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Not Our Summer
Five trips, two cousins, one family feud, and a summer that will change their lives forever.
It's bad enough that estranged cousins Becka and KJ see each other at their grandfather's funeral, but when he leaves them a bucket list of places to visit together over the summer, so they can earn their inheritance, it seems like things are about to get much worse.
However, with each trip the cousins complete -- like riding mules into the Grand Canyon or encountering a bear and a hot tour guide at Yellowstone -- they steadily learn about and begin to trust one another. That is until the truth behind Grandpa's bucket list, and their family feud, is revealed, testing Becka and KJ far beyond their limits.
Will they find a way to accept each other or will their grandpa's wish to mend his divided family end up buried alongside him inside his grasshopper green casket?
It's bad enough that estranged cousins Becka and KJ see each other at their grandfather's funeral, but when he leaves them a bucket list of places to visit together over the summer, so they can earn their inheritance, it seems like things are about to get much worse.
However, with each trip the cousins complete -- like riding mules into the Grand Canyon or encountering a bear and a hot tour guide at Yellowstone -- they steadily learn about and begin to trust one another. That is until the truth behind Grandpa's bucket list, and their family feud, is revealed, testing Becka and KJ far beyond their limits.
Will they find a way to accept each other or will their grandpa's wish to mend his divided family end up buried alongside him inside his grasshopper green casket?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 11, 2021
5 people are currently reading
2121 people want to read
About the author
Casie Bazay
1 book59 followersCasie Bazay is a former middle school teacher turned full time writer/editor. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors, spending time at the barn with her horses and goats, reading, and watching movies (especially young adult novel adaptations). She lives on a hay farm in northeastern Oklahoma with her husband and two children but loves traveling to new and exciting destinations whenever she can.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
December 8, 2020
I adore this book! Both characters hooked me in different ways, right off the bat. Plus... road trip! It's a light-hearted adventure, with the perfect amount of depth in the enemies-to-family storyline. Feel-good and fun story that will leave you craving a vacation!
September 9, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and Running Press Kids for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
'Not Our Summer' is a novel with a premise I've never really seen done in books, only movies or TV shows. Becka and KJ are estranged cousins - their mothers are sisters who fell apart following an incident with Becka's father. As a result, the cousins don't get along much either. That is, until their grandfather passes away, leaving an inheritance with a catch: the girls have to go on a series of trips that were on his bucket list to get it. The real question is if they will be able to stand each other long enough to succeed.
Honestly speaking, the plot of this book was a bit slow. I didn't feel any real development in Becka and KJ's relationship until about halfway through the novel, and even then, it was quite graudual. I mean, I guess this was the most realistic way that the plot could have grown, because anything else would have felt rushed or underdeveloped.
The 'big reveal' that happened towards the end of the book was *extremely* predictable. I saw it coming from a mile away and it was quite satisfying to see how things turn out exactly the way I thought they would. It wasn't, however, boring as I had expected, and if anything, was actually really natural and memorable in how it came to a conclusion.
The characters, to me, at least, felt basically the same. Yes, they had different backstories and situations and problems that they were dealing with, but ultimately, they were written in the exactly same 'voice', if that makes sense. There were little things about them to make them seem like different 'people', but they were essentially the same 'character' - just two people to tell the story through.
While telling the story through the two different main characters did add a certain amount of detail to the story since it was told from their first-person perspectives, it didn't add much that couldn't be added with an omniscient third-person narrator, which, in and of itself is pretty sad to think about.
Overall, while I did really like the story and felt that it was centered around an interesting concept, this book was firmly mediocre for me. There was a certain emotional disconnect between the book's characters and what they experience and the reader, likely due to the copious amounts of 'telling' rather than 'showing'. That being said, it did make for a somewhat enjoyable read, and was fairly quick as well. I would probably recommend this to you if you like movies or dramas with similar plotlines.
'Not Our Summer' is a novel with a premise I've never really seen done in books, only movies or TV shows. Becka and KJ are estranged cousins - their mothers are sisters who fell apart following an incident with Becka's father. As a result, the cousins don't get along much either. That is, until their grandfather passes away, leaving an inheritance with a catch: the girls have to go on a series of trips that were on his bucket list to get it. The real question is if they will be able to stand each other long enough to succeed.
Honestly speaking, the plot of this book was a bit slow. I didn't feel any real development in Becka and KJ's relationship until about halfway through the novel, and even then, it was quite graudual. I mean, I guess this was the most realistic way that the plot could have grown, because anything else would have felt rushed or underdeveloped.
The 'big reveal' that happened towards the end of the book was *extremely* predictable. I saw it coming from a mile away and it was quite satisfying to see how things turn out exactly the way I thought they would. It wasn't, however, boring as I had expected, and if anything, was actually really natural and memorable in how it came to a conclusion.
The characters, to me, at least, felt basically the same. Yes, they had different backstories and situations and problems that they were dealing with, but ultimately, they were written in the exactly same 'voice', if that makes sense. There were little things about them to make them seem like different 'people', but they were essentially the same 'character' - just two people to tell the story through.
