The Last Summer (of You and Me) by Ann Brashares

The Last Summer (of You and Me)

by: Ann Brashares

From Amazon:

Riley and Alice, two sisters now in their twenties, and as fiercely different as they are loyal, have spent every summer at their parents’ modest beach house on New York’s Fire Island. Each year, they return to the house and community they have known since they were children—and to Paul, the boy next door. But this summer marks a season of change: budding love and sexual interest, an illness, and a deep secret force all three to confront the increasing complexities of their lives and friendships.

From Me:

This book was incredible in so many different ways...I don't know even where to begin. Yes call me a loser. This was the first book I ever read by Ann Brashares...and remains to be the only one. Why? I couldn't really tell you. I have high expectations for the Sisterhood...but I just haven't read it.

This was Ann's very first novel written specifically for adults, but that doesn't mean you have to be an adult to enjoy it.

The entire novel (just about) takes place on this small island right outside of New York called Fire Island (yes this island actually exists...and it is a new goal in my life to one day live there.)

We have Alice, Riley and Paul who have all three spent almost every summer there since they were children, they grew up together and seemed to never be seperated during these summers. But Paul for some reason has been absent to the island over the past three summers, but he comes back, and that's where the story begins.

From the beginning there's a tension between Alice and Paul. Why? We don't really find out at the beginning, but we have Alice and Riley, two sisters who are so different - but yet also the same. During this transition stage we learn alot, particularly about their families, Paul's being pretty much non-existent while Alice and Riley's being constantly there.

It's a very gradual change from friend to more then that with Alice and Paul, but yet we expect it. When it finally comes full circle it's like we alway's knew, like it was the most natural thing in the world. They care about eachother so deeply, it's like it was a mutual feeling since childhood that was just then recognized.

But then tradgedy strikes.

This book is one so full of love, friendship, and even loss. It's beautiful in everyway, lyrical even. Reading it is like visiting an old friend and it is one of my favorite books.

It had me laughing, smiling, crying, and finally never wishing for it to end. I wanted to stay on Fire Island forever, but alas. That's just what amazing Fiction does sometimes.

It's a 10. For sure.

ALSO-

On a different note - please submit any and all questions you may have for Suzanne Selfors, or Cheryl Rennee Herbsman please let me know. I will be sure to ask them in the upcoming interview. Just leave an e-mail or a comment and I'll be sure and add it to the list :]

Thanks guys.

Oh and Favoriters...are my favorite! haha. <3

Review by Christina! :]