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The Summer Remains #1
The Summer Remains
Twenty-four-year-old Summer Johnson knows two things. The first is that due to a quickly worsening medical condition, she faces a risky surgery in three months’ time that may or may not end in her death. The second is that she would like to fall in love before then.
As spring sinks into her namesake season on the Florida coastline, Summer plays the odds and downloads a new dating app - and after one intriguing message from a beautiful surfer named Cooper Nichols, it becomes clear that the story of what may be her last few months under the sun is about to be completely revised. All she has to do now is write something worth reading.
Tender, honest, devastating and triumphant, The Summer Remains explores a very human battle being waged in a very digital age: the search for a love that will outlast this temporary borrowing of bones. In an era when many feel compelled to share and re-share anything about everything, prepare to feel a love so special, you will want to hug it close and make it yours forever.
As spring sinks into her namesake season on the Florida coastline, Summer plays the odds and downloads a new dating app - and after one intriguing message from a beautiful surfer named Cooper Nichols, it becomes clear that the story of what may be her last few months under the sun is about to be completely revised. All she has to do now is write something worth reading.
Tender, honest, devastating and triumphant, The Summer Remains explores a very human battle being waged in a very digital age: the search for a love that will outlast this temporary borrowing of bones. In an era when many feel compelled to share and re-share anything about everything, prepare to feel a love so special, you will want to hug it close and make it yours forever.
334 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2015
158 people are currently reading
4182 people want to read
About the author
Seth King
53 books1,867 followersSeth King is a twenty-eight-year-old American author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 687 reviews
July 9, 2020
4.5 stars!
The Summer Remains is a powerful read. It’s not only a book that made me feel, it’s a book that made me think, made me reevaluate the way I see people, treat people and I’ll be honest- not many books have that effect on me. The writing had a great flow, it was sad and uplifting at the same time, and was just an all around profound and beautiful read.
Summer Johnson is one of the most perfect heroines. I liked everything about her. She’s 24 and has been living with a life threatening condition her entire life. She has a feeding tube, she has scars, but she doesn’t let that dictate who she is and what she wants. She wants love. She wants someone to see her for her. She wants one perfect summer to be herself and find that one person who will love her and accept her for who she is. Then she meets Cooper. The boy who she thinks will change her life forever. Well, the thing is- she’s the one who changes him.
Cooper is the opposite of Summer. He appears to be perfect on the outside, and physically he is. But on the inside, he’s scarred. Cooper and Summer develop a beautiful friendship that turns into so much more. I loved watching their relationship grow.
The Summer Remains is a powerful read. It’s not only a book that made me feel, it’s a book that made me think, made me reevaluate the way I see people, treat people and I’ll be honest- not many books have that effect on me. The writing had a great flow, it was sad and uplifting at the same time, and was just an all around profound and beautiful read.
Summer Johnson is one of the most perfect heroines. I liked everything about her. She’s 24 and has been living with a life threatening condition her entire life. She has a feeding tube, she has scars, but she doesn’t let that dictate who she is and what she wants. She wants love. She wants someone to see her for her. She wants one perfect summer to be herself and find that one person who will love her and accept her for who she is. Then she meets Cooper. The boy who she thinks will change her life forever. Well, the thing is- she’s the one who changes him.
Cooper is the opposite of Summer. He appears to be perfect on the outside, and physically he is. But on the inside, he’s scarred. Cooper and Summer develop a beautiful friendship that turns into so much more. I loved watching their relationship grow.
“You are so beautiful,” he continued, his voice catching in his throat. “You are so special and important and elegant and smart and kind and worthwhile, and you are so much better than me and everyone else I’ve ever known in every single way, and you are the only truth I have ever found in this lying world, and I love you to the floor of me, and it breaks me to imagine a future without you in it, and I just want you to know all that, just because.”This book is one I can say with absolute certainty I will never forget. There were lots of tears, but it also left me with a sense of peace. Cooper and Summer’s love story is one you don’t want to miss out on! And I can’t wait to read the novella that was recently released- I had a bit of a soft spot for Hank :)
June 10, 2015
4.5 Stars!!
“The Summer Remains” was one beautiful, heartbreaking, inspiring and emotional story. It’s a book about life, love, sacrifice, friendship, death and so much more. It’s a book that will touch you heart and soul. It’s a book that will make you think and appreciate what you still have – life, family, friends, love – and that will show you that love and life are beautiful and that you should carpe diem as much as you can. This book is real and honest, powerful and haunting, captivating and unique in its own way. Needles to say this book will make you feel.
Summer is 24 and all she wants like every one of us is to feel cherished and loved. But you see, she’s not like many of us. She was born with this ‘defect’ called Esophageal Intresia, which basically means her throat was broken. She has a stomach tube and facial scars and even if she knows how judgmental people are, she wants to have by her side that person that would do anything for her, that will love her exactly like she is, for who she is.
Through a dating application she meets Cooper, who will not only change her summer, but will change her life as well. While Summer is ‘broken’ on the outside, Cooper is ‘broken’ on the inside. He has his own past and fears and flaws and he’s struggling every day to accept that life is how it is, unfair. He can’t move forward and he’s convinced life had beaten his dreams out of him.
What starts as a beautiful friendship becomes more. Summer and Cooper find in each other what they had looking for all their lives. They give each other what all of us are seeking – understanding, support, friendship and most of all LOVE. While Summer is not honest with Cooper about her condition, Copper is amazing standing by her, loving her and hoping…
This was such a touching beautifully written book. It was sad and tragic and real and it broke my heart. Summer was such an endearing character. She knows she’s ‘different’, but she doesn’t want this label for herself. She’s doesn’t want any sympathy or pity because she doesn’t want to feel broken. And in my eyes she was nothing like that. She’s a survivor, she’s a fighter, she’s one of the strongest heroine I've read about. One of the things I loved about her is how big her heart is. She is so kind. Despite her condition she helps other handle their new reality, help others who at some point felt or still feels like her, misunderstood, alone, unlovable. Her struggling to accept that people are not always so accepting, that they can be judgemental and that life can be unfair was well done, heartbreaking and felt real. Summer is a very easy to like heroine. She’s caring and sweet, compassionate and thoughtful, empathetic and funny and I loved her personality.
Cooper was an amazing guy from the beginning to finish. He’s so caring and sweet and I loved everything else about him, but most of all I loved him because he loved Summer with all his heart. I loved him because he’s different and sees Summer like she truly is – a wonderful girl who has a big heart and who wants to love and be loved and also because he sees what matters, her inner beauty.
Summer and Cooper’s love story is pure and simple beautiful, tender and so, so touching. It warmed my heart and I was happy for Summer, for both of them actually, but it also like I mentioned before it broke my heart. Their story it will make you smile, laugh, cry and feel. You will feel angry at times, but you will continue reading this wonderful story because is simply that, wonderful.
I loved how they gave each other everything they’ve got, how they change each other, how they became a better human being. I've never doubt they were truly made for each other and I've never doubt they are soulmates.
Overall, a wonderful read!
“You don’t love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or for their car, but because they sing a song only you can hear.” ~ Oscar Wilde
“The Summer Remains” was one beautiful, heartbreaking, inspiring and emotional story. It’s a book about life, love, sacrifice, friendship, death and so much more. It’s a book that will touch you heart and soul. It’s a book that will make you think and appreciate what you still have – life, family, friends, love – and that will show you that love and life are beautiful and that you should carpe diem as much as you can. This book is real and honest, powerful and haunting, captivating and unique in its own way. Needles to say this book will make you feel.
Summer is 24 and all she wants like every one of us is to feel cherished and loved. But you see, she’s not like many of us. She was born with this ‘defect’ called Esophageal Intresia, which basically means her throat was broken. She has a stomach tube and facial scars and even if she knows how judgmental people are, she wants to have by her side that person that would do anything for her, that will love her exactly like she is, for who she is.
”I, Summer Johnson, Purveyor of Pragmatism, Lover of Logic, Ultimate Believer in the Rational, and Person Who Was Maybe Going to Die Soon, wanted to drown in someone.”
Through a dating application she meets Cooper, who will not only change her summer, but will change her life as well. While Summer is ‘broken’ on the outside, Cooper is ‘broken’ on the inside. He has his own past and fears and flaws and he’s struggling every day to accept that life is how it is, unfair. He can’t move forward and he’s convinced life had beaten his dreams out of him.
What starts as a beautiful friendship becomes more. Summer and Cooper find in each other what they had looking for all their lives. They give each other what all of us are seeking – understanding, support, friendship and most of all LOVE. While Summer is not honest with Cooper about her condition, Copper is amazing standing by her, loving her and hoping…
“You are so beautiful,” he continued, his voice catching in his throat. “You are so special and important and elegant and smart and kind and worthwhile, and you are so much better than me and everyone else I’ve ever known in every single way, and you are the only truth I have ever found in this lying world, and I love you to the floor of me, and it breaks me to imagine a future without you in it, and I just want you to know all that, just because.”
This was such a touching beautifully written book. It was sad and tragic and real and it broke my heart. Summer was such an endearing character. She knows she’s ‘different’, but she doesn’t want this label for herself. She’s doesn’t want any sympathy or pity because she doesn’t want to feel broken. And in my eyes she was nothing like that. She’s a survivor, she’s a fighter, she’s one of the strongest heroine I've read about. One of the things I loved about her is how big her heart is. She is so kind. Despite her condition she helps other handle their new reality, help others who at some point felt or still feels like her, misunderstood, alone, unlovable. Her struggling to accept that people are not always so accepting, that they can be judgemental and that life can be unfair was well done, heartbreaking and felt real. Summer is a very easy to like heroine. She’s caring and sweet, compassionate and thoughtful, empathetic and funny and I loved her personality.
“You’re beautiful, and beautiful things don’t demand attention. It just gravitates to them.”
Cooper was an amazing guy from the beginning to finish. He’s so caring and sweet and I loved everything else about him, but most of all I loved him because he loved Summer with all his heart. I loved him because he’s different and sees Summer like she truly is – a wonderful girl who has a big heart and who wants to love and be loved and also because he sees what matters, her inner beauty.
Summer and Cooper’s love story is pure and simple beautiful, tender and so, so touching. It warmed my heart and I was happy for Summer, for both of them actually, but it also like I mentioned before it broke my heart. Their story it will make you smile, laugh, cry and feel. You will feel angry at times, but you will continue reading this wonderful story because is simply that, wonderful.
I loved how they gave each other everything they’ve got, how they change each other, how they became a better human being. I've never doubt they were truly made for each other and I've never doubt they are soulmates.
Overall, a wonderful read!
”We were soul mates, this boy on the cusp of forever, this girl on the end of oblivion.”
May 7, 2015
4.5 Stars
How can I describe this book...
Emotional. Heartbreaking. Beautiful. Powerful. Inspiring.
"Comparison is the enemy of happiness, stop measuring yourself against the world."
To be honest - This book broke my heart. I flat out sobbed. For hours. After a few hours sleep, with still swollen eyes, I still can't put into words how hauntingly beautiful this story was.
Summer's life has never been easy. Born with a rare, life threatening condition, every day is a struggle. She carries scars on the inside and outside. At 24 with her health is deteriorating, her only hope is a risky surgery scheduled for the end of the summer. So with death looming, Summer decides to make the most of what could be her last summer.
Summer meets Cooper. These two together = magic.
That's all you get from me. There are a few things that bugged me, but this was truly a beautiful story. If you aren't scared of a few tears,(or a lot in my case) take a chance on this book.
