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How My Summer Went Up in Flames
by
Rosie’s always been impulsive. She didn’t intend to set her cheating ex-boyfriend’s car on fire. And she never thought her attempts to make amends could be considered stalking. So when she’s served with a temporary restraining order on the first day of summer vacation, she’s heartbroken—and furious.
To put distance between Rosie and her ex, Rosie’s parents send her on a cro ...more
To put distance between Rosie and her ex, Rosie’s parents send her on a cro ...more
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Hardcover, 307 pages
Published
May 7th 2013
by Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
(first published May 3rd 2013)
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yana
It started in New Jersey.
ClaraBelle
I would say don’t read this book. Ever.
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Start your review of How My Summer Went Up in Flames

How My Summer Went Up in Flames is a perfect summer read: light, funny and with a touch of romance.
After finding out that her boyfriend, Joey cheated on her, Rosie does what most of us only fantasize about doing, she sets his car on fire. She didn’t mean to do it, she was only burning her mementos from their relationship in his driveway when things somehow got out of control and his car became causality. But this doesn’t matter because that “minor” incident results in a Temporary Restraining Ord ...more
After finding out that her boyfriend, Joey cheated on her, Rosie does what most of us only fantasize about doing, she sets his car on fire. She didn’t mean to do it, she was only burning her mementos from their relationship in his driveway when things somehow got out of control and his car became causality. But this doesn’t matter because that “minor” incident results in a Temporary Restraining Ord ...more

Wow. Am I really the only one who hated this? I mean, I can't say that my opinion of this book is entirely its own fault, after reading 'Amy & Roger's Epic Detour' I guess my standards were set pretty high, I love that book, and therefore was fairly excited when I picked up 'How My Summer Went Up in Flames', expecting great things.
I was heavily disappointed. First of all, Rosie annoyed me so much. Half of the duration of the plot she was mooning over Joey, then Logan, then taking Matty for grant ...more
I was heavily disappointed. First of all, Rosie annoyed me so much. Half of the duration of the plot she was mooning over Joey, then Logan, then taking Matty for grant ...more

Reading How My Summer Went Up in Flames was so much fun. I am pretty sure the author was giggling as she came up with some of the parts that made me laugh out loud. Highly recommend. More in a few days... 4.5 stars.
Full Review:
This so does not read like a first novel. I predict that Jennifer Salvato Doktorski has a long and successful career ahead of her, much like Lauren Barnholdt or Jennifer Echols. The writing is literally laugh-out-loud hilarious, and I am much more a smiler than a laugher w ...more
Full Review:
This so does not read like a first novel. I predict that Jennifer Salvato Doktorski has a long and successful career ahead of her, much like Lauren Barnholdt or Jennifer Echols. The writing is literally laugh-out-loud hilarious, and I am much more a smiler than a laugher w ...more

Sep 07, 2020
Ruby Rose
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
13 and up!
Recommended to Ruby Rose by:
Becca da Romance Queen
Hey everyone! This book is a must read for everyone... but I am here to pick the spots in this book you should know that this book has in it... I hate it when I run into things in books. I read this as a Buddy Read with the wonderful Becca da Romance Queen ! Check her out with the link below. You also can read our discussion with the link below that!
PARENT NOTE: The whole point of this book is how Rosie blows up her ex-boyfriend's car because he cheated on her and then she gets charged with bl ...more
PARENT NOTE: The whole point of this book is how Rosie blows up her ex-boyfriend's car because he cheated on her and then she gets charged with bl ...more

Apr 16, 2017
Alaina
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
contemporary,
favorites,
january-challenge-2018,
humor,
free-ebook,
chick-lit,
fiction,
young-adult,
romance
How My Summer Went Up in Flames was a really cute ya romance novel. I ate this book up and read it within an hour?
WARNING: spoilers below. be careful.
(view spoiler) ...more
WARNING: spoilers below. be careful.
(view spoiler) ...more

Sep 19, 2012
Tabatha
marked it as to-read

I seem to have developed a somewhat crazy/irrational love of road trips.. If I'm completely honest, I think I'm addicted..
Over & Out, T xx ...more