While telling the story through the two different main characters did add a certain amount of detail to the story since it was told from their first-person perspectives, it didn't add much that couldn't be added with an omniscient third-person narrator, which, in and of itself is pretty sad to think about.
Overall, while I did really like the story and felt that it was centered around an interesting concept, this book was firmly mediocre for me. There was a certain emotional disconnect between the book's characters and what they experience and the reader, likely due to the copious amounts of 'telling' rather than 'showing'. That being said, it did make for a somewhat enjoyable read, and was fairly quick as well. I would probably recommend this to you if you like movies or dramas with similar plotlines.
September 1, 2021
Giveaway Win! But I enter so many that I dont know where I won it from.
2.5 Stars
This book was fine. There was nothing special about it, but not all books need to be special. Not Our Summer is quick, beachy summery read. It was super predictable. It was obvious from chapter one why the cousins mother's hate each other. I also saw the "twist" coming immediately but that's fine. If you just want a quick roadtrip read than Not Our Summer maybe worth picking up.
The reason I gave this book 2.5 Stars and not 3 Stars was because I hate it when a book/movie/tv show makes it seem like you have to let toxic people into your life just because they're your family. I don't think that true at all. If your mother is toxic it's okay to not have a relationship with her. If your entire family is a toxic mess than cut them off.
Overall I think this book is fine but I wouldn't recommend it.
2.5 Stars
This book was fine. There was nothing special about it, but not all books need to be special. Not Our Summer is quick, beachy summery read. It was super predictable. It was obvious from chapter one why the cousins mother's hate each other. I also saw the "twist" coming immediately but that's fine. If you just want a quick roadtrip read than Not Our Summer maybe worth picking up.
The reason I gave this book 2.5 Stars and not 3 Stars was because I hate it when a book/movie/tv show makes it seem like you have to let toxic people into your life just because they're your family. I don't think that true at all. If your mother is toxic it's okay to not have a relationship with her. If your entire family is a toxic mess than cut them off.
Overall I think this book is fine but I wouldn't recommend it.
May 14, 2021
Not Our Summer by Casie Bazay is a contemporary YA mystery thriller I guess? Becka and KJ, two cousins which are quite good and well developed characters. They go on 5 trips and a family feud which changes their summer completely. The story is quite fast forward and I enjoyed reading it. However, I wasn't much invested into the plot.
However, with each trip the cousins complete -- like riding mules into the Grand Canyon or encountering a bear and a hot tour guide at Yellowstone -- they steadily learn about and begin to trust one another. That is until the truth behind Grandpa's bucket list, and their family feud, is revealed, testing Becka and KJ far beyond their limits.
The constant fighting and arguing between the two cousins definitely annoyed me at point. And that reminded me of my childhood days with my sibling. But the suspense of their Grandpa's Bucket List and Hidden Truths about the family kept me going through the book.
_____
Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for the eARC!
However, with each trip the cousins complete -- like riding mules into the Grand Canyon or encountering a bear and a hot tour guide at Yellowstone -- they steadily learn about and begin to trust one another. That is until the truth behind Grandpa's bucket list, and their family feud, is revealed, testing Becka and KJ far beyond their limits.
The constant fighting and arguing between the two cousins definitely annoyed me at point. And that reminded me of my childhood days with my sibling. But the suspense of their Grandpa's Bucket List and Hidden Truths about the family kept me going through the book.
_____
Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for the eARC!
March 22, 2021
This book made me want to go on an adventure! See the Grand Canyon, go white water rafting, scuba dive, it all sounded like so much fun. K.J. and Becka get a chance to do these things and more when their grandpa abruptly dies and leaves them a large sum of money with once catch: they have to travel together to places Eli wished he could have gone. The girls don't get along and aren't sure if they'll survive a summer of trips, but they decide to try anyway.
I would love a chance to go on trips like K.J. and Becka and I'm going to have to plan some things for the summer. The girls have very different personalities and clash a lot at the beginning. We get to see both of their points of view and it was interesting that they both thought the other was the bad guy. With all this forced proximity, the cousins eventually talk and get to know each other's fears and goals. I enjoyed seeing K.J. start to have real ambitions for her future and Becka gain a confidant.
Other than a small part where K.J. made some poor decisions that frustrated me, I really liked both girls. The setting was a lot of fun and the pacing is very quick. I think this is a great road trip book and I look forward to the release!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Running Press Kids for the advanced copy.
I would love a chance to go on trips like K.J. and Becka and I'm going to have to plan some things for the summer. The girls have very different personalities and clash a lot at the beginning. We get to see both of their points of view and it was interesting that they both thought the other was the bad guy. With all this forced proximity, the cousins eventually talk and get to know each other's fears and goals. I enjoyed seeing K.J. start to have real ambitions for her future and Becka gain a confidant.
Other than a small part where K.J. made some poor decisions that frustrated me, I really liked both girls. The setting was a lot of fun and the pacing is very quick. I think this is a great road trip book and I look forward to the release!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Running Press Kids for the advanced copy.