How can I describe this book...
Emotional. Heartbreaking. Beautiful. Powerful. Inspiring.
"Comparison is the enemy of happiness, stop measuring yourself against the world."
To be honest - This book broke my heart. I flat out sobbed. For hours. After a few hours sleep, with still swollen eyes, I still can't put into words how hauntingly beautiful this story was.
Summer's life has never been easy. Born with a rare, life threatening condition, every day is a struggle. She carries scars on the inside and outside. At 24 with her health is deteriorating, her only hope is a risky surgery scheduled for the end of the summer. So with death looming, Summer decides to make the most of what could be her last summer.
Summer meets Cooper. These two together = magic.
That's all you get from me. There are a few things that bugged me, but this was truly a beautiful story. If you aren't scared of a few tears,(or a lot in my case) take a chance on this book.
May 2, 2015
4.5 ”This Is Not a Cancer Book” Stars
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Warning: YOU WILL UGLY CRY DURING THIS READ
Summer Johnson suffers from a condition called Esophageal Intresia which has been killing her since birth. She agrees to a surgery that will give her an 80/20 chance of surviving her condition scheduled at the end of summer. Summer decides to enjoy her summer to the best of her abilities and has just one wish.
”I, Summer Johnson, Purveyor of Pragmatism, Lover of Logic, Ultimate Believer in the Rational, and Person Who Was Maybe Going to Die Soon, wanted to drown in someone. ”
Signing on to a dating app, Summer meets Cooper who is a wonderful character and suffering in his own right. Summer and Cooper spend the summer together and fall in love while she struggles with telling him about her upcoming surgery.
There is a lot going on with Summer beside not telling Cooper fully about her condition, she faces public stares about her scars and disabilities and helps others handle their conditions. The pressure of her social media account of what her peers were posting about marriages etc. had her wishing for similar Facebook milestones of her own.
”Why did my generation have to throw our lives under lights to make them feel real.”
”Comparison is the enemy of happiness.”
Cooper’s love for Summer and words to her were just beautiful.
”You know, we all have scars, Summer if yours are only on the outside, you should consider yourself lucky.”
When Cooper learns the truth about Summer's condition and pending surgery, he stands by her as she faces her mortality head on. The author exceeded my expectations on delivering quotes that were unforgettable.
”We were soul mates, this boy on the cusp of forever, this girl on the end of oblivion.”
I had a bit of trouble getting into this story at first and I did find the writing too wordy at times. Also there were one or two over the top moments and the couple’s fall into love portion of the story needed a tad more but the overall message was one that should be heard.
As for the question of whether or not there’s an hea? The answer is. This author is truly talented and can reduce a reader to tears (even the toughest of readers like myself).
*Read the Author’s Note because it was simply beautiful and it shouldn’t be missed.*
”The disabled aren’t sainted caricatures, they’re real people – they’re Summer. They’re you. They’re me.”
March 2, 2015
***UPDATE***
Life changing.
Soul inspiring.
Chest hurting.
Heart healing.
Everyone has scars. Some are visible, others aren’t. This is a story of a girl, so broken on the outside, but inside—inside she is beautiful, smart, loving, kind and just glows. Summer Martin has a life threatening illness. She lost out on so many experiences, one being love. Her one wish is to find that one true love and cherish it, hold on so tight.
She meets Cooper through a dating app and little does she know he’s about to give her the summer of her life. He is beautiful in every way but wears his scars on the inside. He too has been through so much that your heart hurts for him too.
So a love story of all love stories begins and when I say you will feel every emotion with your whole heart, I’m not even stretching the truth.
Did I say breathtaking? You know those books that you just want to hug and love and give to every person you know. You want to bottle the feeling you had while you’re reading and tattoo them in your heart and brain. Seth King wrote a book that changed the way I look at life. It reminded me of what matters. The good in people and the power to change your mindset. You get one chance. One life. Every second, every day. Make it count. Smile hard, laugh often and love with your whole heart. Never let the chance to tell the people you love how much you love them, and prove it. With words, actions, make a difference.
I’m going to turn to Seth’s own words.
Well, he got me because I LOVED it.
6++++ I want to memorize this book and hug it and buy it for every single person I know.
Breathtaking. Heart-warming and soul crushing at the same time. Seth King is now a go-to author to me. He made me see life, love, heartbreak, and living in a whole new light. What an incredible journey and I will be rereading this one many times.
Do. Not. Miss. It. Phenomenal. I am in love with this story.
Standing ovation!!!
Full review to come with blog tour!
Life changing.
Soul inspiring.
Chest hurting.
Heart healing.
“Let love destroy you—God knows life is going to anyway.”
Everyone has scars. Some are visible, others aren’t. This is a story of a girl, so broken on the outside, but inside—inside she is beautiful, smart, loving, kind and just glows. Summer Martin has a life threatening illness. She lost out on so many experiences, one being love. Her one wish is to find that one true love and cherish it, hold on so tight.
She meets Cooper through a dating app and little does she know he’s about to give her the summer of her life. He is beautiful in every way but wears his scars on the inside. He too has been through so much that your heart hurts for him too.
So a love story of all love stories begins and when I say you will feel every emotion with your whole heart, I’m not even stretching the truth.
“You are so beautiful,” he continued, his voice catching in his throat. “You are so special and important and elegant and smart and kind and worthwhile, and you are so much better than me and everyone else I’ve ever known in every single way, and you are the only truth I have ever found in this lying world, and I love you to the floor of me, and it breaks me to imagine a future without you in it, and I just want you to know all that, just because.”
Did I say breathtaking? You know those books that you just want to hug and love and give to every person you know. You want to bottle the feeling you had while you’re reading and tattoo them in your heart and brain. Seth King wrote a book that changed the way I look at life. It reminded me of what matters. The good in people and the power to change your mindset. You get one chance. One life. Every second, every day. Make it count. Smile hard, laugh often and love with your whole heart. Never let the chance to tell the people you love how much you love them, and prove it. With words, actions, make a difference.
I’m going to turn to Seth’s own words.
“Writing is like throwing your soul onto a page and then going, ‘Here, everyone, hope you love it!’”
Well, he got me because I LOVED it.
6++++ I want to memorize this book and hug it and buy it for every single person I know.
Breathtaking. Heart-warming and soul crushing at the same time. Seth King is now a go-to author to me. He made me see life, love, heartbreak, and living in a whole new light. What an incredible journey and I will be rereading this one many times.
Do. Not. Miss. It. Phenomenal. I am in love with this story.
Standing ovation!!!
Full review to come with blog tour!
February 14, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via Southern Belle PR in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ! ☆
The Summer Remains was an emotionally charged read that left me speechless and in tears.
I’m normally not one of those sentimental and emotional people when it comes to books, but this one really touched me.
Author Seth King is a definite force to be reckoned with, as he is able to pull your heart apart by the seams and put it back together in a bittersweet fashion!!
I loved this story as I was reminded of our precious moments in this life and not taking anything for granted. Summer and Cooper’s story astounded me with its portrayal how in one blink of an eye, everything can change or be taken away!! Such a strong yet delicate testament of growing pains and undying friendship and true love!
I seriously recommend this gem of a read as it brought forth a lot of hidden aggression and nostalgia for me and made me re-think and analyze things from a different perspective.
You see...Three years ago, I had lost my little brother. If he were alive today, he would be 19 years old and was unexpectedly taken away from my family and myself. Although I miss him everyday and still get teary eyed over his absence, his memories will forever prevail in my and the rest of my family’s hearts.
The Summers Remains was definitely an epiphany for me as it allowed me to heal and cope with my personal loss and revel in life’s defining moments and its utter heartbreaks, lessons, and wreckage.
"Dying was easy, but living was the most challenging adventure of all."
Thank you Scott! I look forward to more reading ventures from you in the future!
The Summer Remains was an emotionally charged read that left me speechless and in tears.
I’m normally not one of those sentimental and emotional people when it comes to books, but this one really touched me.
Author Seth King is a definite force to be reckoned with, as he is able to pull your heart apart by the seams and put it back together in a bittersweet fashion!!
I loved this story as I was reminded of our precious moments in this life and not taking anything for granted. Summer and Cooper’s story astounded me with its portrayal how in one blink of an eye, everything can change or be taken away!! Such a strong yet delicate testament of growing pains and undying friendship and true love!
I seriously recommend this gem of a read as it brought forth a lot of hidden aggression and nostalgia for me and made me re-think and analyze things from a different perspective.
You see...Three years ago, I had lost my little brother. If he were alive today, he would be 19 years old and was unexpectedly taken away from my family and myself. Although I miss him everyday and still get teary eyed over his absence, his memories will forever prevail in my and the rest of my family’s hearts.
The Summers Remains was definitely an epiphany for me as it allowed me to heal and cope with my personal loss and revel in life’s defining moments and its utter heartbreaks, lessons, and wreckage.
"Dying was easy, but living was the most challenging adventure of all."
Thank you Scott! I look forward to more reading ventures from you in the future!
November 7, 2015
Ten million stars for one of the greatest books I have ever read. I finished this book days ago and haven't stopped thinking about it. I wish I were a better writer so I can say something incredible about this book, but really - I don't have the words to do this review justice. The Summer Remains has earned a spot at the top of my favorites list along with Making Faces. There is so much beauty, wit, heartbreak, compassion, loss, humor, resilience and just plain old brilliance within the pages of this book. Summer & Cooper have found a permanent place inside my heart. And soul. Every page of this book is filled with so much emotion. It will leave you heartbroken but uplifted. It will change your perspective on life, and make you want to be a better person.
I do have to add that I applaud Seth King for bringing people with disabilities to the forefront, and acknowledging them for the people they are underneath whatever their appearance may be. Just another reason to adore this book.
Summer Johnson says it best:
"when you finish a good book and hug it to your chest to somehow soak the words into your soul through osmosis."
Yes, she described this book to a tee for me. It is a must read!!!
I do have to add that I applaud Seth King for bringing people with disabilities to the forefront, and acknowledging them for the people they are underneath whatever their appearance may be. Just another reason to adore this book.
Summer Johnson says it best:
"when you finish a good book and hug it to your chest to somehow soak the words into your soul through osmosis."
Yes, she described this book to a tee for me. It is a must read!!!
July 23, 2015
4 When will I come out of this book coma? Stars
This book just gutted me. Not only was it an emotional read, but full of philosophy that really got me thinking.
But I have to say what really got me was the author's note at the back of book explaining why this book was written and why it's a personal journey.
Damn...this book absolutely left me speechless and not thinking right.
Why only 4? Well, to me, around 1/2 way in it did start to get a bit slow. But overall, I enjoyed this book immensely.
This is a great book if you want to spend the day crying!
This book just gutted me. Not only was it an emotional read, but full of philosophy that really got me thinking.
But I have to say what really got me was the author's note at the back of book explaining why this book was written and why it's a personal journey.
Damn...this book absolutely left me speechless and not thinking right.
Why only 4? Well, to me, around 1/2 way in it did start to get a bit slow. But overall, I enjoyed this book immensely.
This is a great book if you want to spend the day crying!
March 18, 2016
Wow!! Just fucking wow!! I can't deal with books like these!! I've NEVER I repeat NEVER experienced a book were the author has word for word explained exactly the emotions I was feeling while I read the book. In light of that I'm going to use the authors own words to review his own book because honestly I don't think I could do it justice and he basically ripped the words right out of my head!