Hin. Und. Weg. *-*
---------------
Rosie’s always been impulsive. She didn’t intend to set her cheating ex-boyfriend’s car on fire. And she never thought her attempts to make amends could be considered stalking. So when she’s served with a temporary restraining order on the first day of summer vacation, she’s heartbroken—and furious. To put distance between Rosie and her ex, Rosie’s parents send her on a cross-country road trip with responsible, reliable neighbor Matty and his two friends. Forget ...more
---------------
Rosie’s always been impulsive. She didn’t intend to set her cheating ex-boyfriend’s car on fire. And she never thought her attempts to make amends could be considered stalking. So when she’s served with a temporary restraining order on the first day of summer vacation, she’s heartbroken—and furious. To put distance between Rosie and her ex, Rosie’s parents send her on a cross-country road trip with responsible, reliable neighbor Matty and his two friends. Forget ...more

Bleh. What was I thinking? I dont even like road trip stories.
I really think I was under the impression that this'll be different. I don't like road trips in book because there is always an unnecessary amount of drama added to it, along with the typical amount of 'oh-my-God-I-am-a-teenager-and-I-have-problemz' drama.
Rosie is one of the most ungrateful, bitchy and unlikable heroines I have ever read about. She stalks her ex after he cheats on her. Not cool. Then, she gets a restraining order sl ...more
I really think I was under the impression that this'll be different. I don't like road trips in book because there is always an unnecessary amount of drama added to it, along with the typical amount of 'oh-my-God-I-am-a-teenager-and-I-have-problemz' drama.
Rosie is one of the most ungrateful, bitchy and unlikable heroines I have ever read about. She stalks her ex after he cheats on her. Not cool. Then, she gets a restraining order sl ...more

Source: Publisher/ Edelweiss: In exchange for an honest review
Three and a half stars: A light, fun summer road trip book.
Being slapped with a Restraining Order and a court date for supposedly torching your cheating ex-boyfriend's car was not how Rosie planned on starting on her summer. She had big plans to work at a bridal store, walk dogs and spend ample time with her boyfriend Joey. When Rosie caught Joey cheating with a freshman, she couldn't contain her rage. In anger, she placed all her kee ...more
Three and a half stars: A light, fun summer road trip book.
Being slapped with a Restraining Order and a court date for supposedly torching your cheating ex-boyfriend's car was not how Rosie planned on starting on her summer. She had big plans to work at a bridal store, walk dogs and spend ample time with her boyfriend Joey. When Rosie caught Joey cheating with a freshman, she couldn't contain her rage. In anger, she placed all her kee ...more

How my Summer Went Up in Flames was such a fun read! (Although I can't stand the way the girl is standing on the cover. Can I say Ow?) At first, I thought it sounded cute but thought the main character would be kind of pathetic. Luckily, she was real, and fun, and not too pathetic.
Can I just start by saying I have a rocky relationship with road trip books? I tend to love em' or hate em'. In this one I thought the road trip aspect was handled superbly though. The characters go to cool destination ...more
Can I just start by saying I have a rocky relationship with road trip books? I tend to love em' or hate em'. In this one I thought the road trip aspect was handled superbly though. The characters go to cool destination ...more

3.5 stars
That was too cute!
That was too cute!

How My Summer Went Up in Flames is one of those on the fence novels for me. It's good, but not great, and it's fun, but not hilariously funny. It's right in the middle.
I think the most interesting thing about this novel was how the author wasn't afraid to make Rosie unlikeable. I really disliked Rosie at the beginning of the novel. She was shallow, selfish, and really materialistic. She refused to own up to her mistakes, and instead of being grateful for the road trip that Matty was taking her o ...more
I think the most interesting thing about this novel was how the author wasn't afraid to make Rosie unlikeable. I really disliked Rosie at the beginning of the novel. She was shallow, selfish, and really materialistic. She refused to own up to her mistakes, and instead of being grateful for the road trip that Matty was taking her o ...more

Sep 26, 2012
Donna {Book Passion For Life}
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
ya-contemporary-romance,
for-review
“I know women are supposed to stand on their own and all. I get that. But every once in a while it doesn't hurt to wish for a fairy godmother, a little magic, and a happy ending.”
I had been eager to read How My Summer Went Up in Flames since I first received it for review, mainly because I’m yet to find that road trip book that I could totally fall in love with. I was hoping that Jennifer Salvato Doktorski debut novel would be it, and while it wasn't, I certainly enjoyed reading it.
How My Summer ...more
I had been eager to read How My Summer Went Up in Flames since I first received it for review, mainly because I’m yet to find that road trip book that I could totally fall in love with. I was hoping that Jennifer Salvato Doktorski debut novel would be it, and while it wasn't, I certainly enjoyed reading it.
How My Summer ...more

