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Endless Days of Summer
Struggling to cope with the reality of her decision to live away from home, Penelope Van Buren is thrust into college life head first with nothing to break her fall. It’s a whirlwind once her dorm mate convinces her to leave the room. Penelope finds friends in LGBTQA club but when the questions start flowing through Penelope’s mind she realizes she’s been wrong about so many things.
Seeing the world around her with new eyes, she analyzes an old relationship that may turn out to be even more than she thought it would be. In the end, Penelope needs to do what would make her happy. The problem is she can’t seem to figure out what that is.
Trigger Warning: Sexual Violence
Seeing the world around her with new eyes, she analyzes an old relationship that may turn out to be even more than she thought it would be. In the end, Penelope needs to do what would make her happy. The problem is she can’t seem to figure out what that is.
Trigger Warning: Sexual Violence
285 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 2015
187 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 1, 2015
3.5 star review
Stacy O’Steen brings us a novel about a young girl discovering her sexuality for the first time. Heading off to college Penelope sets out to not only finally live a life out from under the ruling thumb of her mother but to discover who she is as a person. Penelope will learn along her journey of self-discovery that life isn’t always easy and choices are sometimes difficult but in the end the most important thing is her happiness.
There are so many different struggles in this read. Between Penelope and her mother, Penelope and Summer, Penelope and Sophia and mainly between Penelope and herself. Penelope is not only battling with herself about who she really is as a person but also sexually she also struggles from a new love, Sophia, and an old love, Summer. I think Stacy did a good job with giving Penelope who is a college student the struggle or loving 2 people differently because that is something that happens every day.
When Penelope finally comes to terms and realizes who she truly is that is when the difficult choice of a new interest or her first love? It took one Summer for Penelope to realize that true meaning of love and it will take another summer for her to either finally grasp it with both hands or set it free once and for all and never look back. Will Penelope follow that love that has always been in her heart or will she follow her head and follow a new path in hopes that her heart catches up?
I felt like Endless Days of Summer touched on topics that so many young adults don’t know who to deal or cope with. They don’t know how to weed their way through what “society” feels a person should be and how they should be who they truly are deep down. I think Stacy did a great job with taking that type of subject and turning it into a story that will touch the hearts of many readers. There was a little bit of everything in The Endless Days of Summer between the love triangle, self-discovery, and overcoming dark situations. Overall I think Stacy did a good job and gave us a beautiful love story. A love story that develops over the entire course of the book, a love that must be built and fully developed before it is enjoyed. Good job Stacy!
Stacy O’Steen brings us a novel about a young girl discovering her sexuality for the first time. Heading off to college Penelope sets out to not only finally live a life out from under the ruling thumb of her mother but to discover who she is as a person. Penelope will learn along her journey of self-discovery that life isn’t always easy and choices are sometimes difficult but in the end the most important thing is her happiness.
There are so many different struggles in this read. Between Penelope and her mother, Penelope and Summer, Penelope and Sophia and mainly between Penelope and herself. Penelope is not only battling with herself about who she really is as a person but also sexually she also struggles from a new love, Sophia, and an old love, Summer. I think Stacy did a good job with giving Penelope who is a college student the struggle or loving 2 people differently because that is something that happens every day.
When Penelope finally comes to terms and realizes who she truly is that is when the difficult choice of a new interest or her first love? It took one Summer for Penelope to realize that true meaning of love and it will take another summer for her to either finally grasp it with both hands or set it free once and for all and never look back. Will Penelope follow that love that has always been in her heart or will she follow her head and follow a new path in hopes that her heart catches up?
I felt like Endless Days of Summer touched on topics that so many young adults don’t know who to deal or cope with. They don’t know how to weed their way through what “society” feels a person should be and how they should be who they truly are deep down. I think Stacy did a great job with taking that type of subject and turning it into a story that will touch the hearts of many readers. There was a little bit of everything in The Endless Days of Summer between the love triangle, self-discovery, and overcoming dark situations. Overall I think Stacy did a good job and gave us a beautiful love story. A love story that develops over the entire course of the book, a love that must be built and fully developed before it is enjoyed. Good job Stacy!