“In only sixty pages I had become completely attached to the old man, feeling every ounce of his heartbreak and every inch of his joy. And as I turned the last page, I just looked outside and felt empty and full and exhausted and pumped up all at the same time, but mostly I just felt hopefully heartbroken.
In the mid-morning light I saw a mom walking with her little son and their dog, and I wanted to lean out of the window and shout, What’s wrong with you freaks?! Why isn’t your world stopping? Why aren’t you heartbroken? Why aren’t you lying on the floor, broken and sobbing, because a totally fictional character in a totally made-up story is dead? I was furious that the world wasn’t broken by a story it had never read, and I wanted to gouge out my eyeballs so I could read it all over again with brand new eyes –that was the mark of a good fucking book.”
“like when you finish a good book and hug it to your chest to somehow soak the words into your soul through osmosis”
“Seriously, all the books were the same, and I was so ready for something new"
“And the summer of my dreams barreled on. ”
“So if destruction is what this is, if that’s what we’re headed toward, then I’m happy, because I really wouldn’t mind destruction at your hands, Summer Johnson”
“But if anything does happen,” Cooper finally whispered into the July breeze from beside me, his voice a quiet prayer, “remember this: I’m gonna be your boyfriend forever, Summer Martin Johnson.”
“Maybe this was all I’d ever get with him, this summer of beautiful risk, these last three months when he had loved me so perfectly by the sea”
"and you are the only truth I have ever found in this lying world, and I love you to the floor of me”
“But for every epic love tale splashed out in lights for the world to see, there were ten million more couples that loved each other in the dark just as beautifully.”
“You gave me a roaring July in the winter of my life, and I’m thankful.”
“thank you for loving me on my way down”
“Yes. It’s amazing. Trust me, I read hundreds of books a year. It’s like you painted a portrait with words instead of paint”
“Mr king is a writer to the floor of him”
I won't even bother with adding words of my own. Read the damn the book :)
“In only sixty pages I had become completely attached to the old man, feeling every ounce of his heartbreak and every inch of his joy. And as I turned the last page, I just looked outside and felt empty and full and exhausted and pumped up all at the same time, but mostly I just felt hopefully heartbroken.
In the mid-morning light I saw a mom walking with her little son and their dog, and I wanted to lean out of the window and shout, What’s wrong with you freaks?! Why isn’t your world stopping? Why aren’t you heartbroken? Why aren’t you lying on the floor, broken and sobbing, because a totally fictional character in a totally made-up story is dead? I was furious that the world wasn’t broken by a story it had never read, and I wanted to gouge out my eyeballs so I could read it all over again with brand new eyes –that was the mark of a good fucking book.”
“like when you finish a good book and hug it to your chest to somehow soak the words into your soul through osmosis”
“Seriously, all the books were the same, and I was so ready for something new"
“And the summer of my dreams barreled on. ”
“So if destruction is what this is, if that’s what we’re headed toward, then I’m happy, because I really wouldn’t mind destruction at your hands, Summer Johnson”
“But if anything does happen,” Cooper finally whispered into the July breeze from beside me, his voice a quiet prayer, “remember this: I’m gonna be your boyfriend forever, Summer Martin Johnson.”
“Maybe this was all I’d ever get with him, this summer of beautiful risk, these last three months when he had loved me so perfectly by the sea”
"and you are the only truth I have ever found in this lying world, and I love you to the floor of me”
“But for every epic love tale splashed out in lights for the world to see, there were ten million more couples that loved each other in the dark just as beautifully.”
“You gave me a roaring July in the winter of my life, and I’m thankful.”
“thank you for loving me on my way down”
“Yes. It’s amazing. Trust me, I read hundreds of books a year. It’s like you painted a portrait with words instead of paint”
“Mr king is a writer to the floor of him”
I won't even bother with adding words of my own. Read the damn the book :)
February 2, 2015
This is not the story of boy meets girl, they fall in love, then live happily ever after.
This is not the fairy tale of Snow White, where just one kiss from her prince will bring her back..
This is a story I cannot just summarize in one sentence, and it's definitely not a story you've ever read before...
First off, the writing is unlike anything I've ever laid eyes upon; it's captivating.
From the very first line, this book had my full attention as I was already invested. As I read on, I experienced a unique combination of feelings, all at once.
A love story set in this new age, where cell phones are always in one hand, and constantly checking Facebook is the new normalcy for this Millennial Generation we exist in, Seth King captures all of these elements and molds them into a story so unique, that I'm having a hard time even thinking about moving onto another book.
Reading Summer and Cooper's story was not just a breath of fresh air, it was like breathing in a different kind of oxygen. I really felt their special moments together, their pain, their love.
Can I pick a favorite part of this book? Absolutely not. There are SO many moments that melted me and made me feel I was truly one with story. Do you know those books where you want to just highlight a sentence on every other page? Well, try EVERY page with this book.
This tale will make you laugh, it will be make you cry, and it will stay you with forever, not just until summer.
Seth's writing is beyond superb, and he is here to stay. Keep your eyes peeled for more masterpieces.
*Provided an ARC for an honest review*
This is not the fairy tale of Snow White, where just one kiss from her prince will bring her back..
This is a story I cannot just summarize in one sentence, and it's definitely not a story you've ever read before...
First off, the writing is unlike anything I've ever laid eyes upon; it's captivating.
From the very first line, this book had my full attention as I was already invested. As I read on, I experienced a unique combination of feelings, all at once.
A love story set in this new age, where cell phones are always in one hand, and constantly checking Facebook is the new normalcy for this Millennial Generation we exist in, Seth King captures all of these elements and molds them into a story so unique, that I'm having a hard time even thinking about moving onto another book.
Reading Summer and Cooper's story was not just a breath of fresh air, it was like breathing in a different kind of oxygen. I really felt their special moments together, their pain, their love.
Can I pick a favorite part of this book? Absolutely not. There are SO many moments that melted me and made me feel I was truly one with story. Do you know those books where you want to just highlight a sentence on every other page? Well, try EVERY page with this book.
This tale will make you laugh, it will be make you cry, and it will stay you with forever, not just until summer.
Seth's writing is beyond superb, and he is here to stay. Keep your eyes peeled for more masterpieces.
*Provided an ARC for an honest review*
June 8, 2015
"You gave me a roaring July in the winter of my life, and I'm thankful."
"Transparent blue was my favorite color, because it was the color of the sky just before the sun rose and immediately after it set. It reminded me that whatever you were dealing with in the present, you had survived your past and had no choice but to face your future, so you'd might as well square your shoulders, chill the fuck up, and deal with what life has put in front of you."
"Transparent blue was my favorite color, because it was the color of the sky just before the sun rose and immediately after it set. It reminded me that whatever you were dealing with in the present, you had survived your past and had no choice but to face your future, so you'd might as well square your shoulders, chill the fuck up, and deal with what life has put in front of you."
March 2, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review
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L-O-V-E. Those four letters makes up a simple word but the definition and meaning cannot be simply explained in words but must be felt. As humans we all crave for love whether it be receiving or giving love. To experience love is one of the greatest joys in life because of the many feelings associated with it. And if we are lucky, there will be those who will experience the greatest unconditional love. A love worth living and experiencing. A love to remember and that will forever be ingrained in our hearts, mind, and soul. And in The Summer Remains by Seth King be prepared to fall in love with a beautiful, heartbreaking, emotional, and inspiring story. This book stole my heart from the opening pages and as I was sitting and reading this book on my flight back from New York to San Francisco, I was literally sobbing and this nice gentleman to my right handed me a packet of tissues because the tears were just flowing. This book changed and ruined me for the better.
The Summer Remains was one of those books whose storyline not only captured my heart but my soul. Every word that the author poured into his writing was FELT. Mr. King did not just give you an ordinary love story but he was giving you STORY THAT YOU WILL REMEMBER AND TREASURE. Mr. King will make you see that death is not scary but what is truly scary is knowing that you did not live your life to the fullest. Whether it be a day, two weeks, or three months, life is worth living. And for Summer Johnson, she had the pleasure to experience LIFE and LOVE when she met Cooper Nichols.
Anyone can catch your eyes but it takes a truly special person to capture your heart. And for Summer and Cooper, these two not only captured each others hearts but their love forever changed them. Summer is one of the most raw, real and true heroine that I will honestly say that affected the way I think of life, love, death, and social media. In a world where social media has taken over, we often use our social updates, status, and tweets to brag and one up one another whether it be flaunting an engagement ring, accomplishments, relationship status, and etc… But what I truly admire is that Seth King allows his readers to really reflect on our actions in this social media age of Facebook updates.
The Summer Remains is a breathtaking beautiful, poignant, and inspiring book that MUST BE READ and EXPERIENCED. It is a book that will leave you emotionally raw and vulnerable and thats what I truly loved about this book. Yes, I shed so many tears and sobbed like crazy on my flight but this book will honestly make you reflect on life and love. As someone who first hand experienced the loss of a loved one, The Summer Remains reminds us all although they may be gone physically but they will never will be forgotten because their memory and love will forever be in our hearts. Lastly, open your heart and eyes because the true beauty of a person does not lie on the outside but on the inside.
Thank you Seth King for writing an inspiring, heartening, and mesmerizing book that will remain in my heart.
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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
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L-O-V-E. Those four letters makes up a simple word but the definition and meaning cannot be simply explained in words but must be felt. As humans we all crave for love whether it be receiving or giving love. To experience love is one of the greatest joys in life because of the many feelings associated with it. And if we are lucky, there will be those who will experience the greatest unconditional love. A love worth living and experiencing. A love to remember and that will forever be ingrained in our hearts, mind, and soul. And in The Summer Remains by Seth King be prepared to fall in love with a beautiful, heartbreaking, emotional, and inspiring story. This book stole my heart from the opening pages and as I was sitting and reading this book on my flight back from New York to San Francisco, I was literally sobbing and this nice gentleman to my right handed me a packet of tissues because the tears were just flowing. This book changed and ruined me for the better.
The Summer Remains was one of those books whose storyline not only captured my heart but my soul. Every word that the author poured into his writing was FELT. Mr. King did not just give you an ordinary love story but he was giving you STORY THAT YOU WILL REMEMBER AND TREASURE. Mr. King will make you see that death is not scary but what is truly scary is knowing that you did not live your life to the fullest. Whether it be a day, two weeks, or three months, life is worth living. And for Summer Johnson, she had the pleasure to experience LIFE and LOVE when she met Cooper Nichols.
Anyone can catch your eyes but it takes a truly special person to capture your heart. And for Summer and Cooper, these two not only captured each others hearts but their love forever changed them. Summer is one of the most raw, real and true heroine that I will honestly say that affected the way I think of life, love, death, and social media. In a world where social media has taken over, we often use our social updates, status, and tweets to brag and one up one another whether it be flaunting an engagement ring, accomplishments, relationship status, and etc… But what I truly admire is that Seth King allows his readers to really reflect on our actions in this social media age of Facebook updates.
The Summer Remains is a breathtaking beautiful, poignant, and inspiring book that MUST BE READ and EXPERIENCED. It is a book that will leave you emotionally raw and vulnerable and thats what I truly loved about this book. Yes, I shed so many tears and sobbed like crazy on my flight but this book will honestly make you reflect on life and love. As someone who first hand experienced the loss of a loved one, The Summer Remains reminds us all although they may be gone physically but they will never will be forgotten because their memory and love will forever be in our hearts. Lastly, open your heart and eyes because the true beauty of a person does not lie on the outside but on the inside.
