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Summerlost
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Middle Grade & Children's (2016)Summer will never be the same again for Cedar. Desperate to outrun their grief, her family move to their mother's hometown for the long holiday. Despite the change of scene, Cedar can't escape her memories, and then strange gifts start to appear in the night as if by magic. When Leo appears, everything changes. Together, Cedar and Leo explore the town of Iron Creek and find a twenty-year-old mystery they might have the key to solving. Along the way, they discover the power of friendship to mend a broken heart.Infused with emotion and rich with understanding, Summerlost is the touching new novel from Ally Condie, the international bestselling author of the Matched series that highlights the strength of family and personal resilience in the face of tragedy.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2016
204 people are currently reading
15973 people want to read
About the author
Ally Condie
30 books14.9k followersAlly Condie is a former high school English teacher who lives with her husband, three sons and one daughter outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. She loves reading, running, eating, and listening to her husband play guitar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,528 reviews
June 5, 2020
“It’s not right that something so big, your entire life, depends on a million tiny things.”
I’m so glad that I’ve finally read this book, it was one of my anticipated reads of the month.
This follows an incredibly moving coming-of-age story about 12-year-old Cedar Lee, who has moved to Iron Creek, Utah, for the summer with her mother and younger brother, Miles.
And it follows their journey trying to regroup after an accident that claimed the lives of Cedar’s father and younger brother, Ben.
Outside her new house, Cedar quickly meets enthusiastic and enterprising Leo Bishop, who gets her a job at Summerlost, the town’s yearly Shakespeare festival.
As they team up to give secretive walking tours about the life of legendary actress and hometown hero Lisette Chamberlain, they become enthralled by the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
“It surprised me how much I liked giving the tour and learning about Lisette. I’d thought it might be hard, but it wasn’t. She was like a character, someone I was learning about from a book or watching in a show. Long gone, far away.”
And I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book.
I really liked that the chapters were short because I’ve been starting but not finishing books and Summerlost is another book that helped me get over that.
It’s also one of those “just one more chapter” books because of the shortness.
This book managed to encompass everything that I wanted in a contemporary book:
Incredible friendships ✓
Exciting adventures with a hint of mystery ✓
Hilarious dialogue ✓
Realistic family relationships ✓
A great summer feel to it ✓
“My dad used to say that life was like turning the pages in a book. “Oh, look,” he’d say, pretending to flip the pages in the air after we’d had something bad happen to us. “Bad luck here on page ninety-seven. And on ninety-eight. But something good here on ninety-nine! All you had to do was keep reading!”
*Note: I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you're interested in buying Summerlost, just click on the image below to go through my link. I'll make a small commission!*
This review and more can be found on my blog.
I’m so glad that I’ve finally read this book, it was one of my anticipated reads of the month.
This follows an incredibly moving coming-of-age story about 12-year-old Cedar Lee, who has moved to Iron Creek, Utah, for the summer with her mother and younger brother, Miles.
And it follows their journey trying to regroup after an accident that claimed the lives of Cedar’s father and younger brother, Ben.
Outside her new house, Cedar quickly meets enthusiastic and enterprising Leo Bishop, who gets her a job at Summerlost, the town’s yearly Shakespeare festival.
As they team up to give secretive walking tours about the life of legendary actress and hometown hero Lisette Chamberlain, they become enthralled by the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
“It surprised me how much I liked giving the tour and learning about Lisette. I’d thought it might be hard, but it wasn’t. She was like a character, someone I was learning about from a book or watching in a show. Long gone, far away.”
And I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book.
I really liked that the chapters were short because I’ve been starting but not finishing books and Summerlost is another book that helped me get over that.
It’s also one of those “just one more chapter” books because of the shortness.
This book managed to encompass everything that I wanted in a contemporary book:
Incredible friendships ✓
Exciting adventures with a hint of mystery ✓
Hilarious dialogue ✓
Realistic family relationships ✓
A great summer feel to it ✓
“My dad used to say that life was like turning the pages in a book. “Oh, look,” he’d say, pretending to flip the pages in the air after we’d had something bad happen to us. “Bad luck here on page ninety-seven. And on ninety-eight. But something good here on ninety-nine! All you had to do was keep reading!”
*Note: I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you're interested in buying Summerlost, just click on the image below to go through my link. I'll make a small commission!*
This review and more can be found on my blog.
July 14, 2017
"I loved him. I finally loved him again, and then he was gone."
*wails*
THIS IS MIDDLE GRADE FICTION, Y'ALL. IT HAS NO LICENSE TO DESTROY MY HEART LIKE THIS. I AM AFFRONTED. I AM BETRAYED.
I am also really, really grateful.
*wails*
THIS IS MIDDLE GRADE FICTION, Y'ALL. IT HAS NO LICENSE TO DESTROY MY HEART LIKE THIS. I AM AFFRONTED. I AM BETRAYED.
I am also really, really grateful.
May 28, 2017
Wow! That was . . . emotional. So beautifully written, it reminded me in a lot of ways of Patricia MacLachlan's novels. Condie's writing style is poetic and poignant, and touches a chord within your heart. There are so many deep quotes in this book, I wish I had a highlighter handy when I read it! (Unfortunately it was a library copy, so that wouldn't have worked anyway) Beautiful and poignant are the best words I can come up with to describe this book.
And can we just talk about the cover please? IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL! I love it! It totally captures the whimsy of this book. The font, the image, the colors, perfection! The interior design is also gorgeous and fits perfectly. And the title too; it just captures you attention as soon as you see it! (It did mine!)
The characters were very sweet; Cedar was very realistic in her struggle with losing her dad and brother. Her memories and flashbacks, the guilt, everything was so beautifully portrayed and accurate! I was in tears more than once! Leo was also very sweet, and I love how gentle and sensitive he was towards Cedar. And Miles. The most adorable little brother ever!
Best quote:
"But I couldn't tell him.
I couldn't tell anyone.
I never, ever wanted Ben to be dead.
But sometimes I wanted him gone.
And then he was.
Just wow!
CONTENT NOTE: There was some crudity and the use of a mild swear word 2 or 3 time, that I didn't like, and was very surprised by, as this IS a middle grade novel.
All in all, I enjoyed this story, particularly the writing style, but it lost a star for the above mentioned content.
And can we just talk about the cover please? IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL! I love it! It totally captures the whimsy of this book. The font, the image, the colors, perfection! The interior design is also gorgeous and fits perfectly. And the title too; it just captures you attention as soon as you see it! (It did mine!)
The characters were very sweet; Cedar was very realistic in her struggle with losing her dad and brother. Her memories and flashbacks, the guilt, everything was so beautifully portrayed and accurate! I was in tears more than once! Leo was also very sweet, and I love how gentle and sensitive he was towards Cedar. And Miles. The most adorable little brother ever!
Best quote:
"But I couldn't tell him.
I couldn't tell anyone.
I never, ever wanted Ben to be dead.
But sometimes I wanted him gone.
And then he was.
Just wow!
CONTENT NOTE: There was some crudity and the use of a mild swear word 2 or 3 time, that I didn't like, and was very surprised by, as this IS a middle grade novel.
All in all, I enjoyed this story, particularly the writing style, but it lost a star for the above mentioned content.
April 15, 2016
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Cedar and Leo, I actually loved all the characters in the book accept the couple of mean kids.
some spoilers
Cedar's little brother Ben and her father were killed in an automobile accident, it was a drunk driver. So, Cedar's mom decided to take her and her other brother Mile's to her hometown of Iron Creek. Here she bought a little house for them to do up and they could rent it out in the off months because they couldn't afford two houses. They are just down for the summer. Needless to say they are all devastated by their families passing. All of them have nightmares etc, but who wouldn't.
