What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick - Starting May 13th 2016

[Sharon]

From the acclaimed author of My Life Next Door comes a swoony summertime romance full of expectation and regret, humor and hard questions.

Gwen Castle has never so badly wanted to say good-bye to her island home till now: the summer her Biggest Mistake Ever, Cassidy Somers, takes a job there as the local yard boy. He's a rich kid from across the bridge in Stony Bay, and she hails from a family of fishermen and housecleaners who keep the island's summer people happy. Gwen worries a life of cleaning houses will be her fate too, but just when it looks like she'll never escape her past—or the island—Gwen's dad gives her some shocking advice. Sparks fly and secret histories unspool as Gwen spends a gorgeous, restless summer struggling to resolve what she thought was true—about the place she lives, the people she loves, and even herself—with what really is.

A magnetic, push-you-pull-me romance with depth, this is for fans of Sarah Dessen, Jenny Han, and Deb Caletti.

Connie and I will be starting it today.

[prag ♻]

Anybody reading this?

[Sharon]

I am reading this

[Sharon]

Chapters 1-10: (view spoiler)[ It seems like Gwen has dated a lot of the boys in the book. I find her attitude towards the boys to be snarky especially around Alex. So they are working for the same lady during the break. I think that makes their relationship more authentic. Also, the fact that her father hinting for her to steal bugged me. A father should not teach their children to do bad things, but the right things. All I am saying is that he is a bad role model for his children. (hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

Chapters 11-20: (view spoiler)[ I am wondering if this is just going to keep hinting at what happened between Gwen and Cass, or if there will be an actual storyline. This is now making me lose a bit of interest in the book. Also, I find the way Gwen treats her family disrespectfully. I think that makes it hard for me to connect with her. Another thing is that I hope we find out what happened to Gwen and Cass finally. (hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

Chapters 21-30: (view spoiler)[ I do not really understand Gwen and it is hard for me to connect with her. I think she treated Cass terribly and should have let him explain. These small misunderstandings could be handled more appropriately. I am wondering if Gwen is leaving to attend college or staying here. I really like the relationship between Nic and Vivien. They have a better relationship than Gwen and Cass. (hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

Ending Thoughts (Chapters 31-Epilogue): (view spoiler)[ I enjoyed this book, but I am disappointed a bit. The characters were not as great as I thought they should have been. The beginning half of the story did not really tell me anything. There was no true connection between the characters because of lack of communication. The ending was okay. I would give this book a 3.5/5. (hide spoiler)]

[Connie]

I'm starting now :D

[Connie]

Sharon wrote: "Chapters 1-10: [spoilers removed]"

I agree with everything you said here;

(view spoiler)[ The whole thing with her dad really bugged me too, like what kind of example does that set for your children? A crappy one that's what! I really like Gwen so far, even if she is a bit snarky, however, I don't know if I'm a big fan of the writing style so far...we'll see if I can warm up to it... (hide spoiler)]

[Connie]

Chapter 10: (view spoiler)[ I do think she was funny with the whole "Alex Jr" thing, she seems very quick witted. (hide spoiler)]

[Connie]

Chapter 16: (view spoiler)[ I'm really liking the dynamic between Gwen and Nic right now, how they go diving etc together because it baffles Viv! I like friendships like that, where although somebody disagrees with them, they'll keep doing it no matter what cos they enjoy it....

Probably not smart to do it after drinking though. (hide spoiler)]

[Connie]

Chapter 20: (view spoiler)[ I don't like this book.

There is far too much going on at once it feels

Viv. Nic. Cass. Emory. Gwen. Parents. Grandparents.

SO MANY IDEAS

(hide spoiler)]

[Connie]

Chapter 21: (view spoiler)[ But jesus, Gwen wasted no time with Cass there. (hide spoiler)]

[Connie]

Finishing thoughts: (view spoiler)[ I'm so disappointed by this book, I feel like I wanted more, I wanted a story that would be poignant but it doesn't give me any of that. (hide spoiler)]