Thank you Seth King for writing an inspiring, heartening, and mesmerizing book that will remain in my heart.
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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
July 27, 2015
SO MANY HANDS!!!
Have you ever wanted so badly to love a book that it’s almost physically painful when you find imperfections? When you know, you know that it deserves to be loved, but you still see its faults. You agonize over the parts that you thought were amazing compared with the parts you tried to overlook, but couldn’t.
On one hand, I had raw emotion. The final 20% wrecked me. The final 20% is what connected me with Cooper. I felt. I cried. I ached; that deep ache right at the base of your throat. I felt everything. However, on the other hand, I had the parts of the book I tried to overlook, the parts that distracted me from everything this book could be.
I feel like these two hands were constantly smacking me in the face…repeatedly.
There is a part in The Summer Remains where Cooper decides to let Summer read his book, a rough draft, something he’s never shown to anyone else. Her thoughts about Cooper’s book perfectly parallel my own.
I’m pretty sure Seth King didn’t intend for me to use his quoted words to express my very own thoughts about his book, but ironically I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I had a very hard time connecting with the main character. I’m not sure if it was the immaturity of her voice, the constant “likes” or “whatevers”; I just didn’t feel like I was reading the POV of a twenty-four year old woman...girl? Girl woman? Her dialogue was very repetitive and certain phrases were used repeatedly. I felt like I was reading a rough draft and it ultimately distracted me from developing the feelings and emotion I think I was suppose to. It was a definite struggle in the beginning.
Then enters Cooper.
Copper highlighted the amazing writing that Seth King is capable of. If it wasn’t for his character, I may not have made it trough to the emotional hailstorm of part two. His dialogue possessed such an infectious quality. It was clever, witty, and added such a tangible eminence to the plot; I couldn’t help but want more. I think if the beginning would have had more dialogue and character interaction, and less monologue, I would have made the connection I was craving, and experienced the emotion that didn’t explode until the very end. Unfortunately the first 80% of the book just wasn’t for me.
Once we get to Cooper’s POV, everything changes. The author tapped into something genuine and so heart catching that it physically hurt to read. That is the type of writing that deserves to be praised. I just wish I didn’t have to wait until the end to get it. I bled so much emotion in that last 20% that I was overwhelmed. Those are “the bones of greatness”.
The rest of the story just needed some editing, structure and a little more cohesion; things I feel will develop with more experience. However, based on some of the beautiful quotes I read throughout the book and the emotional response torn out of me in the end, Seth King has the type of creativity and talent that can’t be taught. With that much potential, I can’t wait to see what comes next.
READ ON!
Have you ever wanted so badly to love a book that it’s almost physically painful when you find imperfections? When you know, you know that it deserves to be loved, but you still see its faults. You agonize over the parts that you thought were amazing compared with the parts you tried to overlook, but couldn’t.
On one hand, I had raw emotion. The final 20% wrecked me. The final 20% is what connected me with Cooper. I felt. I cried. I ached; that deep ache right at the base of your throat. I felt everything. However, on the other hand, I had the parts of the book I tried to overlook, the parts that distracted me from everything this book could be.
I feel like these two hands were constantly smacking me in the face…repeatedly.
There is a part in The Summer Remains where Cooper decides to let Summer read his book, a rough draft, something he’s never shown to anyone else. Her thoughts about Cooper’s book perfectly parallel my own.
“The book wasn’t totally perfect, and there were some typos and clunky paragraphs he could have smoothed out, but the bones of greatness were absolutely there.”
I’m pretty sure Seth King didn’t intend for me to use his quoted words to express my very own thoughts about his book, but ironically I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I had a very hard time connecting with the main character. I’m not sure if it was the immaturity of her voice, the constant “likes” or “whatevers”; I just didn’t feel like I was reading the POV of a twenty-four year old woman...girl? Girl woman? Her dialogue was very repetitive and certain phrases were used repeatedly. I felt like I was reading a rough draft and it ultimately distracted me from developing the feelings and emotion I think I was suppose to. It was a definite struggle in the beginning.
Then enters Cooper.
Copper highlighted the amazing writing that Seth King is capable of. If it wasn’t for his character, I may not have made it trough to the emotional hailstorm of part two. His dialogue possessed such an infectious quality. It was clever, witty, and added such a tangible eminence to the plot; I couldn’t help but want more. I think if the beginning would have had more dialogue and character interaction, and less monologue, I would have made the connection I was craving, and experienced the emotion that didn’t explode until the very end. Unfortunately the first 80% of the book just wasn’t for me.
Once we get to Cooper’s POV, everything changes. The author tapped into something genuine and so heart catching that it physically hurt to read. That is the type of writing that deserves to be praised. I just wish I didn’t have to wait until the end to get it. I bled so much emotion in that last 20% that I was overwhelmed. Those are “the bones of greatness”.
The rest of the story just needed some editing, structure and a little more cohesion; things I feel will develop with more experience. However, based on some of the beautiful quotes I read throughout the book and the emotional response torn out of me in the end, Seth King has the type of creativity and talent that can’t be taught. With that much potential, I can’t wait to see what comes next.
READ ON!
February 19, 2015
5 Fantastic Stars!
Review by Allison East
This book had all the feels. ALL THE DAMN FEELS. I was smiling, and crying- sometimes at the same time. I knew it was going to be an emotional roller coaster from the blurb- but I didn't know how much I would feel for these characters. And Seth King being a new author to me, I will have to add him to my auto author list for sure- because he has a magnificent way with words- that's for sure. This story is not just your typical every day romance- and no one should go into it thinking that way. It is so much MORE than that, so much MORE than I ever expected.
Summer and Cooper's story had me in complete knots from the beginning to the end. I just knew something was going to happen and every page I turned was like waiting for that other shoe to drop and for me to be a sniveling mess over in the corner of my room- with red rimmed eyes, snotty nose, and bits of tissue all around me. Book hangovers come and go. I have them sometimes with the truly exceptional books- and this was one of those for sure.
"Dying was easy, but living was the most challenging adventure of all."
I was obsessed with Summer from the get go. I saw her power and tenacity even when she was at her worst- one of my favorite heroines so far this year- and its going to be hard to top- that's for sure. As far as females in books go- it can go one of two ways, I hate them and they are whiny emotional babies- or they are sassy, fierce, and snarky-like I try to be. And Summer was all that and more. I wanted to hurry and finish the story so I could find out the ending, but then I wanted it to drag on because I felt such a connection with Summer and her story.
And the love story between Summer and Cooper- is tragically beautiful. I realize that's an oxymoron, but it is the only way to describe it. It is fantastic in every way, and I do mean every way. Its gritty, it's raw, and sometimes downright dirty- but it's also the antithesis of that. Its romantical, lovely, and absolutely freaking astonishing.
You gave me a roaring July in the winter of my life. And I'm grateful. No matter what happens now, this is my vow: I will take this summer with me forever.
Seth King's brilliant writing brought his characters to life, I felt like I knew them- or I wanted to be best friends with them. I wanted to crawl into the pages, seep into the words, and live them right along with the cast of characters. This is unlike anything I have read, this year- maybe ever. And I am so thankful to have been able to experience it from page one, until the very last page. There is absolutely no way I can pick a favorite part from this book, or a favorite line- I highlighted so much, I think I broke that function on my kindle. It's amazing what happens when you branch outside of my normal sappy romance novels that I usually read- I found something amazing, and I found Summer.
Loving your daughter was easy Ms. Johnson. I was so lucky to get wrecked by that girl, let me tell you.
Review by Allison East
This book had all the feels. ALL THE DAMN FEELS. I was smiling, and crying- sometimes at the same time. I knew it was going to be an emotional roller coaster from the blurb- but I didn't know how much I would feel for these characters. And Seth King being a new author to me, I will have to add him to my auto author list for sure- because he has a magnificent way with words- that's for sure. This story is not just your typical every day romance- and no one should go into it thinking that way. It is so much MORE than that, so much MORE than I ever expected.
Summer and Cooper's story had me in complete knots from the beginning to the end. I just knew something was going to happen and every page I turned was like waiting for that other shoe to drop and for me to be a sniveling mess over in the corner of my room- with red rimmed eyes, snotty nose, and bits of tissue all around me. Book hangovers come and go. I have them sometimes with the truly exceptional books- and this was one of those for sure.
"Dying was easy, but living was the most challenging adventure of all."
I was obsessed with Summer from the get go. I saw her power and tenacity even when she was at her worst- one of my favorite heroines so far this year- and its going to be hard to top- that's for sure. As far as females in books go- it can go one of two ways, I hate them and they are whiny emotional babies- or they are sassy, fierce, and snarky-like I try to be. And Summer was all that and more. I wanted to hurry and finish the story so I could find out the ending, but then I wanted it to drag on because I felt such a connection with Summer and her story.
And the love story between Summer and Cooper- is tragically beautiful. I realize that's an oxymoron, but it is the only way to describe it. It is fantastic in every way, and I do mean every way. Its gritty, it's raw, and sometimes downright dirty- but it's also the antithesis of that. Its romantical, lovely, and absolutely freaking astonishing.
You gave me a roaring July in the winter of my life. And I'm grateful. No matter what happens now, this is my vow: I will take this summer with me forever.
Seth King's brilliant writing brought his characters to life, I felt like I knew them- or I wanted to be best friends with them. I wanted to crawl into the pages, seep into the words, and live them right along with the cast of characters. This is unlike anything I have read, this year- maybe ever. And I am so thankful to have been able to experience it from page one, until the very last page. There is absolutely no way I can pick a favorite part from this book, or a favorite line- I highlighted so much, I think I broke that function on my kindle. It's amazing what happens when you branch outside of my normal sappy romance novels that I usually read- I found something amazing, and I found Summer.
Loving your daughter was easy Ms. Johnson. I was so lucky to get wrecked by that girl, let me tell you.
April 6, 2015
So, I cried a few times and books don't normally make me cry.
REVIEW NOW POSTED...
I finished reading this story a few days ago and I’ve been trying to figure out how to put what I felt about it into words. And maybe there are no words to describe everything this book is, because there isn’t one word or one phrase to describe it. It’s a little bit of everything.
It’s a little bit sad.
It’s a little bit uplifting.
It’s a little bit realistic.
It’s a little bit dreamlike.
It’s a little bit humorous.
It’s a little bit about acceptance.
It’s a little bit about being afraid.
It’s a little bit about being angry.
It’s a little bit about running.
It’s a little bit about not-running.
It’s a little bit about dying.
It’s a little bit about all of those things….but more than that…because it’s entirely, completely about “living.”
And during the time I spent with this book the element that stood out the most to me was Seth’s ability to weave words together and say things so profoundly, yet so simply, I found myself reading and re-reading so many lines. Some of the things I highlighted are…
First the humor… (because I have actually…may have…on occasion…wanted to call out every pen thief whoever stole my pens!)
“Okay, first of all: I want my pens back, Misty. All of them. Including that one with the dark purple ink that I really liked. And secondly: STFU. You have a guy who loves you. We get it. At the risk of sounding like a bitter old spinster clutching her pearls in jealousy, you can stop now.
The reflection…
“If humans were colors, Cooper was the most dazzling gold in the world and I was a million different shades of the same boring grey.”
The affection…
“You are so beautiful,” he continued, his voice catching in his throat. “You are so special and important and elegant and smart and kind and worthwhile, and you are so much better than me and everyone else I’ve ever known in every single way, and you are the only truth I have ever found in this lying world, and I love you to the floor of me, and it breaks me to imagine a future without you in it, and I just want you to know all that, just because.”