4.5/5 stars
How My Summer Went Up in Flames was a bundle of joy. I had SO much fun reading this book, laughing with the characters, yelling at the main protagonist (more about that later), witnessing all the sight seeing they got to see, and basically solidifying my love for road trip books. Why aren't authors writing more road trip books? Don't they know the book would become an instant success among contemporary lovers? Like many readers, I have yet to read a road trip novel that I didn't enjoy ...more
How My Summer Went Up in Flames was a bundle of joy. I had SO much fun reading this book, laughing with the characters, yelling at the main protagonist (more about that later), witnessing all the sight seeing they got to see, and basically solidifying my love for road trip books. Why aren't authors writing more road trip books? Don't they know the book would become an instant success among contemporary lovers? Like many readers, I have yet to read a road trip novel that I didn't enjoy ...more


HOW THIS BOOK WENT UP IN FLAMES:
1. ROSALITA ARIANA CATALANO
I've got 99 problems with this girl. Not only is she extremely unlikable, but she is extremely shallow. The matter of the fact is, you are stuck 320 pages with a girl who would rather oggle at guys, slut-shames, and care about how she looks than appreciate the fact that she is seeing the Hall of Fame much less on a road trip in general. She even knows she can be a pain in the rear but she doesn't care to change herself until probably the ...more

An awesome, sweet, cute read that kept me entertained from start to finish. Rosie was a great character that I totally gelled with.
I loved getting to know the guys along with Rosie and I fell in love with all of them, Matty, Spencer and Logan. The romance wasn't really an integral part of this story as Rosie's feelings are kind of all over the place having only recently had a bad break up with her ex, Joey and then finding herself served with a Temporary Restraining Order after she blows up his ...more
I loved getting to know the guys along with Rosie and I fell in love with all of them, Matty, Spencer and Logan. The romance wasn't really an integral part of this story as Rosie's feelings are kind of all over the place having only recently had a bad break up with her ex, Joey and then finding herself served with a Temporary Restraining Order after she blows up his ...more

Thanks to April of Good Books and Good Wine, I'd been warned not to have high expectations going into How My Summer Went Up in Flames. Doktorski's debut had been high on my must-have list ever since the cover reveal (will I ever learn), so this reality check was needed. Prepared to dislike the novel, I was actually pleasantly surprised. Though flawed, Doktorski's debut still kept me entertained and flipping pages.
Okay, guys, believe it or not, but I haven't actually read too many road trip novel ...more
Okay, guys, believe it or not, but I haven't actually read too many road trip novel ...more

This review can originally be found at The Twins Read.
First things first - Rosie set her ex-boyfriend's car on fire by accident, okay? But of course no one believes her, not especially when she frequently sends him text messages and stops by her ex's job to watch him. She just wants to know why he broke up with her. But when she's slapped with what could be a permanent restraining order, her best friend Matty decides to invite her along to a roadtrip with some of his other friends. Her parents ...more
First things first - Rosie set her ex-boyfriend's car on fire by accident, okay? But of course no one believes her, not especially when she frequently sends him text messages and stops by her ex's job to watch him. She just wants to know why he broke up with her. But when she's slapped with what could be a permanent restraining order, her best friend Matty decides to invite her along to a roadtrip with some of his other friends. Her parents ...more

This review was originally posted on ALICE IN READERLAND:
Rosie isn’t normally the kind if girl who starts off her summer vacation being served a temporary restraining order, but that changed after she allegedly made her ex’s car catch fire.

Lighter fluid and stuffed animals aren’t a great combination.
She also tosses away a few assumptions made about her in the first chapter: The car didn’t “explode”, it just caught fire. She doesn’t have a “bad temper,” she’s just passionate. And she’s not “host ...more
Rosie isn’t normally the kind if girl who starts off her summer vacation being served a temporary restraining order, but that changed after she allegedly made her ex’s car catch fire.