One day Cedar is looking out the window and sees a boy dressed up in some kind of costume riding his bike. She immediately thought of him as, Nerd-on-a-bike. But one day she decides to follow him and they end up meeting. He works at the Summerlost Festival which is a festival done up as Shakespeare. The boy's name is Leo and he helps get Cedar a job there too. Since they are not of age all they need is a written slip from their parents and they can earn some cash selling things like brochures etc. Cedar also ends up volunteering to help out in the costume department.
Leo is obsessed with one of the actresses that used to be in the plays there years ago. Her name was Lisette Chamberlain. She was also in some movies as well. Leo starts up his own little side business of taking people on little tours where Lisette was born etc. and he asks Cedar to be a part of it. They do a really good and professional job of it. Leo wants to save money to go to England to see a play.
I love the friendship that Leo and Cedar have, they are the best of friends. It was so sweet. Sob..
"I mean, I thought you were going to tell me that you wanted me to be your girlfriend or something."
"Oh man," Leo said. He looked embarrassed again.
"A minute ago you told me that you thought I was cute."
"Yeah," Leo said. "I mean, I do think that. But you're not my girlfriend. You're my person."
I knew right away what he meant.
I thought he was cute and he thought I was cute but it was different than it was when people have crushes.
With Leo I'd fallen into another kind of like. I couldn't wait to tell him stuff and I loved hearing him laugh at my jokes and I loved laughing at his jokes. He made me feel like I had a spot in the world.
It felt as if Leo and I could like each other all our lives.
So I hugged him.
He was my person too.
Sob again...
There was a part in the book where Cedar and her brother Miles start watching this soap opera, but they can't let their mom know.... I mean soap opera stuff. Then they end up getting Leo to liking it, then Leo's older - football playing - brothers start to like it. They are all sucked into this crazy day time tv soap opera. I loved it.
But really the book is about a family healing, about lifelong friendships forming and a wonderful summer. Bittersweet.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Cedar and Leo, I actually loved all the characters in the book accept the couple of mean kids.
some spoilers
Cedar's little brother Ben and her father were killed in an automobile accident, it was a drunk driver. So, Cedar's mom decided to take her and her other brother Mile's to her hometown of Iron Creek. Here she bought a little house for them to do up and they could rent it out in the off months because they couldn't afford two houses. They are just down for the summer. Needless to say they are all devastated by their families passing. All of them have nightmares etc, but who wouldn't.
One day Cedar is looking out the window and sees a boy dressed up in some kind of costume riding his bike. She immediately thought of him as, Nerd-on-a-bike. But one day she decides to follow him and they end up meeting. He works at the Summerlost Festival which is a festival done up as Shakespeare. The boy's name is Leo and he helps get Cedar a job there too. Since they are not of age all they need is a written slip from their parents and they can earn some cash selling things like brochures etc. Cedar also ends up volunteering to help out in the costume department.
Leo is obsessed with one of the actresses that used to be in the plays there years ago. Her name was Lisette Chamberlain. She was also in some movies as well. Leo starts up his own little side business of taking people on little tours where Lisette was born etc. and he asks Cedar to be a part of it. They do a really good and professional job of it. Leo wants to save money to go to England to see a play.
I love the friendship that Leo and Cedar have, they are the best of friends. It was so sweet. Sob..
"I mean, I thought you were going to tell me that you wanted me to be your girlfriend or something."
"Oh man," Leo said. He looked embarrassed again.
"A minute ago you told me that you thought I was cute."
"Yeah," Leo said. "I mean, I do think that. But you're not my girlfriend. You're my person."
I knew right away what he meant.
I thought he was cute and he thought I was cute but it was different than it was when people have crushes.
With Leo I'd fallen into another kind of like. I couldn't wait to tell him stuff and I loved hearing him laugh at my jokes and I loved laughing at his jokes. He made me feel like I had a spot in the world.
It felt as if Leo and I could like each other all our lives.
So I hugged him.
He was my person too.
Sob again...
There was a part in the book where Cedar and her brother Miles start watching this soap opera, but they can't let their mom know.... I mean soap opera stuff. Then they end up getting Leo to liking it, then Leo's older - football playing - brothers start to like it. They are all sucked into this crazy day time tv soap opera. I loved it.
But really the book is about a family healing, about lifelong friendships forming and a wonderful summer. Bittersweet.
August 7, 2023
For the second time this summer some other book reminded me of this one, so I thought it's now positively destined for a second reading, especially after perusing through the pages in order to find a striking similarity I met on the pages of The Ghost in the Third Row. So far I didn't find that exact similar scene, might be the other book, after all. But some similarity concerning these two stories' plots there still is. A special book to share - a part of a sunny summer described in an engaging way, causing sparkles in one's soul and a sunbeam smile. The special bond between Cedar and Leo makes this book magical! Together they navigate the ups and downs of one particular summer they met, enjoy the adventures coming up their way, and, no matter what, are always there for one another. 💕
"Until I met Leo I hadn’t known you could understand someone so different from you so well. And we did have lots of things in common—the things we both thought were funny, especially. He made me think. He made me laugh. He loved being alive and he had big ideas and I liked being around him because of those things."
An AI generated Art marked as Whispering
June 19, 2017
I went into this book with high expectations. The cover is swoon worthy and it and the synopsis reminded me so keenly of a Patricia McLachlan book. As a result, I was a bit disappointed.
Likes:
- Miles. He was my favorite character despite being a secondary character.
- Friendship. It was a sweet summer story in that respect.
- Family relationships. Dawww. . . just. . . so sweet.
- Story line. The story of Ben and their dad was heartbreaking and had that melancholy feel and the coping of the family was realistic.
- Formatting: SO PRETTY! *heart-eyes*
Quibbles:
- The lying. Cedar did a LOT of this throughout the book and it wasn't really handled. She kind of had a small moment of: "I won't lie again." With no reason to change her mind and no punishment or "sinner tells all to mom" kind of moment. It felt weak to me.
- Crudity. Just a few moments and a minor swear word or two. Like, really minor, but still.
- Um. . . it didn't really go anywhere. The entire plot built up to nothing really. It just felt so much like a let down at the end. There wasn't really this discovery or anything that fueled the entire story. It is hard to explain, but it just felt like this rambling plot with no resolution.
Overall: It was okay. I wouldn't read it again or really recommend it to my little sister. (which is the how I kind of rate things) Just left with a kind of "Meh" feeling. But I did enjoy some of the characterization etc, so it wasn't bad, just not great to me.
Likes:
- Miles. He was my favorite character despite being a secondary character.
- Friendship. It was a sweet summer story in that respect.
- Family relationships. Dawww. . . just. . . so sweet.
- Story line. The story of Ben and their dad was heartbreaking and had that melancholy feel and the coping of the family was realistic.
- Formatting: SO PRETTY! *heart-eyes*
Quibbles:
- The lying. Cedar did a LOT of this throughout the book and it wasn't really handled. She kind of had a small moment of: "I won't lie again." With no reason to change her mind and no punishment or "sinner tells all to mom" kind of moment. It felt weak to me.
- Crudity. Just a few moments and a minor swear word or two. Like, really minor, but still.
- Um. . . it didn't really go anywhere. The entire plot built up to nothing really. It just felt so much like a let down at the end. There wasn't really this discovery or anything that fueled the entire story. It is hard to explain, but it just felt like this rambling plot with no resolution.
Overall: It was okay. I wouldn't read it again or really recommend it to my little sister. (which is the how I kind of rate things) Just left with a kind of "Meh" feeling. But I did enjoy some of the characterization etc, so it wasn't bad, just not great to me.
February 24, 2016
Review posted on Fafa's Book Corner !
Beware spoilers ahead!