And I would be remiss if I forgot to mention the songs throughout…and ohmygod…how I loved them. Every song was perfect, simply perfect. I love music...to the floor of me, and the lyrics written for this book needs to be recorded, and played, and replayed and I need to hear them whenever I need to hear angry yet poignant music, which is more often than I care to admit.
There were so many elements to this story that made it so beautiful, and I’m happy that I spent time with Summer and Cooper. It may not have been a walk in the park, but it was definitely a summer I’ll never forget.
REVIEW NOW POSTED...
I finished reading this story a few days ago and I’ve been trying to figure out how to put what I felt about it into words. And maybe there are no words to describe everything this book is, because there isn’t one word or one phrase to describe it. It’s a little bit of everything.
It’s a little bit sad.
It’s a little bit uplifting.
It’s a little bit realistic.
It’s a little bit dreamlike.
It’s a little bit humorous.
It’s a little bit about acceptance.
It’s a little bit about being afraid.
It’s a little bit about being angry.
It’s a little bit about running.
It’s a little bit about not-running.
It’s a little bit about dying.
It’s a little bit about all of those things….but more than that…because it’s entirely, completely about “living.”
And during the time I spent with this book the element that stood out the most to me was Seth’s ability to weave words together and say things so profoundly, yet so simply, I found myself reading and re-reading so many lines. Some of the things I highlighted are…
First the humor… (because I have actually…may have…on occasion…wanted to call out every pen thief whoever stole my pens!)
“Okay, first of all: I want my pens back, Misty. All of them. Including that one with the dark purple ink that I really liked. And secondly: STFU. You have a guy who loves you. We get it. At the risk of sounding like a bitter old spinster clutching her pearls in jealousy, you can stop now.
The reflection…
“If humans were colors, Cooper was the most dazzling gold in the world and I was a million different shades of the same boring grey.”
The affection…
“You are so beautiful,” he continued, his voice catching in his throat. “You are so special and important and elegant and smart and kind and worthwhile, and you are so much better than me and everyone else I’ve ever known in every single way, and you are the only truth I have ever found in this lying world, and I love you to the floor of me, and it breaks me to imagine a future without you in it, and I just want you to know all that, just because.”
And I would be remiss if I forgot to mention the songs throughout…and ohmygod…how I loved them. Every song was perfect, simply perfect. I love music...to the floor of me, and the lyrics written for this book needs to be recorded, and played, and replayed and I need to hear them whenever I need to hear angry yet poignant music, which is more often than I care to admit.
There were so many elements to this story that made it so beautiful, and I’m happy that I spent time with Summer and Cooper. It may not have been a walk in the park, but it was definitely a summer I’ll never forget.
February 16, 2015
I don't know if I can even put into words how beautiful this story is! I had to take a couple days to let it all sink in. My heart is so full!
We meet Summer who has been sick since the day she was born. She decides to live her life to the fullest like everybody else. She takes a chance and goes on one of those online dating sites. It was a long shot that she would get a normal response but as fate would have it somebody does respond, and her world is about to change forever!
Cooper- oh my goodness I loved him! If there was ever a man that you could dream up in your mind it's Cooper! He's smart, protective, caring, loving and the most important part he accepts Summer for who she is inside and out. I wanted to wrap him up and put him in my pocket and keep him to myself! <------ you will see why ;) he is everything you can imagine and more. He's fighting some battles of his own and your heart will break for him.
As you get further into the book it will grip your heart so tight and never let go! This book is about love, taking a chance, believing in yourself even when others in your life let you down. Seth King's words are beautiful and will touch every inch of your soul!
I promise you will want to be a better person just by reading it. The characters are real. The story is real. I felt every single emotion. I felt like Summer and Cooper were friends of mine. Both carrying around pain, but each healing one another along the way. <-----my heart was bursting.
I give this book 5 HUGE Glittery stars!! It will capture your heart and take a tiny piece when you are finished. It's a top read for 2015 for me.
Thank you Seth King for this amazing story!
Now go one click everybody and get lost in the Summer Remains.
We meet Summer who has been sick since the day she was born. She decides to live her life to the fullest like everybody else. She takes a chance and goes on one of those online dating sites. It was a long shot that she would get a normal response but as fate would have it somebody does respond, and her world is about to change forever!
Cooper- oh my goodness I loved him! If there was ever a man that you could dream up in your mind it's Cooper! He's smart, protective, caring, loving and the most important part he accepts Summer for who she is inside and out. I wanted to wrap him up and put him in my pocket and keep him to myself! <------ you will see why ;) he is everything you can imagine and more. He's fighting some battles of his own and your heart will break for him.
As you get further into the book it will grip your heart so tight and never let go! This book is about love, taking a chance, believing in yourself even when others in your life let you down. Seth King's words are beautiful and will touch every inch of your soul!
I promise you will want to be a better person just by reading it. The characters are real. The story is real. I felt every single emotion. I felt like Summer and Cooper were friends of mine. Both carrying around pain, but each healing one another along the way. <-----my heart was bursting.
I give this book 5 HUGE Glittery stars!! It will capture your heart and take a tiny piece when you are finished. It's a top read for 2015 for me.
Thank you Seth King for this amazing story!
Now go one click everybody and get lost in the Summer Remains.
Want to Read
January 13, 2015Oh wow...ummm...yeah...
Like...really badly...
The teasers on Facebook are amazing!
Like...really badly...
The teasers on Facebook are amazing!
February 16, 2015
I am a sobbing, heartbroken mess. The Summer Remains has completely wrecked me. Such beautiful, haunting words that the author has masterfully combined to give us one unforgettable book.
I am a loss for words at how much this almost tragic love story has affected me. I say almost because like our heroine's spirit, love does remain even after the worst of circumstances and what we are left with is true and utterly glorious joy. Summer and Cooper. A pairing of two imperfect people, who together fit absolutely perfectly. Not knowing how much time they may have together but are determined to have the summer of their young lives. And they do. And we are lucky enough to go along for the ride right along with them.
The pure love and affection these two characters have for each other made me smile so much while reading their story. They got each other. They complimented each other. And when the world felt a bit darker than usual, they would be each other's glow.
This book as sad as it could be is ultimately about hope. The hope that we can all make a difference in this world. Whether loudly and for all the world to see, or quietly and subtly as possible. Summer and Cooper's journey wasn't always easy yet throughout this book, the small gestures, the little moments of bliss are what made it so worthwhile. Reading that this is an homage to the author's brother made it that much more special. He took his own emotions and wrote about what he knew without directly making it his story. It is something to admire.
The courage the entire crew of characters displays throughout the book was nothing less than incredible. I am in awe of these self-proclaimed misfits who managed to fit flawlessly into my world for the hours I got lost in this story.
I applaud the author for giving us the difficult words that must've been painful to write. My heart is full and my soul has been completely replenished by the tale of two young lovers having the summer of their lives.
A huge 5 stars and very highly recommended
I am a loss for words at how much this almost tragic love story has affected me. I say almost because like our heroine's spirit, love does remain even after the worst of circumstances and what we are left with is true and utterly glorious joy. Summer and Cooper. A pairing of two imperfect people, who together fit absolutely perfectly. Not knowing how much time they may have together but are determined to have the summer of their young lives. And they do. And we are lucky enough to go along for the ride right along with them.
The pure love and affection these two characters have for each other made me smile so much while reading their story. They got each other. They complimented each other. And when the world felt a bit darker than usual, they would be each other's glow.
This book as sad as it could be is ultimately about hope. The hope that we can all make a difference in this world. Whether loudly and for all the world to see, or quietly and subtly as possible. Summer and Cooper's journey wasn't always easy yet throughout this book, the small gestures, the little moments of bliss are what made it so worthwhile. Reading that this is an homage to the author's brother made it that much more special. He took his own emotions and wrote about what he knew without directly making it his story. It is something to admire.
The courage the entire crew of characters displays throughout the book was nothing less than incredible. I am in awe of these self-proclaimed misfits who managed to fit flawlessly into my world for the hours I got lost in this story.
I applaud the author for giving us the difficult words that must've been painful to write. My heart is full and my soul has been completely replenished by the tale of two young lovers having the summer of their lives.
A huge 5 stars and very highly recommended
February 9, 2016
As an avid reader I’m always on the look out for that one book that can touch me emotionally. I mean every single emotion inside this body of mine. What I didn’t expect from The Summer Remains was how I was rocked to my emotional core. Things shifted. My eyes opened and I felt like I was viewing this life with a new set of eyes and a determination that I didn’t feel the day before. I knew this book would do this….
I went into this book knowing that it had the potential to be utterly earth shaking. I’ve seen posts about it on Facebook, but if you know me I detest spoilers and I refuse to read reviews prior to reading a book. Spoilers in reviews without a heads up make me want to….
The Summer Remains was a poignant journey of one girl’s struggles with humanity, illness and to some an unconceivable wish. Summer Johnson is a beautiful character. I loved that she did have that quiet dignity that we rarely find in others. Summer became real to me to the point that I felt I was the one who would’ve been blessed to be considered her friend. Seth did a phenomenal job with Summer and voicing how it felt to have scars on the outside as well as have been dealt a hand in life that most people would never understand. She is such a strong character and I was saddened that she didn’t see how much love she brought into the lives of everyone she came in contact with. She was pure GOODNESS but in a real way. She had me….
I strongly connected with the message that society needs to stop seeing a person’s disability first and not the actual person. There’s beauty all around us and it comes in many forms. When the ignorant unnamed character’s started in I was….
Summer meets Cooper Nichols at time in her life that some would question why she’d even attempt to get involved with someone. But perhaps, Cooper was meant to be in her life regardless of what she was going through. I sure felt as if he was meant to be there and I know that Summer was brought into Cooper’s life for the reasons set forth in the book. Cooper’s character was AMAZING. It’s very rare you read of someone like him in a romance novel these days. It was positively refreshing! He’s definitely ……
I loved the way social media played some part in this book. It was insightful to someone who did not have to deal with all aspects of social media when they were in their early twenties. I swear not a day goes by that I don’t thank the heavens above that while I was in high school and my early twenties there were no cell phones, internet, etc. to document & preserve each and every idiotic thing I attempted. I’m totally…….
I loved that Seth gave us both Summer & Cooper’s voices and the way in which he did so was pure perfection. I absolutely adore dual POV. Personally, I don’t think I would’ve felt the emotional connection to both character’s without “hearing” from them.
Emotionally, this book gutted me. I cried, sobbed ~ snot running done my face ugly cry…..
My heart ached and there’s one point in the book I was actually praying for what I wanted from this book. I was literally…..
The beauty of this book is what actually transpired. I know for some they may be terrified to read this one but I have to insist you give it a go. There’s a very powerful message in this book that I think everyone needs to hear (read ;)). I’m also a wee bit evil and love to see other’s reactions once they read a book such as this one. I tend to …….
I admittedly smiled through my tears at certain parts of this book. I ached so bad that I wish I could’ve jumped into the story and just passed out hugs. It’s one of those heartwrenching reads that stays with you long after you finish reading it. I’m very thankful that my family was not home to witness my complete breakdown. I already had my two wiener dogs beside me and I know they were thinking “Again.” I'm sure they were thinking......