May 9, 2016
Penelope is a young woman ready to start college, and falling in love with her best friend, Summer. The story is largely a continuous cycle of Penelope’s angst over being emotionally manipulated by her unavailable best friend. Penelope is finding herself, learning about asexuality, and meeting new friends.
The dialogue overall isn’t bad, but there are quite a few times characters speak like clinical psychologists instead of 19 year old college students. It could get quite mechanical and not particularly believable. The book is primarily about Penelope learning more about who she is, but everything about her feels more like a reaction to everyone else. She tends to move forward as a reaction against something, as opposed to an indicator of any personal growth until the very end. Secondary characters use emotional manipulation at some/many points in the book, which got tiring, particularly how quickly Penelope forgave them their transgressions. Additionally, there are some fairly drastic personality changes involving Summer and Penelope’s mother. It didn’t feel believable, as I didn’t get to watch any of their personal growth until they were suddenly very different people.
By the end, I felt very little empathy for any of the characters. Although at the beginning I did like Penelope (and her friends Alyssa and Nate), the ease with which she felt into the same trap over and over made me lose my patience with her. I think the general idea of the book was interesting and I was excited to read a book with an asexual character, although the execution of it was lacking.
The dialogue overall isn’t bad, but there are quite a few times characters speak like clinical psychologists instead of 19 year old college students. It could get quite mechanical and not particularly believable. The book is primarily about Penelope learning more about who she is, but everything about her feels more like a reaction to everyone else. She tends to move forward as a reaction against something, as opposed to an indicator of any personal growth until the very end. Secondary characters use emotional manipulation at some/many points in the book, which got tiring, particularly how quickly Penelope forgave them their transgressions. Additionally, there are some fairly drastic personality changes involving Summer and Penelope’s mother. It didn’t feel believable, as I didn’t get to watch any of their personal growth until they were suddenly very different people.
By the end, I felt very little empathy for any of the characters. Although at the beginning I did like Penelope (and her friends Alyssa and Nate), the ease with which she felt into the same trap over and over made me lose my patience with her. I think the general idea of the book was interesting and I was excited to read a book with an asexual character, although the execution of it was lacking.
May 5, 2015
I received this book from Inked.Rainbow Reads in return for an honest review.
Four stars: f/f/asexual - coming out
A totally enthralling novel, a real page turner. Full of mother/daughter angst, finding your sexuality apprehension, and, trepidation to others perceived perceptions.
Different from other novels in the way the author characterizes Penelope's growing maturity and self understanding. This is clearly seen as the novel progresses.
Written in almost a documentary/drama way, anyone on the verge of coming out or having difficulty in their sexual orientation, would really find this novel of interest. The way asexuality is handled is very refreshing and informative.
My only criticism would be the way the relationship between Penelope and her Mother appears biased towards Penelope's feelings.
This is an emotional love story, full of realism, but with a real feel good factor.
Four stars: f/f/asexual - coming out
A totally enthralling novel, a real page turner. Full of mother/daughter angst, finding your sexuality apprehension, and, trepidation to others perceived perceptions.
Different from other novels in the way the author characterizes Penelope's growing maturity and self understanding. This is clearly seen as the novel progresses.
Written in almost a documentary/drama way, anyone on the verge of coming out or having difficulty in their sexual orientation, would really find this novel of interest. The way asexuality is handled is very refreshing and informative.
My only criticism would be the way the relationship between Penelope and her Mother appears biased towards Penelope's feelings.
This is an emotional love story, full of realism, but with a real feel good factor.
July 2, 2015
Four Star Read
I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Penelope Van Buren is struggling to cope with the descion she made to live away from home.