I received this E-Sampler via Penguin Young Readers Group and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
DNF
I was really excited when I heard that Ally Condie (who wrote the Matched series) would be publishing her first middle grade book! I was even happier when I got an email from Netgalley about the sample. Unfortunately I will not be reading the whole book. Which is why I have marked this book as 'DNF'.
The book begins with Cedar and her family when they move into their new summer house. Her father and brother passed away last summer and her mother has decided to buy a house close to their family members. Cedar and her other brother Miles are happy about this because they like their Grandparents and Uncle Nick. And they can all talk about Ben and their father together.
While Cedar is sitting on the porch she sees a boy about her age riding a bike dressed in peasant clothes. She finds this odd but the boy rides off before she can even talk to him. Her mother comes and ushers Cedar into the house.
Over the next few days Cedar spends some time with her family. She and Miles play some games. And their family members come to visit. Cedar still sees the boy on the bike passing by. At the end of the sample Cedar decides to follow the boy.
The only reason I won't be reading the whole book is because of the writing style. The first time I read it the writing style sounded broken and the topic changes were weird. I didn't understand how this could be because I loved Condie's writing style in Matched. I read it two more times. While it sounded a bit better the writing style still bothered me. And I cannot bring myself to read the whole book.
However I did enjoy some things. I liked the relationship that Cedar had with her family. When it came to deciding rooms Cedar chose the room with a diamond window because the other room had a window seat and her mother loves window seats. I also liked how Cedar describes that her family is against labeling other people because it hurt Ben. It was really sweet. Unfortunately this was not enough to save the book.
Overall this was not a bad sample, just not well written. However I still recommend it. This sounds like a really sweet story with an emphasis on family and friendship.
Beware spoilers ahead!
I received this E-Sampler via Penguin Young Readers Group and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
DNF
I was really excited when I heard that Ally Condie (who wrote the Matched series) would be publishing her first middle grade book! I was even happier when I got an email from Netgalley about the sample. Unfortunately I will not be reading the whole book. Which is why I have marked this book as 'DNF'.
The book begins with Cedar and her family when they move into their new summer house. Her father and brother passed away last summer and her mother has decided to buy a house close to their family members. Cedar and her other brother Miles are happy about this because they like their Grandparents and Uncle Nick. And they can all talk about Ben and their father together.
While Cedar is sitting on the porch she sees a boy about her age riding a bike dressed in peasant clothes. She finds this odd but the boy rides off before she can even talk to him. Her mother comes and ushers Cedar into the house.
Over the next few days Cedar spends some time with her family. She and Miles play some games. And their family members come to visit. Cedar still sees the boy on the bike passing by. At the end of the sample Cedar decides to follow the boy.
The only reason I won't be reading the whole book is because of the writing style. The first time I read it the writing style sounded broken and the topic changes were weird. I didn't understand how this could be because I loved Condie's writing style in Matched. I read it two more times. While it sounded a bit better the writing style still bothered me. And I cannot bring myself to read the whole book.
However I did enjoy some things. I liked the relationship that Cedar had with her family. When it came to deciding rooms Cedar chose the room with a diamond window because the other room had a window seat and her mother loves window seats. I also liked how Cedar describes that her family is against labeling other people because it hurt Ben. It was really sweet. Unfortunately this was not enough to save the book.
Overall this was not a bad sample, just not well written. However I still recommend it. This sounds like a really sweet story with an emphasis on family and friendship.
February 13, 2022
Ahhh 😍😍😍
This book had me crying. Admittedly, I used the audiobook, which isn't exactly the same as reading the book itself, but still. I see people complaining that the book doesn't really have a plot or climax and such, but the true purpose of this story is to explore themes of family, friendship and loss. Ally Condie did this beautifully without shying from the hard questions.
I do have two complaints and those are that 1) Cedar and Leo lied very profusely all throughout the book and this was barely condemned and 2) Cedar had lots of doubts and questions but this was also not addressed or given much closure.
On the other hand, this book was very accessible and I'm sure anyone who has lived long enough can relate to it in one way or another. I don't even usually enjoy realistic fiction novels very much, but Summerlost had a healthy amount of mystery and suspense as well to make it a compelling and well-rounded story.
Recommended for readers age 10 and up, middle grade and YA readers, realistic fiction and contemporary readers, Asian Americans, and/or lovers of theater.
This book had me crying. Admittedly, I used the audiobook, which isn't exactly the same as reading the book itself, but still. I see people complaining that the book doesn't really have a plot or climax and such, but the true purpose of this story is to explore themes of family, friendship and loss. Ally Condie did this beautifully without shying from the hard questions.
I do have two complaints and those are that 1) Cedar and Leo lied very profusely all throughout the book and this was barely condemned and 2) Cedar had lots of doubts and questions but this was also not addressed or given much closure.
On the other hand, this book was very accessible and I'm sure anyone who has lived long enough can relate to it in one way or another. I don't even usually enjoy realistic fiction novels very much, but Summerlost had a healthy amount of mystery and suspense as well to make it a compelling and well-rounded story.
Recommended for readers age 10 and up, middle grade and YA readers, realistic fiction and contemporary readers, Asian Americans, and/or lovers of theater.
December 22, 2023
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“If the vulture wanted, it could fly right inside.
“I’m not afraid of you,” I whispered.
It cocked its ugly red head.
It knew I lied.”
Written with a lot of tender heart and emotional feels, Ally Condie's middle-grade novel Summerlost is a touching and moving story about Cedar Lee, a young twelve-year old girl, who after her family suffers a devastating loss moves to Iron Creek, Utah for a fresh start- a chance to lessen the hurt that has consumed their family. During her summer, she befriends Lee Bishop, a young twelve-year-old boy, and gets caught up in participating in the Summerlost Festival - a yearly Shakespeare festival - while also helping him uncover the mysteries behind one of his favorite theater actresses, Lisette Chamberlain. And somehow, along the way, through bicycle rides and exploring secret tunnels and embracing a different side to herself, Cedar also learns how to grieve for the ones she has lost. 😔
It's a simple story, but one that touches the heart. Cedar's father and younger brother, Ben, died in a tragic car accident, leaving behind only their memories for her and her mother and her 8-year-old brother, Mike. It's that palpable grief that takes over one's spirit and soul that resonates so deeply in this story and how Cedar learns to move on from that hurt and not be consumed by it - no matter how painful it is. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 That part of her that struggled to spend time with Ben, because he was neurodivergent - looking back at the moments that maybe she could have been more patient, more encouraging, more willing to listen and be receptive rather than dismissive. That it is possible to be different and still belong to your family. For them to love you like crazy.' That guilt was so visceral that Cedar needed something to not distract her, but to make her whole again - to grieve with love. And sometimes it takes a new friend to bring you home. Lee Bishop was the answer for her. 🥺
“Yeah,” Leo said. “I mean, I do think that. But you’re not my girlfriend. You’re my person.”
I knew right away what he meant. I thought he was cute and he thought I was cute but it was different than it was when people have crushes.
With Leo I’d fallen into another kind of like. I couldn’t wait to tell him stuff and I loved hearing him laugh at my jokes and I loved laughing at his jokes. He made me feel like I had a spot in the world.
It felt as if Leo and I could like each other all our lives.
So I hugged him.
He was my person too.”
Cedar and Lee's friendship was so heart-warming and genuine that it warmed me so - it was really just so gentle and kind, that I couldn't help but be so pleased with its portrayal. These are the relationships without romantic inclination that are as comforting and endearing as the very way in which both of them worked so hard to be supportive and there for each other. It was only one summer, but Lee was a true friend in spirit - in courage and in heart. 🥰 I really enjoyed seeing their dynamic progress, I loved the fun and unique ways they became a part of each other's lives - some really clever and unique ways that made me smile.