December 1, 2020
A sweet, fast-paced story about family and forgiveness, NOS follows 2 cousins in the grips of a family feud, now asked to fulfill their grandfather's dying wishes: to complete a short bucket list of adventure-based activities meant to build a bond between the girls. The scenes are quick, reading much like a series of snapshots, as the girls grow to respect and eventually like each other. Though the story touches on grief and loss, class differences, and the forging of identity outside the initial family unit, the tone remains light and breezy throughout as we leap from canyon to car ride to coral reef to cattle pen. It's a comfort read, which suits these times well! You know where it's going when you start, with likable characters, lovely scenery, and an uplifting ending.
June 6, 2021
In Casie Bazay’s engaging new YA novel Not Our Summer, two likeable teens endeavor to complete an adventure neither of them wanted, determined to be themselves while trying to figure out each other. Perfectly paced, the story is terrific and pays off with a satisfying conclusion. Well done!
January 7, 2021
There’s nothing more dramatic than a death and a family feud. NOT OUR SUMMER, an engaging young adult story about a pair of high school cousins who do NOT get along, begins with both. Read during lockdown at my home in the UK, I didn’t realise how much I craved a road trip until the novel took me on one. Casie Bazay writes with clear, ungarnished prose that makes it easy to turn the pages. NOT OUR SUMMER is like hot chocolate in front of the campfire, a comforting treat you wish could go on forever. Here comes the details, so if you want to be entirely surprised by this absorbing book, stop reading this review now!
Cousins KJ and Becky try to have nothing to do with one another. A longtime rivalry between their respective mothers has seeped down to their generation and the cousins truly revile one another.
However, when their grandfather dies they are forced to see each other both at the funeral and at the mysterious meeting when their grandfather’s lawyer explains the terms of the inheritance laid down in the Will. It seems that if they expect to receive an inheritance, they must go on four separate adventures together across America. Their grandfather’s letter, written to them before this death, makes it clear he wants them to get to know one another on these trips and eventually accept and love one another as family.
Well, there is NO way they will do that.
But the money is too tempting….as much as they don’t like one another, they can’t resist the cash.
While the reader can guess the trajectory of enemies to friends, the characterisation between the two girls as they travel America makes the book easy to love. I was particularly drawn to KJ’s situation. As the only child of a mother who earns little and gambles a lot, she’s never hope for much of a future for herself. But if she were to inherit from her grandfather, she has a chance at going to college. For the first time, she begins taking her grades seriously and I was rooting hard for her to succeed!
As for the road trips, each comes with its own set of challenges that the reader enjoys. And Bazay has more in store, too. A family secret, hidden from both KJ and Becky, breaks open wider the feud between families, threatening to make matters even worse.
Woven together by the alternating first person narratives of KJ and Becky, this affectionate little novel may prove difficult for readers to to put down. All I know is that I gulped it down in two sittings and now I want to go scuba-diving in the Florida keys with these girls…
Cousins KJ and Becky try to have nothing to do with one another. A longtime rivalry between their respective mothers has seeped down to their generation and the cousins truly revile one another.
However, when their grandfather dies they are forced to see each other both at the funeral and at the mysterious meeting when their grandfather’s lawyer explains the terms of the inheritance laid down in the Will. It seems that if they expect to receive an inheritance, they must go on four separate adventures together across America. Their grandfather’s letter, written to them before this death, makes it clear he wants them to get to know one another on these trips and eventually accept and love one another as family.
Well, there is NO way they will do that.
But the money is too tempting….as much as they don’t like one another, they can’t resist the cash.
While the reader can guess the trajectory of enemies to friends, the characterisation between the two girls as they travel America makes the book easy to love. I was particularly drawn to KJ’s situation. As the only child of a mother who earns little and gambles a lot, she’s never hope for much of a future for herself. But if she were to inherit from her grandfather, she has a chance at going to college. For the first time, she begins taking her grades seriously and I was rooting hard for her to succeed!
As for the road trips, each comes with its own set of challenges that the reader enjoys. And Bazay has more in store, too. A family secret, hidden from both KJ and Becky, breaks open wider the feud between families, threatening to make matters even worse.
Woven together by the alternating first person narratives of KJ and Becky, this affectionate little novel may prove difficult for readers to to put down. All I know is that I gulped it down in two sittings and now I want to go scuba-diving in the Florida keys with these girls…
March 22, 2021
This book was just what I needed right now!
KJ and Becka are forced to experience five tasks in order to receive the inheritance left for them by their grandfather Eli. Their mother's have hated each other for as long as they can remember and because of that KJ and Becka have always seen each other as the enemy. The intention of completing these tasks is Eli's way of bringing them together. His hope is that even if their mother's never get along again that at least the two girls can build a relationship with each other.
The tasks Eli has coordinated consist of a Mule ride and overnight campout in the Grand Canyon, hiking in Yellowstone National Park, river rafting in South Carolina, Snuba Diving (snorkling and scuba) in Key West, and the final task lands them in an event in their local rodeo. All of the places Eli would have loved to have visited and activities he'd have loved to participate in if he hadn't struggled with Agoraphobia for so many years. All of these adventures will make you want to jump on the travel bus anywhere!
