

I couldn’t get attached to the characters except Captain. It felt like we were just scratching the surface. If this had been longer and a deeper dive into Christina’s journey, I would’ve loved it.

[Kayla Lister · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this from a goodreads giveaway. I expected a novel. It was a short essay, instead. That didn’t bother me as much as the fact that the story seemed to be all over the place and not have a clear plot. I was just as confused at the end as I was at the beginning.