They both experience their own moments of pain and heart-ache - 'he also didn’t cry. Which it looked for a minute like he might do. I knew that feeling. Hold your mouth tight, tell your heart not to hurt, tell your brain not to think about what might happen next.' - but how they supported each other through their hardships and ordeals in such a comforting way - how they sensed each other's pain, and were there for it. 🫂 The vibes of the festival were also very well-captured; the essence of Shakespeare - the dedication to their craft and art made me feel like I was a part of the cultural revival, as well. It was such a delicate contrast to the profound loss that Cedar was still feeling for Ben and her father.
“I want a good way to remember, I wanted to say to Meg. I want to stop crying. I want everything in the world to stop breaking my heart.”
It's in those little details of memory that left a mark on me. The story maintained such a careful balance to it, to show how the family was still coping with such a deep sadness, but still trying to make it work - to bring a change to their lives, and still honor their memory and never lose them, and give light to a chance to move on from it - in a hopeful way. Cedar's family was grieving and they were each trying to find their own ways to cope with it - no matter how much it hurt, in doing so. 😢 Cedar's sadness was so tangible, all her thoughts of regret really sank their claws into my heart - you can't help but tear up at it. 'I loved him. I finally loved him again, and then he was gone.' It's not a bawling sadness, but an aching sadness - and sometimes, I think, those hurt a lot more than anything. 😞
“And people were with you for some of them.
I was with you for some of them.
There were times when we were all, all around you.”
And that's really all that we have - the memories. Cedar's gradual acceptance of healing from the heart-ache was a beautiful contrast to the mystery she and Lee investigated surrounding the famous actress's death. For in doing so, it was not a summer lost, but a summer that gave back to her that the memories will never go away - that they will always be a part of her - forever - and that how we can only hope that they knew how much they were loved while they were still here - and a part of our lives. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“If the vulture wanted, it could fly right inside.
“I’m not afraid of you,” I whispered.
It cocked its ugly red head.
It knew I lied.”
Written with a lot of tender heart and emotional feels, Ally Condie's middle-grade novel Summerlost is a touching and moving story about Cedar Lee, a young twelve-year old girl, who after her family suffers a devastating loss moves to Iron Creek, Utah for a fresh start- a chance to lessen the hurt that has consumed their family. During her summer, she befriends Lee Bishop, a young twelve-year-old boy, and gets caught up in participating in the Summerlost Festival - a yearly Shakespeare festival - while also helping him uncover the mysteries behind one of his favorite theater actresses, Lisette Chamberlain. And somehow, along the way, through bicycle rides and exploring secret tunnels and embracing a different side to herself, Cedar also learns how to grieve for the ones she has lost. 😔
It's a simple story, but one that touches the heart. Cedar's father and younger brother, Ben, died in a tragic car accident, leaving behind only their memories for her and her mother and her 8-year-old brother, Mike. It's that palpable grief that takes over one's spirit and soul that resonates so deeply in this story and how Cedar learns to move on from that hurt and not be consumed by it - no matter how painful it is. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 That part of her that struggled to spend time with Ben, because he was neurodivergent - looking back at the moments that maybe she could have been more patient, more encouraging, more willing to listen and be receptive rather than dismissive. That it is possible to be different and still belong to your family. For them to love you like crazy.' That guilt was so visceral that Cedar needed something to not distract her, but to make her whole again - to grieve with love. And sometimes it takes a new friend to bring you home. Lee Bishop was the answer for her. 🥺
“Yeah,” Leo said. “I mean, I do think that. But you’re not my girlfriend. You’re my person.”
I knew right away what he meant. I thought he was cute and he thought I was cute but it was different than it was when people have crushes.
With Leo I’d fallen into another kind of like. I couldn’t wait to tell him stuff and I loved hearing him laugh at my jokes and I loved laughing at his jokes. He made me feel like I had a spot in the world.
It felt as if Leo and I could like each other all our lives.
So I hugged him.
He was my person too.”
Cedar and Lee's friendship was so heart-warming and genuine that it warmed me so - it was really just so gentle and kind, that I couldn't help but be so pleased with its portrayal. These are the relationships without romantic inclination that are as comforting and endearing as the very way in which both of them worked so hard to be supportive and there for each other. It was only one summer, but Lee was a true friend in spirit - in courage and in heart. 🥰 I really enjoyed seeing their dynamic progress, I loved the fun and unique ways they became a part of each other's lives - some really clever and unique ways that made me smile.
They both experience their own moments of pain and heart-ache - 'he also didn’t cry. Which it looked for a minute like he might do. I knew that feeling. Hold your mouth tight, tell your heart not to hurt, tell your brain not to think about what might happen next.' - but how they supported each other through their hardships and ordeals in such a comforting way - how they sensed each other's pain, and were there for it. 🫂 The vibes of the festival were also very well-captured; the essence of Shakespeare - the dedication to their craft and art made me feel like I was a part of the cultural revival, as well. It was such a delicate contrast to the profound loss that Cedar was still feeling for Ben and her father.
“I want a good way to remember, I wanted to say to Meg. I want to stop crying. I want everything in the world to stop breaking my heart.”
It's in those little details of memory that left a mark on me. The story maintained such a careful balance to it, to show how the family was still coping with such a deep sadness, but still trying to make it work - to bring a change to their lives, and still honor their memory and never lose them, and give light to a chance to move on from it - in a hopeful way. Cedar's family was grieving and they were each trying to find their own ways to cope with it - no matter how much it hurt, in doing so. 😢 Cedar's sadness was so tangible, all her thoughts of regret really sank their claws into my heart - you can't help but tear up at it. 'I loved him. I finally loved him again, and then he was gone.' It's not a bawling sadness, but an aching sadness - and sometimes, I think, those hurt a lot more than anything. 😞
“And people were with you for some of them.
I was with you for some of them.
There were times when we were all, all around you.”
And that's really all that we have - the memories. Cedar's gradual acceptance of healing from the heart-ache was a beautiful contrast to the mystery she and Lee investigated surrounding the famous actress's death. For in doing so, it was not a summer lost, but a summer that gave back to her that the memories will never go away - that they will always be a part of her - forever - and that how we can only hope that they knew how much they were loved while they were still here - and a part of our lives. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
March 16, 2018
I FINALLY got to read this book, and I’m so happy. (And so sad, because it’s that kind of book.) I’ve always liked the cover when I’ve seen it on Goodreads, but I was pleased to find the back cover is just as beautiful. And the PAGE NUMBERS!!! This is weird, but I loved it that they were on the side instead of the top. Also, the book was divided into three acts. Like a play. And plays feature highly into this book. Boom.
But onto the story part of the book… ;) I enjoyed Ally Condie’s writing style in her Matched Trilogy, but this was even better. All of the beautiful metaphors and the way of looking at the world. *happy sigh* The town of Summerlost was pretty cute, and it makes me want to go to a Shakespeare festival now. ;)
Cedar was a neat character. In way, she was unusual because she didn’t seem to have a goal, but that made her more relatable in some ways. The journey of healing from guilt and grief was just beautiful. <3 At first, her focus was on what she had lost, but as she grew to accept it, she turned to what she still had. It was so heartwarming to see her learning to love the remaining members of her family, to hope and to dream, and building a friendship with Leo.
Leo was a weird one, and I loved him for it. ;) From the moment he rode by on his bicycle dressed up in a costume and not caring what anyone thought, I was like, “This kid is gonna be cool.” ;) They had a neat friendship that didn’t go any farther (after all, they are only twelve, so yay!), and it was cool to see how him just being himself affected Cedar.