The Summer Remains is now on my all-time favorite reads list! I know when I go to sleep tonight I will dream of Summer & Cooper and the most beautiful love story I’ve read in a very long time. I love there’s no drama or angst for the sake of it in this book. I love that this book took a very large chunk of my heart! I want to scream from the rooftop of my home “READ THIS BOOK NOW.” I want to meet this author! I want him to sign a paperback copy of this book so I can show all my friends! I’m so going to….
This is a 6 star read for me! Gosh, I don’t remember the last time I’ve read one of those. I also want to thank Seth for sharing such a huge part of himself with his readers. I commend him for the guts he had to write this book. I cannot fathom what he went through while writing this!
I can throw out every positive adjective I can think of about The Summer Remains and still not be able to express how much I love this book! The writing is stunning, the story is heartbreakingly beautiful and the characters are absolutely phenomenal; therefore, I recommend everyone reads this one ASAP.
This may sound very strange but I did finish this one with a huge smile as my tears continued to flow! I honestly want to pick it up and start all over again! Yep, I ….
And just for good measure threw in a little….
I went into this book knowing that it had the potential to be utterly earth shaking. I’ve seen posts about it on Facebook, but if you know me I detest spoilers and I refuse to read reviews prior to reading a book. Spoilers in reviews without a heads up make me want to….
The Summer Remains was a poignant journey of one girl’s struggles with humanity, illness and to some an unconceivable wish. Summer Johnson is a beautiful character. I loved that she did have that quiet dignity that we rarely find in others. Summer became real to me to the point that I felt I was the one who would’ve been blessed to be considered her friend. Seth did a phenomenal job with Summer and voicing how it felt to have scars on the outside as well as have been dealt a hand in life that most people would never understand. She is such a strong character and I was saddened that she didn’t see how much love she brought into the lives of everyone she came in contact with. She was pure GOODNESS but in a real way. She had me….
I strongly connected with the message that society needs to stop seeing a person’s disability first and not the actual person. There’s beauty all around us and it comes in many forms. When the ignorant unnamed character’s started in I was….
Summer meets Cooper Nichols at time in her life that some would question why she’d even attempt to get involved with someone. But perhaps, Cooper was meant to be in her life regardless of what she was going through. I sure felt as if he was meant to be there and I know that Summer was brought into Cooper’s life for the reasons set forth in the book. Cooper’s character was AMAZING. It’s very rare you read of someone like him in a romance novel these days. It was positively refreshing! He’s definitely ……
I loved the way social media played some part in this book. It was insightful to someone who did not have to deal with all aspects of social media when they were in their early twenties. I swear not a day goes by that I don’t thank the heavens above that while I was in high school and my early twenties there were no cell phones, internet, etc. to document & preserve each and every idiotic thing I attempted. I’m totally…….
I loved that Seth gave us both Summer & Cooper’s voices and the way in which he did so was pure perfection. I absolutely adore dual POV. Personally, I don’t think I would’ve felt the emotional connection to both character’s without “hearing” from them.
Emotionally, this book gutted me. I cried, sobbed ~ snot running done my face ugly cry…..
My heart ached and there’s one point in the book I was actually praying for what I wanted from this book. I was literally…..
The beauty of this book is what actually transpired. I know for some they may be terrified to read this one but I have to insist you give it a go. There’s a very powerful message in this book that I think everyone needs to hear (read ;)). I’m also a wee bit evil and love to see other’s reactions once they read a book such as this one. I tend to …….
I admittedly smiled through my tears at certain parts of this book. I ached so bad that I wish I could’ve jumped into the story and just passed out hugs. It’s one of those heartwrenching reads that stays with you long after you finish reading it. I’m very thankful that my family was not home to witness my complete breakdown. I already had my two wiener dogs beside me and I know they were thinking “Again.” I'm sure they were thinking......
The Summer Remains is now on my all-time favorite reads list! I know when I go to sleep tonight I will dream of Summer & Cooper and the most beautiful love story I’ve read in a very long time. I love there’s no drama or angst for the sake of it in this book. I love that this book took a very large chunk of my heart! I want to scream from the rooftop of my home “READ THIS BOOK NOW.” I want to meet this author! I want him to sign a paperback copy of this book so I can show all my friends! I’m so going to….
This is a 6 star read for me! Gosh, I don’t remember the last time I’ve read one of those. I also want to thank Seth for sharing such a huge part of himself with his readers. I commend him for the guts he had to write this book. I cannot fathom what he went through while writing this!
I can throw out every positive adjective I can think of about The Summer Remains and still not be able to express how much I love this book! The writing is stunning, the story is heartbreakingly beautiful and the characters are absolutely phenomenal; therefore, I recommend everyone reads this one ASAP.
This may sound very strange but I did finish this one with a huge smile as my tears continued to flow! I honestly want to pick it up and start all over again! Yep, I ….
And just for good measure threw in a little….
March 27, 2015
The Summer Remains by Seth King
4.5 stars!!
Well, anyone that follows me knows that I love a tear jerker and this one succeeded on very many levels. Wow, this was one emotional book, yet so uplifting all the same. There are many messages contained within these pages, messages that will make you look at life differently, look at yourself differently and look at others differently. Life is what you make it and there is always that special someone for everyone, no matter when you meet or how long you have together, their presence will stay with you forever, just like this book will stay with me forever.
Seth King can write, I am still dumbfounded that this was written by a twenty-five year old, the writing is so mature yet youth shines through, the writing is moving and captivating, yet humorous and funny, in short, this book was perfectly balanced. I highlighted so much of this book, haunting yet beautiful words that together made me melt, swoon, cry, laugh and every other possible conceivable emotion in between. In short, it was just amazingly poetic.
Summer is broken on the inside and the outside, yet she doesn’t let her health and her scars alter her lust for life. Even though she has lived a really sheltered life through health and over protective parents, she hasn’t lost her snark and her sass or lost that beautiful person underneath. Like any girl her age she wants to experience life, she wants to make the most of the hand that life dealt her and the one thing that she feels she has missed the most is love. Every girls dream is to fall in love, but she has never been in the right place to find it. Her social media is blowing up with friends her age getting engaged, getting married and having a family and she desperately wants a piece of that for herself, so she puts herself out there, she joins a dating app and in true Summer style, she is nothing but blunt.
After many a doozie Summer gets a message from Cooper, at last a seemingly sane and intriguing match, little does Summer know that this meeting will give her the summer she has always wanted and the one thing that she has always wanted to do.
Cooper too had his scars, but he didn’t wear his, he kept them inside, he internalized everything. But as good as he was for Summer, Summer was good for him. These two were made for each other and so Seth King brought to life one of the most beautiful, heart breaking, soul reaching love affairs that I have ever had the pleasure to read.
This book made me feel…every single emotion purged off the page and hit me straight in the heart, I lived their story with them, and it was captivating from the very first word until the very last. The authors note at the end was another emotional kicker and once I had read that and the tears had subsided once again I realised how this author had captivated Summer and Coopers story. You felt the blood, sweat, tears, heart and soul that this author gave on every page, it brought this couples story to life and now that I have read it, I understand it all.
I loved this book with a passion, while there were a few little things that niggled at me, hence the 4.5 even those didn’t detract from what a beautiful story this was. I highly recommend this book to everyone and will remind you to have the tissues nearby, you will need them, but at the end you will stand back in awe and admire the fantastic book you have just read. Seth King is a new author to me, but he will definitely not be a stranger.
www.theromancecover.com
4.5 stars!!
“…sometimes you just gotta jump, and then make your parachute on the way down.”
Well, anyone that follows me knows that I love a tear jerker and this one succeeded on very many levels. Wow, this was one emotional book, yet so uplifting all the same. There are many messages contained within these pages, messages that will make you look at life differently, look at yourself differently and look at others differently. Life is what you make it and there is always that special someone for everyone, no matter when you meet or how long you have together, their presence will stay with you forever, just like this book will stay with me forever.
“Hi. My name is Cooper Nichols, and I am absolutely swimming in love with a girl named Summer Johnson.”
Seth King can write, I am still dumbfounded that this was written by a twenty-five year old, the writing is so mature yet youth shines through, the writing is moving and captivating, yet humorous and funny, in short, this book was perfectly balanced. I highlighted so much of this book, haunting yet beautiful words that together made me melt, swoon, cry, laugh and every other possible conceivable emotion in between. In short, it was just amazingly poetic.
Summer is broken on the inside and the outside, yet she doesn’t let her health and her scars alter her lust for life. Even though she has lived a really sheltered life through health and over protective parents, she hasn’t lost her snark and her sass or lost that beautiful person underneath. Like any girl her age she wants to experience life, she wants to make the most of the hand that life dealt her and the one thing that she feels she has missed the most is love. Every girls dream is to fall in love, but she has never been in the right place to find it. Her social media is blowing up with friends her age getting engaged, getting married and having a family and she desperately wants a piece of that for herself, so she puts herself out there, she joins a dating app and in true Summer style, she is nothing but blunt.
“Hi. I’m Summer. As you can see in my pictures, I’m kinda mangled. Childhood accidents suck. If that’s something you can get over, swipe right. If you chew with your mouth open, count NASCAR races among your hobbies, take mirror selfies, or refer to girls as “ sluts,” “bitches” or “cum catching slut bitches,” then swipe left. If not, I’m your girl. I like reading, confetti cake, cynicism, hate-watching the Kardashians, and not much else. Come dislike the world with me.”
After many a doozie Summer gets a message from Cooper, at last a seemingly sane and intriguing match, little does Summer know that this meeting will give her the summer she has always wanted and the one thing that she has always wanted to do.
“You’re beautiful, and beautiful things don’t demand attention. It just gravitates to them.”
Cooper too had his scars, but he didn’t wear his, he kept them inside, he internalized everything. But as good as he was for Summer, Summer was good for him. These two were made for each other and so Seth King brought to life one of the most beautiful, heart breaking, soul reaching love affairs that I have ever had the pleasure to read.
“You know, we all have scars, Summer . If yours are only on the outside, you should consider yourself lucky.”
This book made me feel…every single emotion purged off the page and hit me straight in the heart, I lived their story with them, and it was captivating from the very first word until the very last. The authors note at the end was another emotional kicker and once I had read that and the tears had subsided once again I realised how this author had captivated Summer and Coopers story. You felt the blood, sweat, tears, heart and soul that this author gave on every page, it brought this couples story to life and now that I have read it, I understand it all.
“Because right then and there, for the first time in my life, I decided to tell my brain to shut the fuck up and let my heart take the wheel instead.”
I loved this book with a passion, while there were a few little things that niggled at me, hence the 4.5 even those didn’t detract from what a beautiful story this was. I highly recommend this book to everyone and will remind you to have the tissues nearby, you will need them, but at the end you will stand back in awe and admire the fantastic book you have just read. Seth King is a new author to me, but he will definitely not be a stranger.