I really enjoyed this story. I love a good YA Contemporary that deals with strained relationships and the ways people can come together to understand one another. KJ is much harder on Becka but that is because she sees her as the one who has everything she doesn't. Becka lives in a nice house while KJ lives in a trailer. Becka has scholarships to college and KJ has never even believed she'd be smart enough to go. They are complete opposites but after spending many hours in the car and being put into situations where they're forced to communicate with each other they find out they have a lot more in common than they thought.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of stories like The Geography of Lost Things, Picture Us in the Light, or The Infinite Pieces of Us.
KJ and Becka are forced to experience five tasks in order to receive the inheritance left for them by their grandfather Eli. Their mother's have hated each other for as long as they can remember and because of that KJ and Becka have always seen each other as the enemy. The intention of completing these tasks is Eli's way of bringing them together. His hope is that even if their mother's never get along again that at least the two girls can build a relationship with each other.
The tasks Eli has coordinated consist of a Mule ride and overnight campout in the Grand Canyon, hiking in Yellowstone National Park, river rafting in South Carolina, Snuba Diving (snorkling and scuba) in Key West, and the final task lands them in an event in their local rodeo. All of the places Eli would have loved to have visited and activities he'd have loved to participate in if he hadn't struggled with Agoraphobia for so many years. All of these adventures will make you want to jump on the travel bus anywhere!
I really enjoyed this story. I love a good YA Contemporary that deals with strained relationships and the ways people can come together to understand one another. KJ is much harder on Becka but that is because she sees her as the one who has everything she doesn't. Becka lives in a nice house while KJ lives in a trailer. Becka has scholarships to college and KJ has never even believed she'd be smart enough to go. They are complete opposites but after spending many hours in the car and being put into situations where they're forced to communicate with each other they find out they have a lot more in common than they thought.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of stories like The Geography of Lost Things, Picture Us in the Light, or The Infinite Pieces of Us.
February 4, 2021
I got this eARC from Netgalley in exhange for a honesy review
2.5 stars.
The cover is so beautiful. I had so much hopes that i`d really like the characters and the story, but i was just not interested or invested, sadly.
2.5 stars.
The cover is so beautiful. I had so much hopes that i`d really like the characters and the story, but i was just not interested or invested, sadly.
June 22, 2021
This is a lovely book about strained familial relationships, the secrets we keep, and moving out of comfort zones. Casie Bazay presents us with Becka and KJ, estranged cousins due to an enduring animosity between their mothers. They are nothing alike but this odd couple is sent on a life-changing journey thanks to instructions in their late grandfather's will. An agoraphobic entomologist, Eli's wish is that his granddaughter's would be able to form the relationship his daughters haven't had in years. His will stipulates they must complete a series of items from his bucket list before they can receive an inheritance that would more than pay for their college. Neither of them welcome the opportunity to be alone together completing these adventures. Their mutual animosity nearly sabotages the first two legs of the journey due to their petty squabbles, passive-aggressive behavior, and unwillingness to accept each other. It was tempting to pick a side in their dysfunction because that is what we tend to do in these stories. The feud between the mothers has passed to their daughters for reasons that are revealed in layers throughout the book. I think what Casie Bazay gets right here is the way the girls have to drop their defenses to end the cycle of fighting. This is a heartwarming story. Perfect for your beach or poolside reading.
June 2, 2021
Becka and K.J. didn’t really know each other due to the “family feud”, but their grandfather had a plan that would hopefully reunite them. Unbeknownst to the family, Grandpa Eli left them an inheritance, however, there was a catch. Becka and K.J. had to take the bucket list trips he planned, but was unable to complete due to his agoraphobia. The question – would Eli’s plan work or would it drive them further apart?
I had a great time taking this journey with Becka and K.J. I can’t say it wasn’t without its bumps, but the forward progress far exceeded the setbacks. It was a pleasure watching the cousins peel back all the years of their mothers’ animosity to truly see each other. You all know I am alway here for the heartwarming stuff, and Not Our Summer gave me that and more.
The trips were probably one of my favorite parts of this book. I swear COVID has made me appreciate any sort of travel more than I ever have, and Grandpa Eli planned a rather incredible list of destinations and activities for K.J. and Becka. The first trip was to the Grand Canyon, and I was excited to relive my recent visit with them. We then traveled to Yellowstone, rode the rapids in North Carolina, went to Key West for snuba diving, and took some risks at a local rodeo. Each trip was a thrill, and it was wonderful to see these two learn a bit more about each other with each outing.
Then, there were Eli’s letters to the girls. Look, I am a total sap, so Eli reaching out with wisdom from beyond the grave made my heart pitter-pat. I was sort of sad, that the girls didn’t get to have these conversations with him when he was alive, but I loved that he took the time to write these letters to leave them with some guidance to navigate their complicated family. I have seen this plot device before, but I thought it was utilized really well in this story.
Families can be complicated, and K.J. and Becka’s was REALLY complicated. I loved how their grandfather plotted their reunion from the afterlife, and I had a great time traveling with them. Each trip not only helped them understand each other, they helped them understand themselves. The very end may have left me with a few tears too.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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I had a great time taking this journey with Becka and K.J. I can’t say it wasn’t without its bumps, but the forward progress far exceeded the setbacks. It was a pleasure watching the cousins peel back all the years of their mothers’ animosity to truly see each other. You all know I am alway here for the heartwarming stuff, and Not Our Summer gave me that and more.