Ben. Oh, my Ben. *cries*
There were some tough issues handled in this story--grief, obviously, but racism, bullying, and siblings with disabilities all came into play. They didn’t take over the story or yell “Hot topic! Listen up!” but instead were just part of Cedar’s life and dealt with well.
My favorite part of the story was when Cedar found out who had been putting things on her windowsill. Also, is Barnaby Chesterfield supposed to be Benedict Cumberbatch? Because it all fits. :D
Just a note, the story was full of sneaking around authorities and lying. There were a couple crude words/descriptions, mentions of an organ donation, and a male costume malfunction (reaaally awkward). Also, the kids were investigating the mysterious death of an actress and watching a trashy soap opera.
Best quote: “I have been in the presence of a lot of greatness. And people I love who have loved me back. It might be the same thing.”
Altogether, this was a thought-provoking and tear-jerking read. I think we all need to see the world a little more like Ben. <3
But onto the story part of the book… ;) I enjoyed Ally Condie’s writing style in her Matched Trilogy, but this was even better. All of the beautiful metaphors and the way of looking at the world. *happy sigh* The town of Summerlost was pretty cute, and it makes me want to go to a Shakespeare festival now. ;)
Cedar was a neat character. In way, she was unusual because she didn’t seem to have a goal, but that made her more relatable in some ways. The journey of healing from guilt and grief was just beautiful. <3 At first, her focus was on what she had lost, but as she grew to accept it, she turned to what she still had. It was so heartwarming to see her learning to love the remaining members of her family, to hope and to dream, and building a friendship with Leo.
Leo was a weird one, and I loved him for it. ;) From the moment he rode by on his bicycle dressed up in a costume and not caring what anyone thought, I was like, “This kid is gonna be cool.” ;) They had a neat friendship that didn’t go any farther (after all, they are only twelve, so yay!), and it was cool to see how him just being himself affected Cedar.
Ben. Oh, my Ben. *cries*
There were some tough issues handled in this story--grief, obviously, but racism, bullying, and siblings with disabilities all came into play. They didn’t take over the story or yell “Hot topic! Listen up!” but instead were just part of Cedar’s life and dealt with well.
My favorite part of the story was when Cedar found out who had been putting things on her windowsill. Also, is Barnaby Chesterfield supposed to be Benedict Cumberbatch? Because it all fits. :D
Just a note, the story was full of sneaking around authorities and lying. There were a couple crude words/descriptions, mentions of an organ donation, and a male costume malfunction (reaaally awkward). Also, the kids were investigating the mysterious death of an actress and watching a trashy soap opera.
Best quote: “I have been in the presence of a lot of greatness. And people I love who have loved me back. It might be the same thing.”
Altogether, this was a thought-provoking and tear-jerking read. I think we all need to see the world a little more like Ben. <3
January 8, 2022
Summerlost was,,, not entirely the book that I was expecting it be.
The synopsis made it out to be some sort of gut-wrenching yet uplifting novel about a girl who finds herself following her brother's death.
That was a bit misleading, if you ask me.
Truthfully, Summerlost does follow Cedar after her younger brother, Ben, dies in a car accident along with her father. Her mother and her other brother, Miles, go to the town they visit every summer, and while they're there, Cedar comes to terms with their deaths while also finding herself.
Part of what made this book so interesting to me was the setting. The Summerlost festival was absolutely enchanting to have all of the scenes of the book set against, mostly because I love the idea of Renaissance fairs, but also because of the mystery of Lisette Chamberlain - an actress' mysterious death.
The side characters really helped this book be as enjoyable as it was. Leo in particular really added to the book and its events, and I loved the friendship that grew between him and Cedar as the book progressed. Cedar's brother, Miles, was a smaller character, but he was adorable nonetheless.
Cedar herself was... interesting. I liked the way that Condie discussed her grief and the way that it wasn't just a one-time thing but something that Cedar needed to deal with every time she something or experienced something that reminded her of her father or her brother. It felt realistic and it was heartbreaking, especially with the way Cedar eventually came to terms with her grief.
That being said, however, I felt that there was a bit of unbelievability to this book and its events?? I mean, I don't think it's very realistic that a parent literally let her twelve-year-old child run around and basically do whatever she wants, especially when the occasional crime is committed, which, I might add, she got off scot-free for.
Idk.
The ending felt a little rushed but other than that this book was actually pretty solid. I think that by the end of the book I was actually expecting something more, so when the ending was soft and somewhat unemotional, I was a bit let down.
Overall, however, this book made for a really fun reading experience. I actually had a lot of fun reading about everything that Cedar and Leo got up to with the festival, as well as the emotional journey that Cedar kind of goes on over the course of the book. It was a lovely middle-grade novel that I did end up enjoying, just perhaps not in the way I had first anticipated.
The synopsis made it out to be some sort of gut-wrenching yet uplifting novel about a girl who finds herself following her brother's death.
That was a bit misleading, if you ask me.
Truthfully, Summerlost does follow Cedar after her younger brother, Ben, dies in a car accident along with her father. Her mother and her other brother, Miles, go to the town they visit every summer, and while they're there, Cedar comes to terms with their deaths while also finding herself.
Part of what made this book so interesting to me was the setting. The Summerlost festival was absolutely enchanting to have all of the scenes of the book set against, mostly because I love the idea of Renaissance fairs, but also because of the mystery of Lisette Chamberlain - an actress' mysterious death.
The side characters really helped this book be as enjoyable as it was. Leo in particular really added to the book and its events, and I loved the friendship that grew between him and Cedar as the book progressed. Cedar's brother, Miles, was a smaller character, but he was adorable nonetheless.
Cedar herself was... interesting. I liked the way that Condie discussed her grief and the way that it wasn't just a one-time thing but something that Cedar needed to deal with every time she something or experienced something that reminded her of her father or her brother. It felt realistic and it was heartbreaking, especially with the way Cedar eventually came to terms with her grief.
That being said, however, I felt that there was a bit of unbelievability to this book and its events?? I mean, I don't think it's very realistic that a parent literally let her twelve-year-old child run around and basically do whatever she wants, especially when the occasional crime is committed, which, I might add, she got off scot-free for.
Idk.
The ending felt a little rushed but other than that this book was actually pretty solid. I think that by the end of the book I was actually expecting something more, so when the ending was soft and somewhat unemotional, I was a bit let down.
Overall, however, this book made for a really fun reading experience. I actually had a lot of fun reading about everything that Cedar and Leo got up to with the festival, as well as the emotional journey that Cedar kind of goes on over the course of the book. It was a lovely middle-grade novel that I did end up enjoying, just perhaps not in the way I had first anticipated.
July 8, 2024
just as beautiful and insightful as I remember it being
June 10, 2017
Well, I'm not entirely sure what I thought of this. It was a sweet, meaningful story. The cover is unbelievably beautiful. The formatting is somehow perfect for this book. And the writing is just SPOT-ON.
Buuuut I wasn't a fan of all the lying that Cedar and Leo did. They both lied to the adults a LOT and sneaked around for much of the book. At least they apologized for what they did, but it still...well, it still felt rather bothersome to me. (Because yep, this is middle-grade. And I wouldn't want a kid to read this and think it is "okay" or justifiable to lie.)
I'm probably just being hyper-critical of that, but I don't know. XD
The storyline was good, but honestly, it felt a bit rambly and overloaded with unrelated details at times. I'm not entirely sure how to describe it. It just didn't totally click with me, I guess. *shrugs*
Besides that, I DID enjoy the book! It was good. I adoreeeee Leo and Miles. <3 I JUST LOVE THEM. There were some great quotes and poignant reminders about life and memories and recovering from loss. It wasn't super emotional like I thought it would be, but that's okay. It still managed to strike a chord in my heart, despite the fact that it didn't make the most emotional bookdragon on earth (aka me) cry. ;)
Overall, I liked Summerlost. It's not a new favorite, by any means, but I'm tempted to buy a copy just so I can display its gorgeous cover on my shelf.