“Let love destroy you – God knows life is going to, anyway.”
www.theromancecover.com
February 27, 2015
How can a reader,even an avid one, possibly summarize the magic of this book in a review? They cannot. This is a work of art that must be experienced. Is it possible that words on a page can engage all 6 of our senses? (yes 6, for those willing to allow it, this book will do just that). I read an average of five full length books per week. This is only the second review I've ever chose to write. But as with the first review, it really wasn't a choice but rather a need at a cellular level. No desire here to summarize this book. There are simply not enough descriptive adjectives nor adverbs to do the story or the author justice. Do you ever fear you might be "talking up" an experience too much that the receiver might be let down when they experience it for themselves? I have. That is why I rarely give elaborate praise to any particular work of art. This review is written for myself because as I said, I NEEDED to review it. But this review is predominately for the author should he read it. Seth, if you never do anything else with your life, you will float on eternally through your sharing of this remarkable book with the world. If it's true that an author or an artist of any kind leaves a piece of himself in all of his work, then Seth, know this, I SEE you and YOU are beautiful beyond the measure of words. You made this Hospice nurse cry...not an easy feat. I thought I had seen and heard and felt ALL that could be experienced around death and dying and living for that matter. You have wrecked me in my arrogance and humbled me by all that you've taught me. Twenty years of caring for the dying, the disabled and the broken and a 25 year old kid just blew me away and shredded me. Thank you Seth for sharing your gift with the world. Thank you Seth for being the beauty that is you. You may or may not be beautiful in the worlds eyes. I've never seen you physically. But you are without a doubt beautiful at a cellular level to have created such love I am in awe and My scars are forever changed.
Cyber Hugs,
Kristie
Cyber Hugs,
Kristie
February 17, 2015
I finished the book this morning and I can't stop thinking about it. I miss the characters like I miss my friends after not seeing them for a while. I miss the way Cooper loves Summer and Summer's witty sense of humor. Most importantly, this book makes me want to be a better person (not that I'm some evil hag right now, but there is obvious room for improvement with EVERYONE).
I'm not an avid reader because I'm not good at reading; well, I'm slow at reading. I read this book in three days (quick for me, couldn't put it down). The writing is beautiful yet easy to grasp the concepts and theme. It's like a Taylor Swift hit, ungodly catchy with lyrics that are on another level than just a pop song.
The first night I read the book, my eyes were burning and blood shot at 3 am because I couldn't stop and fell asleep with my iPad. When I woke up on day two, I immediately demanded for the 'Copper' in my life to give me a hug while selfishly and internally wondering 'if he loves me like that', I'm sure he now thinks I'm crazy..... When I finished reading the book on day three, I was baffled by the tear drops left on my iPad because I don't cry. It's just not in me to cry, or to LET myself cry but it opened the flood gates.
It wasn't a bad cry, a sad cry, or a mad cry. It was just tears of emotion the demanded to be released.
You will hug someone and your iPad at the end of the book. 5 stars.
I'm not an avid reader because I'm not good at reading; well, I'm slow at reading. I read this book in three days (quick for me, couldn't put it down). The writing is beautiful yet easy to grasp the concepts and theme. It's like a Taylor Swift hit, ungodly catchy with lyrics that are on another level than just a pop song.
The first night I read the book, my eyes were burning and blood shot at 3 am because I couldn't stop and fell asleep with my iPad. When I woke up on day two, I immediately demanded for the 'Copper' in my life to give me a hug while selfishly and internally wondering 'if he loves me like that', I'm sure he now thinks I'm crazy..... When I finished reading the book on day three, I was baffled by the tear drops left on my iPad because I don't cry. It's just not in me to cry, or to LET myself cry but it opened the flood gates.
It wasn't a bad cry, a sad cry, or a mad cry. It was just tears of emotion the demanded to be released.
You will hug someone and your iPad at the end of the book. 5 stars.
February 25, 2015
4.5 -5 Stars
Life isn’t fair, yet it is beautiful. We are each born with our own set of flaws, some are on the outside and some are on the inside. Some people can see these flaws and shun us no matter how big the mask is that we try to hide them with. But every once in a while, someone comes along and removes our mask and loves us for just who we are. Loves us for our spirit. Loves us for our determination. Loves us without fault or without reservation. Loves us unconditionally. We can only hope that at some point in our life we find someone to love us this way. In Seth King’s The Summer Remains, all Summer Johnson can hope for, can wish for, can dream for is a love like this…and little does she know it will come in the form of a beautiful guy named Cooper Nichols.
As soon as you begin The Summer Remains, you know you are about to experience something special. For it is in these first few pages Summer’s future is mapped out. She is brave, she is forthright in her wants and she is strength personified. As she sets out on a summer that might be her last, we get to know this cynical girl and her personality just shines. I love how Mr. King wrote her flaws, they were visible…you could picture them. You think as you read this story how much you would love to be friends with her, but honestly we might have reacted to her like everybody else did. With pity, with awkwardness, with remorse. Looking through Summer’s eyes at the world in a time of social media and just how much it can really make someone feel lonely or insignificant was very eye opening. There were many times, I stopped and reflected on my own Facebook posts, my own braggart moments, my own triumphs and thought hmmm. We live in a world of oneupedness and I kind of love that Mr. King brought me down a peg.
As the story progresses and Cooper and Summer start a budding romance, you immediately understand her caution. You are almost silently begging her to be cautious because you know if this guy breaks her heart, yours will be broken as well. But Cooper is the type of guy that what you see is what you get. He is not a player, he has a wonderful heart, he is well versed in the ways of the world when it comes to the ill and you just can’t help but fall for him as does Summer. In his own right he is flawed, but in a world where only the flaws that are on the outside count, these two speak a great language to each other. Their love story, for me, was quite epic. It was built on a foundation of acceptance that I can only hope we all find.
Every writer out there pours their blood, sweat and tears into a book…as an avid reader I recognize this, I respect this in every artist’s work, but when you read The Summer Remains, you get a bit more from Mr. King…you get his soul. With every turn of the page, his soul is morphed into this story. For him, this was more than just a book, more than just a love story….it was Mr. King paying homage to man who was a friend, a man who was a mentor, a man who was his brother. I know I can’t do justice retelling what this story is in a review….I can only tell you what The Summer Remains meant to me, and I hope that in some tiny way that what I drew from Seth King’s words will make you one click this extremely wonderful book. I want everyone to experience the journey of Cooper and Summer. I promise you, you will look at life a bit differently in the end. Thank you Mr. King, your story will remain with me for a long time to come. 5 glowing stars!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1FH1KVh
Now that my life had a possible expiration date, why did it feel like I'd only just started living it?
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Life isn’t fair, yet it is beautiful. We are each born with our own set of flaws, some are on the outside and some are on the inside. Some people can see these flaws and shun us no matter how big the mask is that we try to hide them with. But every once in a while, someone comes along and removes our mask and loves us for just who we are. Loves us for our spirit. Loves us for our determination. Loves us without fault or without reservation. Loves us unconditionally. We can only hope that at some point in our life we find someone to love us this way. In Seth King’s The Summer Remains, all Summer Johnson can hope for, can wish for, can dream for is a love like this…and little does she know it will come in the form of a beautiful guy named Cooper Nichols.
As soon as you begin The Summer Remains, you know you are about to experience something special. For it is in these first few pages Summer’s future is mapped out. She is brave, she is forthright in her wants and she is strength personified. As she sets out on a summer that might be her last, we get to know this cynical girl and her personality just shines. I love how Mr. King wrote her flaws, they were visible…you could picture them. You think as you read this story how much you would love to be friends with her, but honestly we might have reacted to her like everybody else did. With pity, with awkwardness, with remorse. Looking through Summer’s eyes at the world in a time of social media and just how much it can really make someone feel lonely or insignificant was very eye opening. There were many times, I stopped and reflected on my own Facebook posts, my own braggart moments, my own triumphs and thought hmmm. We live in a world of oneupedness and I kind of love that Mr. King brought me down a peg.
As the story progresses and Cooper and Summer start a budding romance, you immediately understand her caution. You are almost silently begging her to be cautious because you know if this guy breaks her heart, yours will be broken as well. But Cooper is the type of guy that what you see is what you get. He is not a player, he has a wonderful heart, he is well versed in the ways of the world when it comes to the ill and you just can’t help but fall for him as does Summer. In his own right he is flawed, but in a world where only the flaws that are on the outside count, these two speak a great language to each other. Their love story, for me, was quite epic. It was built on a foundation of acceptance that I can only hope we all find.
Every writer out there pours their blood, sweat and tears into a book…as an avid reader I recognize this, I respect this in every artist’s work, but when you read The Summer Remains, you get a bit more from Mr. King…you get his soul. With every turn of the page, his soul is morphed into this story. For him, this was more than just a book, more than just a love story….it was Mr. King paying homage to man who was a friend, a man who was a mentor, a man who was his brother. I know I can’t do justice retelling what this story is in a review….I can only tell you what The Summer Remains meant to me, and I hope that in some tiny way that what I drew from Seth King’s words will make you one click this extremely wonderful book. I want everyone to experience the journey of Cooper and Summer. I promise you, you will look at life a bit differently in the end. Thank you Mr. King, your story will remain with me for a long time to come. 5 glowing stars!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1FH1KVh
Now that my life had a possible expiration date, why did it feel like I'd only just started living it?
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Did Not Finish
October 16, 2015no rating. DNF at 25%
I had high expectations going into this book seeing all.the great reviews but unfortunately it didn't work for me. I'm sad to say I was bored...the writing was ok (the likes whatevers were very distracting) and I couldn't connect with the characters.
it could just be me as this book is getting rave reviews but I didn't see it...sorry :(
I had high expectations going into this book seeing all.the great reviews but unfortunately it didn't work for me. I'm sad to say I was bored...the writing was ok (the likes whatevers were very distracting) and I couldn't connect with the characters.
it could just be me as this book is getting rave reviews but I didn't see it...sorry :(
October 17, 2015
I did not really read too much about this book before I started it. This book was recommended by a lot of my bookish friends. Also I knew that this book was supposed to be very emotional (I love that in a book).
The first chapter gives a very clear impression of how sad this book might be. The narrator is 24 year old Summer. She has serious medical issues.
This book is a New Adult contemporary book. Even though I read a lot of books in this genre this book felt very different to me. The narrator was very different (she is very brash). And the tone of the book is sort of odd. I really felt for Summer. But I'm not sure if I liked her for parts of the book.
I really liked the references to social media. I liked how all of her "friends" posted stuff on facebook. And I loved how she used a dating app to try to meet someone special.
A few of the things I didn't like: 1. There were quite a few typos. 2.This book should have made me feel a lot, but it really didn't. 3. At the beginning of a lot of the chapters Summer talks as if what is happening has already happened in the past. Then in the next paragraph it is written as if the story is happening then. This really drove me crazy.
Cooper was in interesting character. He was handsome, yet had some interesting secrets of his own. I enjoyed this character.
Final thoughts/spoiler comments:
Overall, this was an interesting book. It will make you think a lot about how people treat others. I wish that I had felt more for these characters. But I think I may be in the minority on this one.
February 9, 2015
*ARC kindly received for an honest book review by Bookalicious Babes*
The Summer Remains is unlike any book I've ever read. I may not have chosen it on my own with its deep description that states death may result at the end of the story. It's my first book by Seth King, and his writing is phenomenal. The words grabbed me and flowed well off of the pages. This book will definitely stay with me forever as it pulled a myriad of emotions from me...sorrow, happiness, and angst. The Summer Remains tears at your soul and makes you see the value in life, living, and making every moment count.
Twenty-four year-old Summer Johnson, pretty, blonde, and strong, has suffered from a critical medical condition all her life. She is given news by her doctor that she needs high-risk surgery in the next few months that may end her life. Knowing that it may be the end by the coming fall, Summer decides to make her summer the best ever as it may be her last ever.
She wants to be in love and fall in love. Summer wants to forget about her medical condition and just be a normal girl for a while. A summer with her family at Jacksonville (Jax) Beach may be the answer...hope...fresh start...the life she needs.