The trips were probably one of my favorite parts of this book. I swear COVID has made me appreciate any sort of travel more than I ever have, and Grandpa Eli planned a rather incredible list of destinations and activities for K.J. and Becka. The first trip was to the Grand Canyon, and I was excited to relive my recent visit with them. We then traveled to Yellowstone, rode the rapids in North Carolina, went to Key West for snuba diving, and took some risks at a local rodeo. Each trip was a thrill, and it was wonderful to see these two learn a bit more about each other with each outing.
Then, there were Eli’s letters to the girls. Look, I am a total sap, so Eli reaching out with wisdom from beyond the grave made my heart pitter-pat. I was sort of sad, that the girls didn’t get to have these conversations with him when he was alive, but I loved that he took the time to write these letters to leave them with some guidance to navigate their complicated family. I have seen this plot device before, but I thought it was utilized really well in this story.
Families can be complicated, and K.J. and Becka’s was REALLY complicated. I loved how their grandfather plotted their reunion from the afterlife, and I had a great time traveling with them. Each trip not only helped them understand each other, they helped them understand themselves. The very end may have left me with a few tears too.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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November 23, 2020
This was such a fun book with a really sweet (but not sappy or sentimental!) core. I loved that this was a cousins story, which set it apart from other "friends" road trip or "bucket list" stories I've read. Both K.J. and Becka were believable and each had a unique voice that gave a lot of flavor to their respective chapters. The different adventures they have together were exciting to read about, and I loved how each one changed their relationship. The change in their feelings toward one another was slow and incremental, and very believable. One step forward....two steps back., just like repairing a seriously damaged relationship in real life. There's a twist at the end that I didn't see coming at all, but once it was out there, it made everything make so much more sense. Very well handled by the author! I'd highly recommend this as fun summer read about family, friendship, forgiveness, and the healing power of a good adventure.
December 15, 2020
I very much enjoyed this novel. It follows two teenage girls as they carry out tasks their grandfather has planned for them. I found the teenage angst and sass to be genuine and believable.
There was a big thing I didn’t understand. The mothers of the story hate each other, for reasons you find out later in the story. But, why would speak so poorly of your niece that by the time she and your own daughter are teenaged, they hate each other? It’s obvious that both mothers do this. That’s a family dynamic that I just don’t get.
Otherwise, the characters are well developed and the plot and timelines work. The outcome of the story, the ending, was satisfying and fit with the story. Overall, I would recommend this book to others.
There was a big thing I didn’t understand. The mothers of the story hate each other, for reasons you find out later in the story. But, why would speak so poorly of your niece that by the time she and your own daughter are teenaged, they hate each other? It’s obvious that both mothers do this. That’s a family dynamic that I just don’t get.
Otherwise, the characters are well developed and the plot and timelines work. The outcome of the story, the ending, was satisfying and fit with the story. Overall, I would recommend this book to others.
November 19, 2020
Casie Bazay’s NOT OUR SUMMER ticks so many boxes for me. I love voicey novels, and Becka’s and K.J.’s voices sing. I’m a sucker for road trip stories – check, again. And I’m a big fan of National Parks, so the scenes in places like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are just icing on the cake. Told in alternating points of view, including letters from the girls’ recently deceased grandfather, NOT OUR SUMMER brought tears to my eyes as Becka and K.J. are reminded, again and again, of the importance of family and of making it count while you still have the time. Thank you to NetGalley and to Running Press/Hachette for the eARC.
January 21, 2021
Thank you to Perseus Books and Running Press for letting me read an eARC on Net Galley! This story was sweet and wholesome and gave me a little sense of adventure. Especially being stuck in the house with what's going on in the world today it was nice to be able to go along with Becka and KJ as they try and complete their grandfather's bucket list. I loved the dynamic of having both girls perspectives at times but also their grandfathers as well. It really brought the story full circle. I highly recommend picking this one up, I know I will be!
December 9, 2020
A wonderful, heart-felt read that will transport you to the days we could travel and experience adventure outside our own home, to the days we could hug our loved-ones. If you're in need of an escape, I highly recommend completing this bucket list adventure with K.J and Becka.
December 31, 2021
This book follows 18-year-old cousins KJ and Becka, who hate each other due to a family feud. But when their grandpa dies and leaves them a crap ton of money on the condition that they complete his bucket list together, they learn that maybe they can get along after all — and that their family might have lied to them about the REAL reason the feud started ...
As much as I love a good romance, there’s a lack of YA that focuses on non-romantic relationships, so if you’re looking for one of those then this book is for you! I loved seeing KJ and Becka develop their relationship throughout the story — and even though there are some smatterings of romance (*cough* hot tour guide *cough*), the focus is firmly on family.