3.5 stars
Buuuut I wasn't a fan of all the lying that Cedar and Leo did. They both lied to the adults a LOT and sneaked around for much of the book. At least they apologized for what they did, but it still...well, it still felt rather bothersome to me. (Because yep, this is middle-grade. And I wouldn't want a kid to read this and think it is "okay" or justifiable to lie.)
I'm probably just being hyper-critical of that, but I don't know. XD
The storyline was good, but honestly, it felt a bit rambly and overloaded with unrelated details at times. I'm not entirely sure how to describe it. It just didn't totally click with me, I guess. *shrugs*
Besides that, I DID enjoy the book! It was good. I adoreeeee Leo and Miles. <3 I JUST LOVE THEM. There were some great quotes and poignant reminders about life and memories and recovering from loss. It wasn't super emotional like I thought it would be, but that's okay. It still managed to strike a chord in my heart, despite the fact that it didn't make the most emotional bookdragon on earth (aka me) cry. ;)
Overall, I liked Summerlost. It's not a new favorite, by any means, but I'm tempted to buy a copy just so I can display its gorgeous cover on my shelf.
3.5 stars
June 27, 2016
Summary:
It's the first real summer since the devastating accident that killed Cedar's father and younger brother, Ben. But now Cedar and what’s left of her family are returning to the town of Iron Creek for the summer. They’re just settling into their new house when a boy named Leo, dressed in costume, rides by on his bike. Intrigued, Cedar follows him to the renowned Summerlost theatre festival. Soon, she not only has a new friend in Leo and a job working concessions at the festival, she finds herself surrounded by mystery. The mystery of the tragic, too-short life of the Hollywood actress who haunts the halls of Summerlost. And the mystery of the strange gifts that keep appearing for Cedar.
Plot:
The main reason I didn't like this book was the plot. I found it to be boring and uneventful at times. I was bored half the story and never connected with anything in this story. Another thing is I typically don't like contemporary realistic fiction at all.
Characters:
I thought the characters were cute, but realistic at times. They were put well with the story, and each had a great role in the book. However, I never connected with any of them and wouldn't really care if they died.
Writing:
I have to admit, I was expecting more out of Ally Condie's writing. I felt like it was way to simple and plain. As a 12 year old, I kinda felt like I could write almost as good. I'm not saying she's a bad writer, I'm just saying I don't particularly love her writing.
Rating:
The reason I gave this two stars instead of one was because I loved the friendship in this story. Cedar and Leo's bond was greater than lots of books I've read. There was also a lot of good morals in this book that made you think about perspectives and every little thing you wouldn't normally think about. In that area, Condie did not disappoint.
Overall:
I didn't particularly like this book, but I think that's because I don't really like this genre or plot. I'm definitely not sorry I read it, though. It taught me many good lessons. It was a cute, light story that was a quick read.
Recommendations:
I would still recommend this story, despite what I said above. I think it could really make a difference, especially for late elementary and early middle schoolers.
It's the first real summer since the devastating accident that killed Cedar's father and younger brother, Ben. But now Cedar and what’s left of her family are returning to the town of Iron Creek for the summer. They’re just settling into their new house when a boy named Leo, dressed in costume, rides by on his bike. Intrigued, Cedar follows him to the renowned Summerlost theatre festival. Soon, she not only has a new friend in Leo and a job working concessions at the festival, she finds herself surrounded by mystery. The mystery of the tragic, too-short life of the Hollywood actress who haunts the halls of Summerlost. And the mystery of the strange gifts that keep appearing for Cedar.
Plot:
The main reason I didn't like this book was the plot. I found it to be boring and uneventful at times. I was bored half the story and never connected with anything in this story. Another thing is I typically don't like contemporary realistic fiction at all.
Characters:
I thought the characters were cute, but realistic at times. They were put well with the story, and each had a great role in the book. However, I never connected with any of them and wouldn't really care if they died.
Writing:
I have to admit, I was expecting more out of Ally Condie's writing. I felt like it was way to simple and plain. As a 12 year old, I kinda felt like I could write almost as good. I'm not saying she's a bad writer, I'm just saying I don't particularly love her writing.
Rating:
The reason I gave this two stars instead of one was because I loved the friendship in this story. Cedar and Leo's bond was greater than lots of books I've read. There was also a lot of good morals in this book that made you think about perspectives and every little thing you wouldn't normally think about. In that area, Condie did not disappoint.
Overall:
I didn't particularly like this book, but I think that's because I don't really like this genre or plot. I'm definitely not sorry I read it, though. It taught me many good lessons. It was a cute, light story that was a quick read.
Recommendations:
I would still recommend this story, despite what I said above. I think it could really make a difference, especially for late elementary and early middle schoolers.
October 25, 2019
/3.5 stars/
This was pretty good
RTC maybe
* * * * * *
This was a cute book. I actually liked it. But that was it. I enjoyed it, but I didn’t love it. It was another light and fluffy read that I zoomed through.
I really liked...
The themes. I completely adored Cedar and Leo’s friendship and how friendship was really a very strong theme. And family coming in as a close second. Cedar’s family is far from perfect- especially after the loss of her brother and dad- but that’s the point, no family is perfect, everyone messes up. I liked how this was portrayed, and how in the end- everyone was there for Cedar and she was there for her mom and brother, because they were family.
The festival. I guess I was always kinda a theater nut even tho I never acted or anything, but yeah, I just liked it.
The characters. Cedar was relatable. Leo was relatable. I loved them both. What else can I say?
I guess y’all are wondering why exactly I only gave 3.5 stars. After all, I just rambled on about how much I liked it. I don’t know, it just seemed there was something missing throughout the entire thing. Something I couldn’t put my finger on. I can’t really explain it but I can say you should go read it for yourself and see what you think!
Content: almost completely clean. Leo and Cedar refer to some of the meaner boys at the festival as h***farts. Cedar and Leo both lie to their parents about hosting the tours. Cedar and Leo sneak out later together. Cedar confesses everything to her mother later.
Anyway, happy reading guys!
This was pretty good
RTC maybe
* * * * * *
This was a cute book. I actually liked it. But that was it. I enjoyed it, but I didn’t love it. It was another light and fluffy read that I zoomed through.
I really liked...
The themes. I completely adored Cedar and Leo’s friendship and how friendship was really a very strong theme. And family coming in as a close second. Cedar’s family is far from perfect- especially after the loss of her brother and dad- but that’s the point, no family is perfect, everyone messes up. I liked how this was portrayed, and how in the end- everyone was there for Cedar and she was there for her mom and brother, because they were family.
The festival. I guess I was always kinda a theater nut even tho I never acted or anything, but yeah, I just liked it.
The characters. Cedar was relatable. Leo was relatable. I loved them both. What else can I say?
I guess y’all are wondering why exactly I only gave 3.5 stars. After all, I just rambled on about how much I liked it. I don’t know, it just seemed there was something missing throughout the entire thing. Something I couldn’t put my finger on. I can’t really explain it but I can say you should go read it for yourself and see what you think!
Content: almost completely clean. Leo and Cedar refer to some of the meaner boys at the festival as h***farts. Cedar and Leo both lie to their parents about hosting the tours. Cedar and Leo sneak out later together. Cedar confesses everything to her mother later.
Anyway, happy reading guys!