Lighter fluid and stuffed animals aren’t a great combination.
She also tosses away a few assumptions made about her in the first chapter: The car didn’t “explode”, it just caught fire. She doesn’t have a “bad temper,” she’s just passionate. And she’s not “host ...more

From debut author Ms. Doktroski, she is a fresh face in contemporary fiction. I really enjoyed How My Summer Went Up in Flames. Let’s face it—we all make some mistakes when we are teens. How many of us have not done something we felt foolish over or wish we hadn’t done? Ms. Doktroski’s book introduces us to Rosie just after her school year ended. She is devastated that her boyfriend cheater on her and goes a bit crazy. I mean, how many of us destroyed things that our ex-boyfriend gave us…maybe j
...more

I must start off by saying that I am a sucker for any road trip book! I personally enjoy road trips myself and to read about one! Ugh, it is just pure awesomeness!!! This book did not disappoint!
“You flambe one car and now you think every song with fire is about you," Logan says. "Get over yourself, Catalano.”
Let's talk storyline....
The storyline is kind of humorous! Rosie and her boyfriend break up. She begins literally stalking him! Calling him and driving past his house. She never intended to ...more
“You flambe one car and now you think every song with fire is about you," Logan says. "Get over yourself, Catalano.”
Let's talk storyline....
The storyline is kind of humorous! Rosie and her boyfriend break up. She begins literally stalking him! Calling him and driving past his house. She never intended to ...more

Review originally posted on my blog http://hobbitsies.net/2013/05/how-my-...
I really, really enjoyed How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski. I thought it was a fun story full of flawed and realistic characters and it was exactly what I was hoping for when I picked it up.
I've read that some people had trouble connecting with the protagonist, but I actually really liked Rosie. She was so freaking confused and made so many mistakes and that's what I liked about her. She never ...more
I really, really enjoyed How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski. I thought it was a fun story full of flawed and realistic characters and it was exactly what I was hoping for when I picked it up.
I've read that some people had trouble connecting with the protagonist, but I actually really liked Rosie. She was so freaking confused and made so many mistakes and that's what I liked about her. She never ...more

Rosie is in a bit of a dilemma from the start. She’s found herself in trouble with the law, her ex, his family, and has been served a temporary restraining order after causing his car to set on fire. Well, isn’t that a rough patch?
To keep from any more harm, she then goes off on a road trip with her childhood best friend and his two buddies. The more distance between her and her ex, the better is what her and her family thinks. As I progressed into this story, I really enjoyed the witty humor a ...more
To keep from any more harm, she then goes off on a road trip with her childhood best friend and his two buddies. The more distance between her and her ex, the better is what her and her family thinks. As I progressed into this story, I really enjoyed the witty humor a ...more

THOUGHTS:
5
This was a perfect summer read and surprised me on how much I loved it once I finished it. These type of books are exactly the type I like to read when I'm looking for a light, fluffy read. Plus the witty banter between all the characters was very funny. I would just start cracking up...it's hilarious, trust me.
I always love it when the protagonist has a guy best friend, it always bring a new element to the book that I love. Like its fun to joke around with a guy without it being roma ...more
5
This was a perfect summer read and surprised me on how much I loved it once I finished it. These type of books are exactly the type I like to read when I'm looking for a light, fluffy read. Plus the witty banter between all the characters was very funny. I would just start cracking up...it's hilarious, trust me.
I always love it when the protagonist has a guy best friend, it always bring a new element to the book that I love. Like its fun to joke around with a guy without it being roma ...more

I love a good road trip book. I don’t know many YA fans that don’t. They speak to the need of adventure in all of us. How My Summer Went Up in Flames was everything that I love in a good road trip book and more!
Rosie is the type of character that you can’t help but love. She’s a lot of fun and maybe just a tiny crazy, but the good kind of crazy. Rosie’s personality was infectious and I really couldn’t wait to see what she’d do next. I loved that the TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) was handled ...more
Rosie is the type of character that you can’t help but love. She’s a lot of fun and maybe just a tiny crazy, but the good kind of crazy. Rosie’s personality was infectious and I really couldn’t wait to see what she’d do next. I loved that the TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) was handled ...more

