Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler REVIEW

 Twenty Boy Summer

by Sarah Ockler

Synopsis:

According to Anna’s best friend, Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy every day, there’s a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there’s something she hasn’t told Frankie–she’s already had her romance, and it was with Frankie’s older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.

TWENTY BOY SUMMER explores what it truly means to love someone, what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every beautiful moment life has to offer.

Review:

I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful and well written this book was. I was drawn in from the very beginning. For me, this was the type of story I could get lost in. It was heartbreaking, beautiful and full of the kind of love that can never really be broken or forgotten.

Anna and Frankie are best friends. Frankie doesn't know before her brother Matt died, a romance started between him and Anna. With this secret still hidden from everyone, Anna is still figuring out where she fits into the grieving process and the value of her grief. When Anna is invited to go along on Frankie's family summer vacation they make a plan to make this the best summer ever with the Twenty Boy plan. With hopes, dreams and secret loves Anna and Frankie find themselves and each other. 

I absolutely adored this story. For some reason I expected something more fun and upbeat, however, this was so much different than I expected. It was actually a lot better than I thought it would be. I experienced so many emotions throughout this book. It had me smiling, on the verge of tears and completely anxious over and over. It was a roller coaster of the very best kind. 

This story isn't always pleasant, it's not always easy to read but it is totally worth the read. It will make you believe in the type of love that is rare and beautiful in all its forms. It's a story of friendship, healing, and growing up.