March 15, 2017
Quick review for a quick read. I was first introduced to "Summerlost" through a snippet offered on NetGalley, but I later checked out a full version of the book from my local library. This definitely satisfied my longing for a quick read in the form of a fulfilling MG/teen summer story. It's Ally Condie's middle-grade debut about a girl named Cedar who's coping with her first summer after her father's and brother's tragic accident. She returns to the town of Iron Creek for the summer, meeting a boy named Leo and volunteering her time at a theater festival called Summerlost. It is also a chance for her to join Leo in a side job directing tours surrounding the 2oth anniversary of the death of a Hollywood actress whose life was cut short due to tragic circumstances as well.
This proved to be a very quick read in the audiobook form, and I found Cedar's voice to be cheerful and easy to follow. The story provided some nice turns of showcasing the strong bond between Leo and Cedar, as well as illuminating and valuable showcases of Cedar with her family, though in brief spells. The setting was probably the strongest part of this narrative. I did feel that some parts of the narrative left much to be desired for deeper emotional development and narrative styling, but I liked the theme and enjoyed the overarching story for what it offered.
Overall score: 3/5 stars.
This proved to be a very quick read in the audiobook form, and I found Cedar's voice to be cheerful and easy to follow. The story provided some nice turns of showcasing the strong bond between Leo and Cedar, as well as illuminating and valuable showcases of Cedar with her family, though in brief spells. The setting was probably the strongest part of this narrative. I did feel that some parts of the narrative left much to be desired for deeper emotional development and narrative styling, but I liked the theme and enjoyed the overarching story for what it offered.
Overall score: 3/5 stars.
January 1, 2017
This is my first time reading a middle grade book, and I did enjoy it, just not as much as I wanted to. I randomly saw this book available to rent at the library and I had no idea what it was about (I actually just saw the gorgeous cover and decided to download it and go into it completely blind.) I didn't even know it was a middle grade book until I started listening to the audiobook.
This book follows two twelves year old kids: Cedar Lee, a young girl who's Dad and brother recently just died, and Leo Bishop, a local kid who she meets that introduces her to the towns "Summerlost" festival. They both have jobs at this festival and they make a tour to show the locals around, and they are both obsessed with this old movie actress. There's also a kind of random side story line happening with this mysterious shit happening to Cedar Lee's bedroom at night.
I thought this book was okay. It was written really beautiful and I think the story is interesting, but it didn't interest me personally very much. I wasn't drawn into the characters and the story in the way I wanted to be, but I think this is still a decent middle grade book. But unfortunately this story is something I won't remember for very long, it's pretty forgettable.
This book follows two twelves year old kids: Cedar Lee, a young girl who's Dad and brother recently just died, and Leo Bishop, a local kid who she meets that introduces her to the towns "Summerlost" festival. They both have jobs at this festival and they make a tour to show the locals around, and they are both obsessed with this old movie actress. There's also a kind of random side story line happening with this mysterious shit happening to Cedar Lee's bedroom at night.
I thought this book was okay. It was written really beautiful and I think the story is interesting, but it didn't interest me personally very much. I wasn't drawn into the characters and the story in the way I wanted to be, but I think this is still a decent middle grade book. But unfortunately this story is something I won't remember for very long, it's pretty forgettable.
September 27, 2022
Well, this made me ugly cry.
Such a beautiful meditation on friendship, growing up, and grief. There are few books I've read that so accurately mirrored my own experience losing my dad as a teenager. Cedar is younger than I was, but Condie's descriptions of grieving not only for the relationship you had but for the one you could have had hit me HARD. Cedar misses the things she knew about her father but aches when she realizes all that she didn't know - everything she never got to ask him. She also hurts knowing that there are things her father and brother never got to be because things were cut short. You hurt for what you lost, and then you hurt for what they lost.
At that point I paused the audiobook and cried for about twenty minutes as I drove home. I was probably a safety hazard, but dang, this book is beautiful.
Also, Summerlost is set at a thinly veiled Utah Shakespeare Festival, which makes it even more perfect.
Such a beautiful meditation on friendship, growing up, and grief. There are few books I've read that so accurately mirrored my own experience losing my dad as a teenager. Cedar is younger than I was, but Condie's descriptions of grieving not only for the relationship you had but for the one you could have had hit me HARD. Cedar misses the things she knew about her father but aches when she realizes all that she didn't know - everything she never got to ask him. She also hurts knowing that there are things her father and brother never got to be because things were cut short. You hurt for what you lost, and then you hurt for what they lost.
At that point I paused the audiobook and cried for about twenty minutes as I drove home. I was probably a safety hazard, but dang, this book is beautiful.
Also, Summerlost is set at a thinly veiled Utah Shakespeare Festival, which makes it even more perfect.
July 21, 2018
Cute read, not a favorite, but a nice book for the summertime! 😊 Some things I didn't like, but enjoyable overall
May 20, 2025
Oops, I forgot to add this but it was pretty cute.
March 29, 2016
I normally don't read MG, but I had heard Ally discussing this book when I saw her on tour and I was definitely interested.
I liked Cedar and Leo. They're adorable together and they compliment each other perfectly. The relationship between them is quick and sweet and it was fun watching them navigate through the summer. I especially loved the soap opera that they all got hooked on. Even Leo's older brothers.
It did feel like the narrative was filled with rambling. Perhaps it was the formatting of the e-arc, but there were pages and pages of one long paragraph, but with several different topics. And while the content was easy to understand, the constant switch up between topics continually disrupted the rhythm.
Overall, it was a cute story with an interesting take on death. I look forward to future MG titles from Ally.
**Huge thanks to Dutton Books and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
I liked Cedar and Leo. They're adorable together and they compliment each other perfectly. The relationship between them is quick and sweet and it was fun watching them navigate through the summer. I especially loved the soap opera that they all got hooked on. Even Leo's older brothers.
It did feel like the narrative was filled with rambling. Perhaps it was the formatting of the e-arc, but there were pages and pages of one long paragraph, but with several different topics. And while the content was easy to understand, the constant switch up between topics continually disrupted the rhythm.
Overall, it was a cute story with an interesting take on death. I look forward to future MG titles from Ally.
**Huge thanks to Dutton Books and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
December 31, 2025
Sometimes it takes a new friend to bring you home
quite possibly my favourite middle grade book of all time. nothing makes me cry quite like this. and it's not even a particularly sad book????
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April 17, 2016
With a featherlight touch and a lot of love, Condie tells a beautiful story about friendship, family, and loss of all kinds. There's also some fun humor, and the setting is a delightful homage to Cedar City and its Shakespeare festival.
August 2, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this one to my daughter. A wonderful tale of friendship and dealing with grief.
October 25, 2018
While this book is set in present time...I chose this as a throwback review because it reminded me of my summer reading when I was a kid.
SUMMERLOST
Written by Ally Condie
2016; Dutton Books for Young Readers (272 Pages)
Genre: middle school, young adult, fiction, contemporary, friendships, Shakespeare
RATING: ★★★★1/2
After a car accident kills both Cedar's father and brother, Cedar, her mother, and youngest brother, Miles must continue on with their lives. Cedar's mother buys a house close to her family and a place where they can spend the summers. As they get settled in for the rest of the summer she notices a boy her age cycling past her house everyday in old fashion clothes. One day, out of curiosity, she follows the Nerd-on-a-Bike to see where he goes. She discovers that the Summerlost Festival is in town and soon finds herself at twelve with a job. Leo, Nerd-on-a-Bike, and Cedar start to spend every day together, keeping herself busy and maybe get on with her life.
My Library Copy
I loved this book. This is the kind of book I would have taken out as a kid and read every summer. It has heart, a small mystery, and Shakespeare! I found the novel realistic and fun...loved the characterizations and interactions between characters. I highly recommend this book for ages 8-13, but it is also a fun book to read with kids...a parent/child summer book club maybe?