Loved the characters - could have done with more romance.
I adore the use of road-trips in young adult fiction, such a brilliant tool to mirror the character development as the journey progresses metaphorically and literally :)
How My Summer Went Up In Flames centers around Rosie, angry/betrayed/hurt from the break-up of her first love results in a irrevocable moment of anger resulting in a car blowing up :) The imaginative use of simile and metaphor add to the humor within the narrative. Rosie is ...more
I adore the use of road-trips in young adult fiction, such a brilliant tool to mirror the character development as the journey progresses metaphorically and literally :)
How My Summer Went Up In Flames centers around Rosie, angry/betrayed/hurt from the break-up of her first love results in a irrevocable moment of anger resulting in a car blowing up :) The imaginative use of simile and metaphor add to the humor within the narrative. Rosie is ...more

I loved, loved, loved, loved everything about this novel.
Funny, endearing, rateable, funny, frustrating, and funny.
The novel starts off with Rosie getting served a temporary restraining order put against her by her ex bf. He cheated on her with some blonde "slut" and she took a box of his things and set the box on fire, somehow causing the car to get caught on fire. She still tries to contact him and is finally whisked away by her neighbor (kinda sorta brother) on a read trip from Jersey to Ari ...more
Funny, endearing, rateable, funny, frustrating, and funny.
The novel starts off with Rosie getting served a temporary restraining order put against her by her ex bf. He cheated on her with some blonde "slut" and she took a box of his things and set the box on fire, somehow causing the car to get caught on fire. She still tries to contact him and is finally whisked away by her neighbor (kinda sorta brother) on a read trip from Jersey to Ari ...more

*3.5 Stars*
This book was adorable and fun and fast and light. A perfect summer read about a girl sent on a road trip to get away from her cheating ex-boyfriend and the temporary restraining order he serves her with. The only problem is that she's going across country with 3 boys, one is her best friend and two are complete strangers. There is an itinerary, country music, motels, sightseeing, cute boys, an escape attempt, limited cell-phone service, a mysterious cowboy, lots of stars, and perhaps ...more
This book was adorable and fun and fast and light. A perfect summer read about a girl sent on a road trip to get away from her cheating ex-boyfriend and the temporary restraining order he serves her with. The only problem is that she's going across country with 3 boys, one is her best friend and two are complete strangers. There is an itinerary, country music, motels, sightseeing, cute boys, an escape attempt, limited cell-phone service, a mysterious cowboy, lots of stars, and perhaps ...more

That awkward moment where you desperately want to love a book but end up feeling indifferent towards it. I was totally psyched for How My Summer Went Up In Flames by debut young adult author Jennifer Salvato Doktorski. Yet, I ended up feeling super irritated during the first half. I enjoyed the end. But, I never really cared too much for the main character, instead Rosalita just grated on my nerves the whole time. However, this book mostly keeps it light and does make for a fun summer read, over
...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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Road Trippin' July: How My Summer Went Up in Flames | 1 | 4 | Apr 15, 2014 10:42AM | |
YA :-): How My Summer Went up in Flames discussion | 13 | 18 | Mar 31, 2014 05:30AM | |
Favorite Character | 2 | 29 | Jan 25, 2014 02:00PM | |
YA & NA Romance ♥: August 25 - August 31 YA Romance Book of the Week: How My Summer Went Up In Flames | 3 | 23 | Aug 28, 2013 02:08PM | |
Book Giveaways: How My Summer Went Up In Flames International Giveaway 2013 YA contemp debut | 1 | 12 | May 16, 2013 02:11PM |
Jennifer Salvato Doktorski is the author of the YA novels, HOW MY SUMMER WENT UP IN FLAMES, FAMOUS LAST WORDS, a Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year, THE SUMMER AFTER YOU & ME, a YALSA Teens' Top 10, and AUGUST & EVERYTHING AFTER.
Her first paid writing gig was as an editorial assistant for the North Jersey Herald & News, where, in addition to developing a life-long passion for co ...more
Her first paid writing gig was as an editorial assistant for the North Jersey Herald & News, where, in addition to developing a life-long passion for co ...more
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“I know women are supposed to stand on their own and all. I get that. But every once in a while it doesn't hurt to wish for a fairy godmother, a little magic, and a happy ending.”
—
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“First I lost my heart. Then I lost my mind.”
—
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