With not much to lose and everything to gain, Summer joins Spark, an online dating service, via an app. A hot, brown-haired and brown-eyed, and tall surfer named Cooper Nichols answers her ad, and what started as friendship turn into something much more: hope, courage, strength, and love.
"If humans were colors, Cooper was the most dazzling gold in the world and I was a million shades of the same boring grey."
Summer doubts herself and her esteem is pretty low due to her medical condition that has left scars on both the outside and inside. Her knight in shining armor, makes her realize that her life counts...she is strong and beautiful...and so much more than just her medical condition. The only enemy may be time.
"Now that my life had a possible expiration date, why did it feel like I'd only just started living?"
4 sweet and soulful stars
The Summer Remains is unlike any book I've ever read. I may not have chosen it on my own with its deep description that states death may result at the end of the story. It's my first book by Seth King, and his writing is phenomenal. The words grabbed me and flowed well off of the pages. This book will definitely stay with me forever as it pulled a myriad of emotions from me...sorrow, happiness, and angst. The Summer Remains tears at your soul and makes you see the value in life, living, and making every moment count.
Twenty-four year-old Summer Johnson, pretty, blonde, and strong, has suffered from a critical medical condition all her life. She is given news by her doctor that she needs high-risk surgery in the next few months that may end her life. Knowing that it may be the end by the coming fall, Summer decides to make her summer the best ever as it may be her last ever.
She wants to be in love and fall in love. Summer wants to forget about her medical condition and just be a normal girl for a while. A summer with her family at Jacksonville (Jax) Beach may be the answer...hope...fresh start...the life she needs.
With not much to lose and everything to gain, Summer joins Spark, an online dating service, via an app. A hot, brown-haired and brown-eyed, and tall surfer named Cooper Nichols answers her ad, and what started as friendship turn into something much more: hope, courage, strength, and love.
"If humans were colors, Cooper was the most dazzling gold in the world and I was a million shades of the same boring grey."
Summer doubts herself and her esteem is pretty low due to her medical condition that has left scars on both the outside and inside. Her knight in shining armor, makes her realize that her life counts...she is strong and beautiful...and so much more than just her medical condition. The only enemy may be time.
"Now that my life had a possible expiration date, why did it feel like I'd only just started living?"
4 sweet and soulful stars
February 23, 2015
Where do I start?
What an amazing and epic love story. Truly beautiful. I don't do spoilers, but I will say that the author did a phenomenal job making me fall in love with Summer. And Cooper?? Gah! I love him and want to have his little hot Cooper babies.
I was sobbing through the last 25% of the book and then I read King's acknowledgement and sobbed some more.
Thank you, Seth, for sharing that bit of your soul with us. As I read your book I kept thinking how real it all felt, how you wrote these characters feelings so realistically and eloquently. And at the end, I see how.
My heart goes out to you for your loss.
But I applaud you for taking such a tragedy and turning it into a story that will touch many. I certainly will not forget this story.
What an amazing and epic love story. Truly beautiful. I don't do spoilers, but I will say that the author did a phenomenal job making me fall in love with Summer. And Cooper?? Gah! I love him and want to have his little hot Cooper babies.
I was sobbing through the last 25% of the book and then I read King's acknowledgement and sobbed some more.
Thank you, Seth, for sharing that bit of your soul with us. As I read your book I kept thinking how real it all felt, how you wrote these characters feelings so realistically and eloquently. And at the end, I see how.
My heart goes out to you for your loss.
But I applaud you for taking such a tragedy and turning it into a story that will touch many. I certainly will not forget this story.
March 2, 2015
Author: Seth King
Series: Standalone
Release Date: February 14,2015
Rating: 6 stars
Spoiler-free review
Seth King...remember this name. You will be hearing it quite a lot in the future. Mark my words. I can't write a review that is truly worthy of this book. King’s writing is stunning, breathtaking and soulful. Be prepared to cry like you have never cried over a book or characters before. The Summer Remains is nothing short of a masterpiece. Bravo Seth King. That is all. Six stars.
This review appears on www.kindlecrack.net, www.facebook.com/kindlecrack, Goodreads, Amazon, Pinterest, Google+ and Twitter. A review copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Series: Standalone
Release Date: February 14,2015
Rating: 6 stars
Spoiler-free review
Seth King...remember this name. You will be hearing it quite a lot in the future. Mark my words. I can't write a review that is truly worthy of this book. King’s writing is stunning, breathtaking and soulful. Be prepared to cry like you have never cried over a book or characters before. The Summer Remains is nothing short of a masterpiece. Bravo Seth King. That is all. Six stars.
This review appears on www.kindlecrack.net, www.facebook.com/kindlecrack, Goodreads, Amazon, Pinterest, Google+ and Twitter. A review copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2015
I cannot even form a coherent sentence now because I just literally finished the book and I am in total tears here at work right now, people are asking me if I am ok. My review will post soon on www.afterdarkbooklovers.com. In the meantime, you should really read this book.
May 23, 2015
The Summer Remains by Seth King
New Adult/Adult Standalone
The Summer Remains by Seth King was a completely out of my comfort zone read. I read to be happy. I read to escape. I am very emotional and I cry at the Folgers commercials, so I was really scared to read this one. But so many of my close friends were saying it changed their lives, or that it is their new favorite. I had to see what the fuss was about.
I knew that this was an ugly cry book. I honestly hate them but love them. I hate to be sad, but they usually turn out to be all-time favorites. It had been a while since I braved the ugly cry...so I went in, a box of tissues ready, and not knowing anything more than that it was life-changing amazing and it would make me cry (I won't spoil anything for you either). So I put on my big-girl panties.
10 pages in and I knew I was in trouble.
24 year old Summer Johnson was born ill. She was born with a condition called “Esophageal Intresia” as Seth said it, it’s really called Esophageal Atresia. Seth decided to make it into a fictional illness for the sake of discretion, because somebody very close to him suffers from the illness. I think this is smart, since he isn't a Dr, and can get some things wrong, but when I first looked it up, I thought it was a huge error; I hadn't realized that he had a disclaimer right at the beginning of the book.
On a March day, 24 year old Summer was told she will probably die soon. Her esophagus had ruptured again, her stomach was leaking, and they couldn’t get enough nutrients into her body. Summer has known hardships with her condition. She has never really been able to eat. She has to feed herself milk through a feeding tube attached to her belly. But she does her best to live a normal life. She will either die by the end of the summer, or she will survive an experimental surgery that nobody had ever lived through before. So when they ask her what she wants as sort of a last wish, she tells them to save the Disney trips for the kids, she just wanted a normal, 24 year old Jax Beach Summer. And one more thing…
Anyway, here goes. Since you’re asking, the thing is… I’d like to fall in love.”
I looked down at the ground again as everyone in the room broke my most important rule already: I could feel their pity descending on me, smothering me just like it had my entire life, snuffing out any chance I had at being treated like a normal, living, breathing human who deserved to love and be loved just like anyone else, as they said in the Hallmark cards.
“Oh, honey…” Steinberg sighed.
“It just wouldn’t be fair to someone…” my mother chimed in, just as Angie the counselor lady threw in her two cents, too.
“Sweetie, you have to understand, your situation is very serious – people get irrational during times like these, and if you got involved with someone and the worst happened, well-”
Summer was 24, but I found that both lead characters seemed more like 18 in this novel. They both have the “I hate the world” attitude that most teens have, and Summer is obsessed with all of her friends posting their marriage and relationship photos on Facebook.
Because I, Summer Johnson, Purveyor of Pragmatism, Lover of Logic, Ultimate Believer in the Rational, and Person Who Was Maybe Going To Die Soon, wanted to drown in someone.”
Summer’s obsession with Facebook and what everyone else was doing drove her to join a dating app., and despite the big scar on her face, she puts up a picture and description that ends with “come dislike the world with me”. Summer is cynical, but not really hateful, she just has that teenaged mentality of hating all the happy people. After a few horribly nasty messages about her scar, she gets one from Cooper, and they hit it off immediately. He’s pretty awesome, and I kind of fell in love at first message too!
When they decide to meet, Summer expects him to run the other way when he sees the big scar on her face in person. She hates it, and has been caking on makeup over it as long as she can remember. Cooper is absolutely gorgeous, what would he want with her?
Summer still just couldn’t believe that Cooper was into her. The years of people saying nasty things about her looks has made her self esteem so low, she was just waiting for the punchline.
As they get to know each other more and more, how does one tell the other person that they don’t have a working throat, they have a tube in their stomach and they are having a rare surgery in a few months? But finding out about her tube didn’t bother him. It was too late, he was already head over heels.
These two were just so GOOD. As much of a cynic as Summer is, she is a good person, who just wanted to help others like herself. And reading about the struggles she had with people trying to avoid her and others in wheelchairs or with disfiguring illnesses definitely made me so much more conscious of my reactions. I loved the lessons learned.
Most importantly, I loved the romance. Summer and Cooper are so perfect for each other. My heart broke for this boy and his life, but he made Summer's dreams come true.
Likes:
•I honestly wasn't sure how it ended when I read it. I kept my hopes up the whole time.
•Summer and Cooper were just so perfect for each other.
•It made me so much more conscious of how I treat people with disabilities, I admit, I look away, afraid to say the wrong thing. Not anymore.
•I highlighted a ton of amazing quotes, Seth has a way with words.
•Despite the waterworks, it had a hopeful feel to it.
•I laughed out loud a few times, there was a light humor to it.
•Summer's anti-support group was genius.
•Summer had a dignity to her. She was such a combination of a young lady who just wants to be normal, and a person who wants to help others through what she goes through. She brought goodness into everyone's life.
•I love how even though she was amazing, she was flawed. She was real. She had jealousy, lots of it, that her friends got to live and love. She felt sorry for herself. But she was never a whiny baby about it. It was what it was.
•Cooper. OMG, what can I say about him? He's perfect. The story was told with some dual points of view, but it was mostly Summer. I would have liked more from him, but I'm glad we got what we did.
•All of the Facebook and social media stuff was so realistic. It must be so hard to grow up in the Facebook day and age, I can't even imagine.
•The cover. I love the simplicity. I hope he doesn't change it.
Dislikes:
•In major need of a good editor, but I hear I may have an older copy, as newer one was recently uploaded (mine is a few weeks old).
•The characters seemed much younger than the ages they were in the book.
•The writing, though the subject matter was very mature, was a bit immature at times, but I honestly don't know if that is the author or the characters (see point above).
•I wish we had a little more from Cooper, but that isn't really a dislike, just a wish (maybe it will come true one day????)
I read the last 40% in one sitting, and went through a full box of tissues. Then later that night I had to drive my son to a show, and had to pull over because everything was blurry. I thought there was something seriously wrong with me, and was about to call my Doctor when I realized that my eyes were all swollen from crying for a few hours straight. But that's what made it so special.
Rating: 5 stars, if not more, 1.5 heat
The Down and Dirty:
READ THIS BOOK! Seriously, if you read any ugly cry book, you need to read The Summer Remains. It was a perfect combination of love, romance, coming of age, loss, heartbreak, strength, hopefulness, humor, and just plain goodness. I can't imagine that the author of this book isn't as good as the character, so I see lots of young ladies falling for the young man. If I was a girl who loved emotional books, this would be one of my favorite books ever, but my eyes are still swollen, and a week later I am still in a book hangover. I can say for sure, it is one of my favorite emotional reads ever. And it changed me, and made me a bit of a better person. I look forward, with a little trepidation, to what Seth comes up with next. Because let me tell you, I was an ugly mess during this one.
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