The travels the cousins go on are super fun, and after a year of being in a global panini, it was really cathartic to read about! It’s definitely a book that’s on the quieter side, where the stakes are more intimate and personal — so while I kind of wish there was a little more action, it was a refreshing break from my usual high fantasy fare. FWIW I did read it in a day, so clearly it kept me turning pages :D I’m also a sucker for a Southern setting — it really made me feel at home!
Thanks to Running Press/Hachette for the ebook review copy!
As much as I love a good romance, there’s a lack of YA that focuses on non-romantic relationships, so if you’re looking for one of those then this book is for you! I loved seeing KJ and Becka develop their relationship throughout the story — and even though there are some smatterings of romance (*cough* hot tour guide *cough*), the focus is firmly on family.
The travels the cousins go on are super fun, and after a year of being in a global panini, it was really cathartic to read about! It’s definitely a book that’s on the quieter side, where the stakes are more intimate and personal — so while I kind of wish there was a little more action, it was a refreshing break from my usual high fantasy fare. FWIW I did read it in a day, so clearly it kept me turning pages :D I’m also a sucker for a Southern setting — it really made me feel at home!
Thanks to Running Press/Hachette for the ebook review copy!
June 17, 2021
This book tells the story of the two estranged cousins who must work together on a road trip in order to fulfill their late grandfather's dying wish of reuniting them and to gain their inheritance. This was such a fun and engaging summer read! I'm always a sucker for contemporary YA told in dual POVs, and Bazay is masterful at capturing the unique voices of both of her female protagonists, KJ and Becka. The pace is quick, and I was fully immersed in the story. I can't wait to read more of Casie Bazay's work!
November 13, 2020
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Not Our Summer in exchange for an honest review.
Not Our Summer is not expectation defying. It's 2 girls completing a bucketlist and travelling from enemies to frenemies. It's cute and campy and a fun quick read. I just wish we got a little more development into either girl's mother considering their the whole reason for the feud in the first place or even more flashback scenes between the girls and the people they've lost in their life. There were a lot of beats here that felt like they were supposed to be emotional, but were so unsupported that they ended up feeling hollow.
Not Our Summer is not expectation defying. It's 2 girls completing a bucketlist and travelling from enemies to frenemies. It's cute and campy and a fun quick read. I just wish we got a little more development into either girl's mother considering their the whole reason for the feud in the first place or even more flashback scenes between the girls and the people they've lost in their life. There were a lot of beats here that felt like they were supposed to be emotional, but were so unsupported that they ended up feeling hollow.
November 14, 2020
*𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸
I enjoyed this book! Casie Bazay did an great job with the writing of this novel. For the most part, I didn't find myself becoming bored of the plot or the characters, and I was always excited to see what came next. It was easily cliché, but I didn't mind reading on because the book is worth it.
I liked Becka’s and KJ’s character development because they both learned from each other and that allowed them to grow. Eli’s letters were so amazing, overall a very sold debut novel.
I enjoyed this book! Casie Bazay did an great job with the writing of this novel. For the most part, I didn't find myself becoming bored of the plot or the characters, and I was always excited to see what came next. It was easily cliché, but I didn't mind reading on because the book is worth it.
I liked Becka’s and KJ’s character development because they both learned from each other and that allowed them to grow. Eli’s letters were so amazing, overall a very sold debut novel.
May 12, 2021
welp
why didn't I read this book until now
like whaattttt soooo underrated and such a hidden gem
I've been wanting to read this for a while and Casie Bazay did a really good job with this book.
I found myself enjoying the characters and this was literally adorable
and come on, what get's better than a ROAD TRIP and family drama haha.
ANYWAYS I really enjoyed this and it was a very nice and refreshing read :) (ROMANCE WAS NOT A FOCUS!! ROMANCELESS!!!)
(sorry I read this without you m...👉👈 :p)
why didn't I read this book until now
like whaattttt soooo underrated and such a hidden gem
I've been wanting to read this for a while and Casie Bazay did a really good job with this book.
I found myself enjoying the characters and this was literally adorable
and come on, what get's better than a ROAD TRIP and family drama haha.
ANYWAYS I really enjoyed this and it was a very nice and refreshing read :) (ROMANCE WAS NOT A FOCUS!! ROMANCELESS!!!)
(sorry I read this without you m...👉👈 :p)
May 23, 2021
Two teenage cousins, virtual strangers to one another, are thrown together in a summer saga. The bitter feelings between the girls’ mothers are clear but unexplained. K.J. lives in a run-down trailer in a mobile home park, raised by a single mother in a dead-end job; her sarcastic and trashy attitude masks a feeling of hopelessness. Becka, a successful, college-bound soccer star, seems to have everything going for her. When their grandfather dies, the girls and their mothers are brought together by the promise of an inheritance which will be split four ways - if the girls complete a series of trips and adventures together. The book has the feel of a scavenger hunt, as the characters (and the reader) learn more about one another and about themselves. The gradual unfolding of secrets is beautifully done, and the summertime trips make this the perfect read. Since I am always a fan of the underdog, K.J. was my favorite, but it’s interesting to consider which character benefited the most from Grandfather’s bequest. Compelling story!