My Novelesque Blog
SUMMERLOST
Written by Ally Condie
2016; Dutton Books for Young Readers (272 Pages)
Genre: middle school, young adult, fiction, contemporary, friendships, Shakespeare
RATING: ★★★★1/2
After a car accident kills both Cedar's father and brother, Cedar, her mother, and youngest brother, Miles must continue on with their lives. Cedar's mother buys a house close to her family and a place where they can spend the summers. As they get settled in for the rest of the summer she notices a boy her age cycling past her house everyday in old fashion clothes. One day, out of curiosity, she follows the Nerd-on-a-Bike to see where he goes. She discovers that the Summerlost Festival is in town and soon finds herself at twelve with a job. Leo, Nerd-on-a-Bike, and Cedar start to spend every day together, keeping herself busy and maybe get on with her life.
My Library Copy
I loved this book. This is the kind of book I would have taken out as a kid and read every summer. It has heart, a small mystery, and Shakespeare! I found the novel realistic and fun...loved the characterizations and interactions between characters. I highly recommend this book for ages 8-13, but it is also a fun book to read with kids...a parent/child summer book club maybe?
My Novelesque Blog
December 19, 2015
Thank you so much to the publisher and to Edelweiss for supplying this ARC!
If I could give this book ten stars, I would!
We all deal with grief in different ways, but the way this 12 year old moves through it is both heartbreaking and beautiful. Ally Condie hit the mark!
She pulls the reader into this sweet story quickly, letting us experience Cedar as she embarks on a summer adventure, filled with mystery, that will prove to bring healing in a way she never imagined.
The fact that is takes place during a Shakespeare festival is just icing on the cake.
I don't want to include any spoilers, but suffice it to say that readers, young and old, who read this book will reflect on it for years to come. It's insights will help those who grieve and those who have yet to grieve.
Brava, Ms Condie!
And don't forget to read the acknowledgements! Those make this book come to life in a different sort of way.
Thank you Ms Condie, for this beautifully written, heartfelt piece of you.
If I could give this book ten stars, I would!
We all deal with grief in different ways, but the way this 12 year old moves through it is both heartbreaking and beautiful. Ally Condie hit the mark!
She pulls the reader into this sweet story quickly, letting us experience Cedar as she embarks on a summer adventure, filled with mystery, that will prove to bring healing in a way she never imagined.
The fact that is takes place during a Shakespeare festival is just icing on the cake.
I don't want to include any spoilers, but suffice it to say that readers, young and old, who read this book will reflect on it for years to come. It's insights will help those who grieve and those who have yet to grieve.
Brava, Ms Condie!
And don't forget to read the acknowledgements! Those make this book come to life in a different sort of way.
Thank you Ms Condie, for this beautifully written, heartfelt piece of you.
August 14, 2017
Çocukluğunuz ne kadar dolu geçmiş olursa olsun, bu kitabı okuyunca insan hayıflanmadan edemiyor; keşke daha elle tutulur hayallerim olsaydı, ben de koşsaydım peşinden diye.
Kitap çok sevimliydi.
Kitap çok sevimliydi.
October 9, 2017
awwww this book was so cute i can just squeeze it!
my rating - 4.5
I enjoyed this book. I love it actually. It made me feel so HAPPY at the end, not like cheesy "oh this is nice, very nice *pets cover*" happy. But like "my soul and my heart and my soul can now die happy" kind of happy.
I've heard a lot of different opinions of this book, but tbh I loved the message. I loved watching Cedar grow... it overwhelms me to think about the message that this book presents. I LOVED the last paragraph where she says, "I have been in the presence of a lot of greatness. And people I love who loved me back. It might be the same thing."
I just. That just sets a fire in me. *hugs book*
It was so heartbreaking about Ben and her dad, and just how she wanted so badly to believe that Ben wasn't gone. The book further broke my heart with her other brother Miles (such a dear!) and his relationship with Cedar. I just.
And then her friendship with Leo was amazing-- I want a person now xD But seriously, how they built each other up, and not all the time with words but just with their actions... i love it!
The thing that has taken away the .5 star, is all the lying involved (not to mention stealing). Yes, she was found out in the end, but she never seemed to learn. She disobeyed her mom, with no regrets it seems and that makes me really mad. (Her mom made me mad too at the end). Other than that though... this book was really amazing.
No, I didn't cry. Wish I did, but I didn't. But it's fine... it was still worth reading!
my rating - 4.5
I enjoyed this book. I love it actually. It made me feel so HAPPY at the end, not like cheesy "oh this is nice, very nice *pets cover*" happy. But like "my soul and my heart and my soul can now die happy" kind of happy.
I've heard a lot of different opinions of this book, but tbh I loved the message. I loved watching Cedar grow... it overwhelms me to think about the message that this book presents. I LOVED the last paragraph where she says, "I have been in the presence of a lot of greatness. And people I love who loved me back. It might be the same thing."
I just. That just sets a fire in me. *hugs book*
It was so heartbreaking about Ben and her dad, and just how she wanted so badly to believe that Ben wasn't gone. The book further broke my heart with her other brother Miles (such a dear!) and his relationship with Cedar. I just.
And then her friendship with Leo was amazing-- I want a person now xD But seriously, how they built each other up, and not all the time with words but just with their actions... i love it!
The thing that has taken away the .5 star, is all the lying involved (not to mention stealing). Yes, she was found out in the end, but she never seemed to learn. She disobeyed her mom, with no regrets it seems and that makes me really mad. (Her mom made me mad too at the end). Other than that though... this book was really amazing.
No, I didn't cry. Wish I did, but I didn't. But it's fine... it was still worth reading!
September 6, 2017
emotional and very cute with a bit of a "ghost" story.middle grade books are my jam lately and I AM LOVING IT.
March 14, 2023
Cedar Lee moves to Cedar City (oops, I mean Iron Creek) to spend the summer. Her father and brother recently died in a car accident; her mother seems to be working through their death by building a deck something she has never done; and Miles, her brother, tags along. Along comes Leo Bishop on his bike. They form a quick friendship working at the Summerlost Shakespeare festival and providing unauthorized tours for a famous local actress from the past, Lisette Chamberlain.
Cedar and Leo work for me. They are believable as characters with a fun yet just enough intensity connection. It's not high stakes, just...life. And that's enough.
There's honesty about disability through reflections on her brother, Ben, who was autistic. Honesty about death, "at the end, everyone is alone." Honesty about dreams: as Cedar says, "I had all kinds of dreams...I wanted to ride a bike down the streets in a little town in a country where people spoke a different language" and Leo's dreams of traveling to English with his father to see a famous stage actor anchor the entire plot.
Condie avoids condescension which I often see in middle-grade readers especially from a mellow plot like this. Cedar and Leo have their own lives they are figuring out; they aren't tied up in the apron strings but neither are they going off the deep end.
AND it's really about the Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City Utah: if you have been this is a must read. Lots of fun details about the greenshow, costumes, tunnels and more.
Cedar and Leo work for me. They are believable as characters with a fun yet just enough intensity connection. It's not high stakes, just...life. And that's enough.
There's honesty about disability through reflections on her brother, Ben, who was autistic. Honesty about death, "at the end, everyone is alone." Honesty about dreams: as Cedar says, "I had all kinds of dreams...I wanted to ride a bike down the streets in a little town in a country where people spoke a different language" and Leo's dreams of traveling to English with his father to see a famous stage actor anchor the entire plot.
Condie avoids condescension which I often see in middle-grade readers especially from a mellow plot like this. Cedar and Leo have their own lives they are figuring out; they aren't tied up in the apron strings but neither are they going off the deep end.
AND it's really about the Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City Utah: if you have been this is a must read. Lots of fun details about the greenshow, costumes, tunnels and more.
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