Her college roommate convinces her to leave the dorm room and experience life.
She joins the LGBTQA club and finds friends but then she realizes she has been wrong about many things.
She begins to analyze an old relationship after seeing the world thru different eyes.
She needs to figure out what would make her happy.
This coming of age novel was well written. Stacy did a really good job weaving a story around Penelope and her life and the hard descions she has to make when it comes to her relationship with Sophie and her relationship with Summer as well as her relationship with her mom.
It was very well written and the dialogue flowed pretty well.
I look forward to reading more from Stacy she obviously knows how to write a very well written story that kept me engaged til the end.
I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Penelope Van Buren is struggling to cope with the descion she made to live away from home.
Her college roommate convinces her to leave the dorm room and experience life.
She joins the LGBTQA club and finds friends but then she realizes she has been wrong about many things.
She begins to analyze an old relationship after seeing the world thru different eyes.
She needs to figure out what would make her happy.
This coming of age novel was well written. Stacy did a really good job weaving a story around Penelope and her life and the hard descions she has to make when it comes to her relationship with Sophie and her relationship with Summer as well as her relationship with her mom.
It was very well written and the dialogue flowed pretty well.
I look forward to reading more from Stacy she obviously knows how to write a very well written story that kept me engaged til the end.
December 14, 2015
Endless Days of Summer by Stacy O'Steen: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwid... 2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
January 19, 2019
This was an excellent love story about a young woman finding her way and discovering what her sexuality truly is. Penelope is very easy to relate to, and I found myself cheering her on as she learned about herself. Very enjoyable. A few minor typos, but did not detract from the story for me at all.
September 23, 2017
I found it an entertaining read. It had good asexual representation.
July 3, 2015
"Endless Days of Summer" is an edgy coming of age story about a young woman living her life the best she knows how. The main character, Penelope is her own person and listens to no one. She is proud and strives to live a regretless life, despite having grown up in a somewhat loveless home. In all aspects, Penelope has learned how to shut down. It was painful to read what people said about her. However, there are other moments within this rich and fresh addition to our LGBTQ..., when you will cheer for our star!
Thankfully, Penelope doesn't let the close-mindedness of others stop her from enjoying the things that are important to her. She deals with her pain by diving into her schoolwork and activities. At the insistence of one of her friends, she joins a few groups. Because of her positive actions, many were inspired. It is so reassuring knowing that in today's world, thanks to people like Penelope, support and awareness are out there to help young people understand themselves as the loving people that they are. No longer do they have to be isolated in a world of confusion, or worse, humiliation.
The author did an excellent job with the supporting characters. One of them offered really good words of advice to Penelope. His words helped her soothe the pains from her past. Here is a quote he said to her, "In order for what they say to matter, you have to care about them or what they think." I thought this was a great touch and want to thank the author for including it.
I found another supporting character very charming and loved their personality. This person speaks their truth and appears confident. In due respect, this person has hidden aspects that sometimes conflicts with their true self.
There is one darker character, who reminded me of some individuals I have come across in my own life. I had to put down the book at times because this storyline came rather close to heart. This author realistically portrays IRL situations and emotion. I am amazed!
The story is heartfelt and will keep you reading. Throughout this story, Penelope’s character reveals more and more depth – creating a very dynamic experience. Readers will thoroughly love getting to know her, while perhaps seeing things in a new hue of the rainbow.
After reading this book, I felt more complete in that I related to the main character on a deep emotional level. I really want everyone to read and appreciate this very special gem of a novel. Cheers to Stacy O’Steen!
Thankfully, Penelope doesn't let the close-mindedness of others stop her from enjoying the things that are important to her. She deals with her pain by diving into her schoolwork and activities. At the insistence of one of her friends, she joins a few groups. Because of her positive actions, many were inspired. It is so reassuring knowing that in today's world, thanks to people like Penelope, support and awareness are out there to help young people understand themselves as the loving people that they are. No longer do they have to be isolated in a world of confusion, or worse, humiliation.