April 19, 2021
Not Our Summer follows K.J. and Becka, two cousins, as they face a series of challenges. When their grandfather died, he left them a sizable inheritance on the condition that they take a series of family vacations. Although this could seem to be a simple task, K.J. and Becka are bitter enemies due to unresolved family issues. They gradually come to understand each other over the course of the journey, all while enjoying the time of their lives.
Not Our Summer does not defy expectations. It's about two girls who are working on a bucket list and going from rivals to frenemies. It's sweet and campy, and it's a simple and enjoyable read. I just wish we had a bit more development into either girl's mother, given that they are the root of the feud, or maybe more flashback scenes between the girls and the people they've lost in their lives. A couple of the beats here sounded like they were going to be dramatic, but they were so unsupported that they ended up sounding empty.
Since the story is so character-driven, it was critical that I liked the characters. I'm pleased to report that I did! Becka and K.J. both had their own distinct voice, and I loved each of them. It was so moving to see them reunited, particularly because it felt so genuine. They didn't just become best friends and forget about their years of animosity. Instead, they'd make some gains but lose them, before making some more. I was cheering for them the whole time due to the sluggish process, and I was really pleased with the outcome!
This was a great book for me! Casie Bazay did an excellent job with this novel's prose. I didn't get annoyed with the story or the characters for the most part, and I was always eager to see what happened next. It was quickly cliché, but I didn't mind because the book was well worth the read.
I'll be on the lookout for them, given how much I loved this! I enjoyed hearing about the wonderful places these girls visited; they were all so lush and lovely. If you enjoy contemporary fiction, you'll enjoy this novel.
Thank you to Perseus Books and Running Press for letting me read an eARC on Net Galley!
Not Our Summer does not defy expectations. It's about two girls who are working on a bucket list and going from rivals to frenemies. It's sweet and campy, and it's a simple and enjoyable read. I just wish we had a bit more development into either girl's mother, given that they are the root of the feud, or maybe more flashback scenes between the girls and the people they've lost in their lives. A couple of the beats here sounded like they were going to be dramatic, but they were so unsupported that they ended up sounding empty.
Since the story is so character-driven, it was critical that I liked the characters. I'm pleased to report that I did! Becka and K.J. both had their own distinct voice, and I loved each of them. It was so moving to see them reunited, particularly because it felt so genuine. They didn't just become best friends and forget about their years of animosity. Instead, they'd make some gains but lose them, before making some more. I was cheering for them the whole time due to the sluggish process, and I was really pleased with the outcome!
This was a great book for me! Casie Bazay did an excellent job with this novel's prose. I didn't get annoyed with the story or the characters for the most part, and I was always eager to see what happened next. It was quickly cliché, but I didn't mind because the book was well worth the read.
I'll be on the lookout for them, given how much I loved this! I enjoyed hearing about the wonderful places these girls visited; they were all so lush and lovely. If you enjoy contemporary fiction, you'll enjoy this novel.
Thank you to Perseus Books and Running Press for letting me read an eARC on Net Galley!
November 24, 2020
This book was truly a pleasant surprise. I went in blind, and my hopes weren't the highest based off of the cover, but I really liked this. It was a super quick read, but it was wholesome.
Not Our Summer follows two cousins, K.J. and Becka on a series of challenges. After their grandfather passed away, he left them a large inheritance on one condition; that they go on a series of vacations together. While this may sound easy, K.J. and Becka hate each other, due to unresolved family drama. Over the course of the trip, they slowly grow to understand each other, all while having the trip of their lives.
The plot of this is pretty character-driven, so it was super important that I liked the characters. I'm happy to say that I did! Becka and K.J. both had their own unique voice, and I really liked them both. Watching them reconnect was so touching, especially because it felt realistic. They didn't immediately become besties and forget the years of hate. Instead, they'd make a little progress, and then lose it, and then make a little more. The slow process had me rooting for them the entire time, and I was super happy with how this ended!
The twist that happens around the 60% mark actually really surprised me, I wasn't expecting to be shocked in a character-driven book. And, even better, the twist felt natural, not like it was thrown in just to add page time. I loved what it added to the story.
I do have to admit that I haven't read many novels about bucket lists, but considering how much I enjoyed this, I'll be on the lookout for them! I loved reading the descriptions of the fabulous places these girls traveled, they were so lush and beautiful. If you're a fan of contemporary, you'll love this book!
Thanks to Casie Bazay and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Not Our Summer follows two cousins, K.J. and Becka on a series of challenges. After their grandfather passed away, he left them a large inheritance on one condition; that they go on a series of vacations together. While this may sound easy, K.J. and Becka hate each other, due to unresolved family drama. Over the course of the trip, they slowly grow to understand each other, all while having the trip of their lives.
The plot of this is pretty character-driven, so it was super important that I liked the characters. I'm happy to say that I did! Becka and K.J. both had their own unique voice, and I really liked them both. Watching them reconnect was so touching, especially because it felt realistic. They didn't immediately become besties and forget the years of hate. Instead, they'd make a little progress, and then lose it, and then make a little more. The slow process had me rooting for them the entire time, and I was super happy with how this ended!
The twist that happens around the 60% mark actually really surprised me, I wasn't expecting to be shocked in a character-driven book. And, even better, the twist felt natural, not like it was thrown in just to add page time. I loved what it added to the story.
I do have to admit that I haven't read many novels about bucket lists, but considering how much I enjoyed this, I'll be on the lookout for them! I loved reading the descriptions of the fabulous places these girls traveled, they were so lush and beautiful. If you're a fan of contemporary, you'll love this book!
Thanks to Casie Bazay and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
November 28, 2020
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I rarely read contemporary YA stories, but I was intrigued by the premise (two cousins who hate each other, trying to finish their grandfather's bucket list in order to earn their inheritance - so original!). I found myself completely hooked from the first page ("grasshopper-green death box" had me literally CACKLING out loud!) and I swallowed this entire thing in one great gulp. FANTASTIC voice, compelling characters, smooth pace - and a really interesting family dynamic. This story has so much *heart* - it's about forgiveness, moving forward, forging new relationships even if they're built on the pieces of broken foundations. It's about mistakes and second chances - but there's a solid core of truth here, too. No one gets an easy pass. This is about friendship, sisterhood, adventure, and choosing how you step into the future. I *loved* it. Highly recommended.
December 30, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley for the arc
I read so much fantasy that these light-hearted books are such a relief. Now I know this deal with death and family disputes but no one kills each other. Right? I devoured this book in two days because I just couldn't get enough of K.J. and Becka. They are such good characters, and I had a good time with them.
At the start of the book, KJ was definitely my favorite, but I slowly started to warm up to Becka. I eventually understood why she was the way she was, and how much they hated each other. This book blew me away 5/5 stars, I highly recommend everyone to read this.
I read so much fantasy that these light-hearted books are such a relief. Now I know this deal with death and family disputes but no one kills each other. Right? I devoured this book in two days because I just couldn't get enough of K.J. and Becka. They are such good characters, and I had a good time with them.
At the start of the book, KJ was definitely my favorite, but I slowly started to warm up to Becka. I eventually understood why she was the way she was, and how much they hated each other. This book blew me away 5/5 stars, I highly recommend everyone to read this.
November 29, 2020
NOT OUR SUMMER immediately pulled me in from the first pages. KJ and Becka are well developed characters with distinct, compelling voices. I found myself rooting for both of them and hoping they would mend their estranged relationship. Their feud felt very realistic. I've never read a book about cousins and NOT OUR SUMMER was a refreshing read. Especially now when travel is limited, I also loved reading about the various adventures the girls took as part of their grandfather's bucket list. This is a heartwarming story about the importance of family and relationships. A great read!
March 19, 2021
Heartwarming story about to cousin at odd due to an inherited feud. I really enjoyed the road trip aspect of the story line and the different point of view of the characters that come from very different backgrounds. It’s a heart warming feel good story. I found the storyline easy to read and the characters very endearing. Wonderful debut novel can’t wait to read more from Casie Bazay.
Read
June 15, 2021TW: dead relative / grief
Not Our Summer is about two cousins named K.J. and Becka. They aren't on good terms because of drama between their mothers so when they find out their grandfather left them an inheritance, they are annoyed to learn they only get it if they do certain tasks. They have to take trips and do things their grandfather never got to do- like ride a mule through the Grand Canyon. On each trip they learn more about each other until a family secret is revealed that will test their new friendship.
Not gonna lie this book depressed the hell out of me. I loved the idea of it but personally it didn't go as I would have liked. I always mention it when books do this but lists of things characters have to do? Yes please I love that. But this list just seemed a little short, stretched out, and could have been better. Also I lowkey hated one of the MCs. I understand 1000% where K.J. was coming from but oh my god her personality was just no. Becka was alright but even she was judgemental as hell.
I wanted more from the trips I guess. It was deep into the book and on the second to last trip that they finally started hating each other a little less but by that point I was tried from all the bitching and fighting they were doing every step of the way. Also on every trip they just kept meeting random new people and it was ??? The trips themselves were very outdoorsy which made sense but please I'm bored.
Could have been better, could have been worse.
Not Our Summer is about two cousins named K.J. and Becka. They aren't on good terms because of drama between their mothers so when they find out their grandfather left them an inheritance, they are annoyed to learn they only get it if they do certain tasks. They have to take trips and do things their grandfather never got to do- like ride a mule through the Grand Canyon. On each trip they learn more about each other until a family secret is revealed that will test their new friendship.
Not gonna lie this book depressed the hell out of me. I loved the idea of it but personally it didn't go as I would have liked. I always mention it when books do this but lists of things characters have to do? Yes please I love that. But this list just seemed a little short, stretched out, and could have been better. Also I lowkey hated one of the MCs. I understand 1000% where K.J. was coming from but oh my god her personality was just no. Becka was alright but even she was judgemental as hell.
I wanted more from the trips I guess. It was deep into the book and on the second to last trip that they finally started hating each other a little less but by that point I was tried from all the bitching and fighting they were doing every step of the way. Also on every trip they just kept meeting random new people and it was ??? The trips themselves were very outdoorsy which made sense but please I'm bored.
Could have been better, could have been worse.
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