The Summer of Skinny Dipping

THE SUMMER OF SKINNY DIPPING by Amanda Howells is another great summer romance following in the footsteps of 20 Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler. If you could only take a handful of books with you to the beach, this is definitely one that I would choose to take. This is a story of self discovery and learning to love who you are. Mia, our heroine, is struggling to get over her ex and reform some old familial ties. She's excited about getting to spend time with her family, but disappointed when she finds that the moodiness of her cousins threatens to destroy her vacation. In rides the knight in shining armor. Simon brings a light into Mia's life and over the course of the book we see him help Mia accept who she is. On the same note, Mia does show more her own bit of public service and helps Simon with his own personal demons as well.There were many aspects of THE SUMMER OF SKINNY DIPPING that made it a wonderful read. The writing style was smooth and clear - great for reading with wild kids running around the beach. Some aspects of the story could have bogged down a bit, but the paced actually pretty good throughout. I loved how Ms. Howells was able to dig into some fairly deep topics while still keeping the general feel of the book from dipping into dark and depressing territory. Also, the fact that she included some of these darker aspects at all is testiment to the realism of this story and how well young adults should be able to relate to it.Another great aspect of the book was the character development. Not only did Ms. Howells develop Mia beautifully, but she gave us some good insight into the other side characters in the story as well. Mia's family really comes to life, although not always in a good light. Reading this story is very much like sitting in the middle of someone's living room, watching the goings on of the people around you.The best way I can describe the experience of THE SUMMER OF SKINNY DIPPING is an emotional rollercoaster; one you would ride again and again. Ms Howells has a great way of writing that really makes the reader feel like their skin is sunkissed; like they're slipping through the ocean waves.I highly recommend this to any fans of Romance or YA. Fair warning though, tissues are definitely going to be required for this read as is the occasional punching bag. show less

I’m impressed. When I first saw The Summer of Skinny Dipping, I found myself judging it by its cover. It looks suspiciously like many other novels that often feature vapid, annoying characters and an overrated romance. I was so, so wrong. The best part? I knew that Mia would fall for Simon, it’s right in the description, but I could not put this book down. I found it ridiculously easy to identify with Mia and I wanted to examine the details of her summer… to see the how and why behind her love for Simon and the growth she experiences.

The novel starts with Mia heartbroken over the loss of her boyfriend. I’ll admit to being skeptical upon discovering that their relationship only lasted for two months and that Mia claims to have show more been in love with him. I’ll admit it: I scoffed. Then I remembered what it was like to be sixteen. I would have felt exactly the same way. Plus, I can’t fault Mia’s immaturity; I wasn’t far into the novel before Howells writes her character into the loss of that naïveté.

I’m stunned by Howells’ deftly written coming-of-age tale. There are many YA novels in which the main character spends the summer in the Hamptons, or some similar summer destination, and learns startling truths about herself and the sparkling world that she once thought was so perfect, but I don’t think I’ve enjoyed any as much as Howells’ portrayal. Mia begins the novel with a skewed perception of everyone around her, including herself. Slowly, she begins to see her family as they really are… and finds she couldn’t be further from the truth. So yes, this story has been told before. The difference is the fact that Mia’s voice is perfectly pitched and so real that it reads like a whole new experience.

And then there is the romance between Mia and Simon. I knew it was there all along, yet it still managed to sneak up on me. And punch me in the stomach and leave me gasping. There are so many things going on in this novel that I felt like I was in a hurricane of emotions praying to reach the eye of the storm. Then I finally did, only to be ripped back into the raging storm when I least expected it. *sob*

I’m not sure that my review of this novel is entirely coherent, particularly the bits about the romance, but maybe that’s for the best. I hope it prompts you to pick up this novel, if only because you are so confused that you feel you must discover what I’m blathering on about. show less

This novel is exactly the kind of book I want to read, but my sister never picks up. Romance, friendship, coming of age...however you want to categorize this book, its my kind of book. I used to devour the teen romance novels my sister picked up in the mid to late 90's, Lurlene McDaniel, "Teen Romance Stories" series, Cameron Dokey...I read them all and was always ready for more. In a lot of ways The Summer of Skinny Dipping reminds me of those novels. Except where those were pretty thin on character development, plot development or originality Skinny Dipping excels.

At first Mia seemed very melodramatic to me, but then that's being a teenager right? Stereotypical or otherwise, all those hormones make everything seem that much more show more important. So her misery over losing her ex was understandable. I've definitely been there before. I liked that she didn't take what her cousins said about Simon on face value, that she didn't judge him simply because of what he did over his last girlfriend's infidelity (which, by the way, completely understandable why he was upset).

Simon reminded me of a friend I have. Also very artsy, also prone to quick flares of temperament. How he and Mia developed their relationship was sweet and I felt the emotional connection between them fiercely. Howells grasp of teen emotions--the push and pull of them, one extreme to the next, the certainty that what you are feeling right now is all that matters--was deft. From Mia's off the wall friend Evie, to her cousin Corinne's changed attitude and Simon's personal pain--I believed in them fully.

I know I'm not alone in this sentiment, but I was unhappy with how the ending turned out. Not in how it was written, but that it went in that direction is perhaps better. This would make a perfect summer book to read with friends or at the beach or even while sitting in a car or plane waiting for your vacation to start. It almost perfectly encapsulates what is so perfect about summer--and also the pain when it ends.


reviewed by: Tegan
Cleaned, formatted and Spellchecked by: Lexie show less

I had high hopes as I opened this book; I wanted to be swept away into a story that would make me long for summer on the beach. As I got started, I just wasn’t feeling it. Mia’s pity party annoyed me, her cousins enraged me, and the parents upset me to no end. But then Simon came on the scene, and even though he didn’t sweep me off my feet, he definitely piqued my interest enough to see where this would go. In the end, I am so glad I stuck with this book because it did something so very few books do – it genuinely surprised me.
Although Mia annoyed me in the beginning, I came to a place where I loved her. I think the reason is this: in the beginning she was desperately trying to figure out who she was and how she fit in, and show more eventually she learned not to play games and to be real. Sometimes people come along who are willing to accept others for who they are, even if they don’t know who that is yet, and it gives them the freedom to discover that. For Mia that person is Simon. Their relationship starts simple enough – a few words exchanged at a party – but it quickly becomes something that isn’t simple at all. Through a number of talks on the beach in the middle of the night, they get to know each other. Their attraction is rooted not in lust but in genuine admiration for who the other person is. It’s the kind of relationship that, even though they live in different parts of the country and are only together for a short time, you could actually imagine them being able to maintain over the distance. In short: it never feels like a fling.
A big part of the story is Mia’s relationship with her family. Mostly this is centered on her disintegrating friendship with her cousin Corinne, but also the relationship with her mother. During the summer she learns startling information about both of them, as well as other members of her family, that forces her to reevaluate the way she relates to them. Storylines like this often seem a little “preachy” for lack of a better word, and at times this one did, but by the end of the story the way things happened between Mia and her mom felt exactly right.
Despite my rocky start with this book, when I finished I was blown away. I read the entire book in one day and it was a rollercoaster of emotions. I think after I finished the book I was staring at the wall in front of me for about twenty minutes trying to process everything I’d just read. It is beautiful and emotional, and it definitely exceeded my expectations for a great, summery read. show less

16-year-old Mia Gordon was planning for a boy-free summer, after having her heart broken by a boy whom she thought loved her. The Gordons stay in the Hamptons with Mia’s beloved cousin Corinne’s family. However, things have changed since Corinne and Mia last hung out. Suddenly, Corinne is slim, beautiful, and fashionable, and has better things to do than hang out with the totally uncool Mia.