The author did an excellent job with the supporting characters. One of them offered really good words of advice to Penelope. His words helped her soothe the pains from her past. Here is a quote he said to her, "In order for what they say to matter, you have to care about them or what they think." I thought this was a great touch and want to thank the author for including it.
I found another supporting character very charming and loved their personality. This person speaks their truth and appears confident. In due respect, this person has hidden aspects that sometimes conflicts with their true self.
There is one darker character, who reminded me of some individuals I have come across in my own life. I had to put down the book at times because this storyline came rather close to heart. This author realistically portrays IRL situations and emotion. I am amazed!
The story is heartfelt and will keep you reading. Throughout this story, Penelope’s character reveals more and more depth – creating a very dynamic experience. Readers will thoroughly love getting to know her, while perhaps seeing things in a new hue of the rainbow.
After reading this book, I felt more complete in that I related to the main character on a deep emotional level. I really want everyone to read and appreciate this very special gem of a novel. Cheers to Stacy O’Steen!
May 10, 2015
FourStars
A totally enthralling novel, a real page turner. Full of mother/daughter angst, finding your sexuality apprehension, and, trepidation to others perceived perceptions.
Different from other novels in the way the author characterizes Penelope's growing maturity and self understanding. This is clearly seen as the novel progresses.
Written in almost a documentary/drama way, anyone on the verge of coming out or having difficulty in their sexual orientation, would really find this novel of interest. The way asexuality is handled is very refreshing and informative.
My only criticism would be the way the relationship between Penelope and her Mother appears biased towards Penelope's feelings.
This is an emotional love story, full of realism, but with a real feel good factor.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Chris
A totally enthralling novel, a real page turner. Full of mother/daughter angst, finding your sexuality apprehension, and, trepidation to others perceived perceptions.
Different from other novels in the way the author characterizes Penelope's growing maturity and self understanding. This is clearly seen as the novel progresses.
Written in almost a documentary/drama way, anyone on the verge of coming out or having difficulty in their sexual orientation, would really find this novel of interest. The way asexuality is handled is very refreshing and informative.
My only criticism would be the way the relationship between Penelope and her Mother appears biased towards Penelope's feelings.
This is an emotional love story, full of realism, but with a real feel good factor.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Chris
June 28, 2015
Received an arc for an honest review.
This book kept my attention. Read it in just over a day. The main character, Penelope, finished high school and went off to college. Against the desires of her mother she went out of state. This story can reach many people in the struggle between teens and a parent. The book also focuses on Penelope finding out who she is as a person and what is truly important to one's self in building different relationships. I loved that this was all about learning and accepting yourself. Don't change for others but for yourself. I was making connections to myself and similar feelings. It was a lovely read.
This book kept my attention. Read it in just over a day. The main character, Penelope, finished high school and went off to college. Against the desires of her mother she went out of state. This story can reach many people in the struggle between teens and a parent. The book also focuses on Penelope finding out who she is as a person and what is truly important to one's self in building different relationships. I loved that this was all about learning and accepting yourself. Don't change for others but for yourself. I was making connections to myself and similar feelings. It was a lovely read.
April 1, 2016
Abandoned around the end of the Christmas break chapters. The first person narrative style fell flat with me; far more telling than showing left me feeling pulled along too quickly to get to know or care about Penelope, Summer, or anyone else in the story. Penelope's self-realization felt stilted, context and background details seemed unnecessarily delayed, and the dialogue sounded alternately too formal and too childish.
2/5 star rating due not getting halfway through the book. It's possible that the writing matures as Penelope does, but I was not able to commit to finding out.
2/5 star rating due not getting halfway through the book. It's possible that the writing matures as Penelope does, but I was not able to commit to finding out.
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April 29, 2021
August 18, 2022
An ace protagonist in a lesbian relationship? Nice.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews