Rating: ★★★★★
SYNOPSIS
It was Sloane who yanked Emily out of her shell and made life 100% interesting. But right before what should have been the most epic summer, Sloane just…disappears. All she leaves behind is a to-do list.
On it, thirteen Sloane-inspired tasks that Emily would normally never try. But what if they could bring her best friend back?
Apple picking at night? Okay, easy enough.
Dance until dawn? Sure. Why not?
Kiss a stranger? Um…
Emily now has this unexpected summer, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected), to check things off Sloane’s list. Who knows what she’ll find?
Go skinny-dipping? Wait…what?
A bit of warning: this review might have spoilers, so do not read on if you don’t want to be spoiled.
When I first heard about this book, it was by Zoe at ReadbyZoe. Her topic was Favorite Book Covers (you can click on the video to see what other books that she has on her list). It was her showing the dust cover for this book, that made me want to read the book. And boy, I am glad that I did!
This book. The Feels. I wanted to smack Sloane for her decisions that she made. I also wanted to smack Emily for not being strong enough to live without Sloane. I like their idea of doing a list, it made them have the courage to do what it is being asked to do, within reasons, of course.
Here’s the list and before you object, the list is on the back of the dust page so there are no spoilers when it comes to the list.
- Kiss a stranger
- Go skinny-dipping
- Steal something
- Break something
- Penelope
- Ride a house, yer cowpoke
- 55 S. Avenue ask for Mona
- The backless dress. And somewhere to wear it.
- Dance till dawn
- Share secrets in the dark
- Hug a Jamie
- Apple picking at night
- Sleep under the stars
When I read the list and it made me what she has in mind on how Emily would cross one out. As I read on, it made me go “Ohhhh. I did not think of that.” I love how eventually she made friends on her own that she could lead on, not just one person. She can lead on others to help her to reach the list. she learned how to depends on others but on herself as well. Yes, at first, she was a bit lost on what to do, and not knowing how to deal with people by herself. I think Frank helped her to be braver.
Ohhhh… do not get me started on the side characters. I wish that these characters have more time in the book. I love them. I want to know them more. There are three mains: Emily, Sloane, and Frank. The sides: Collins, Dawn, Beckett, Sam, Gideon, Emily’s parents, etc. I am hoping that Ms. Matson would do a spin-off book, with Collins most of the all. He’s my #1 fave. I believe that we do not know any more than what has revealed in the book. I believe there is so much to say about him.
The writing. It is so easy to read and it’s fast. It is not dense at all. You’d breeze through them like that. *snap fingers* I love the fact that she added lists of playlists, and make it fit Frank and Emily and their characters. I loved that. I really do. I really need to read her other books, such as Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour, Second Chance Summer, and The Unexpected Everything. (I already have this book, and maybe I’ll read it for September…)
Finally, I couldn’t give this book any lower than 5 stars. Maybe I will find mistakes eventually BUT this book gave me feels, gave me happy, it made me smile, and make me go “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU, EMILY?!” It got me rooting for Emily and Frank. I loved this book. I know I have said that many times but it’s true. I truly loved this book.
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