But then Mia meets Simon, whose family is renting the house next door, and her summer begins to change unexpectedly. Like her, Simon also feels like an outsider in the exclusive Hamptons teen community, and they hang out nearly every night on the beach. Even as they each struggle with their own family problems, they grow closer, and Mia finally show more begins to understand to love herself, to love living, all because of one boy.

Normally I’ve gotten over the whole “the summer that changed my life” trope, but THE SUMMER OF SKINNY DIPPING was a surprisingly well-written, poignant, and deep read. Its cover suggests a good beach pastime, but it’s a story that will resonate during any season.

Amanda Howells does an excellent job of writing well-rounded characters that are more than just types. There are numerous layers to the interpersonal complexities of Mia’s life, from her parents’ rocky relationship, to Corinne’s two-facedness, to Simon’s own family issues. That is why this book cannot simply be classified as a summer love read, because it runs deeper than that.

Of course, this book’s back-cover summary implies there will be a romance, and thankfully Mia and Simon’s budding relationship was equally well developed. Simon doesn’t come off as an irritatingly perfect male specimen, irresistible to all womankind but wanting only Mia. (Whew *wipes sweat off brow*.) Their relationship is a relaxed, alternately playful and serious, dance across the summer, and we grow to love the way they work together in spite of all their individual difficulties.

THE SUMMER OF SKINNY DIPPING is a worthy read this summer, and the best part is that it’s a good deal in paperback form. Be sure to check this one out if you’re looking for a gentle yet emotional story of love, family, and self-discovery. show less

This is an impressive coming of age novel. Mia finds herself out of her element after expecting an amazing summer vacation with her cousin, Corinne. Corinne has changed as well as the family dynamic Mia has always envied. Growing up thinking Corinne had the perfect life, Mia now realizes maybe she was mistaken. Between the changes in her cousin, and the realization her aunt may not be as perfect as she’d believed, she can’t help but feel thrown for a loop. There is also the ever strained relationship between Mia and her mother. Now Mia finds herself surrounded by girls that are everything she’s not. She’s struggling with the pressure to conform to fit in, or stay true to herself. Feeling awkward, and alone she gives up the hope show more of having a good time while on vacation. Then she meets Simon. Now she needs to put her insecurities aside, and give herself a chance to have some fun.

A few years have passed since I was a teen, but I still remember the pressure to fit in. The author nailed the emotions with main character Mia. I felt for her. The relationship between Mia and Simon was so sweet. I loved their secret meetings, and deep conversations. Never have I felt such a strong urge to skip to the end of a book, and read the final pages. I had to know what happened between Mia and Simon. I didn’t sneak a peek even though I wanted to. I spent the entire afternoon reading, because I could not put this book down. The ending was not at all what I expected. Paint me shocked, and a little broken-hearted! Very few books have had the ability to make me feel so many different emotions. Anger, delight, frustration, and even grief. The Summer of Skinny Dipping is an intense book, with a strong message. A great reminder that life is too short not to take a few risks, and make sure the people you love know you do. The author’s writing was beautifully descriptive, and almost poetic at times. I’d recommend this one, but make sure you have a box of tissues handy. You’re going to need them.

The Summer of Skinny Dipping is a book I’d recommend for not only teens, but also adults searching for a sense of nostalgia. A beautiful book that I highly recommend. show less

Ah, Mia. Perhaps teen readers would better appreciate her conflicted attitudes towards her cousins. Adult readers will see everything she does wrong and cringe at her inability to stick with her convictions yet applaud her for at least recognizing her own hypocrisy. Teen readers may not be so quick to judge because they are currently working through some of the same identity issues as Mia. Adult readers have been there and done all that and already know the best path through this tricky minefield before adulthood. Still, it is always refreshing to reflect on this time period in one’s life, and Mia’s personal journey is better than most.

What is a young adult coming-of-age story without a tragedy? In this, The Summer of Skinny Dipping show more proves to be no exception. While the tragedy is not a surprise – savvy readers will see its possibility from the moment of introduction – It does not lose its effectiveness. It is upsetting and unfair and everything that life is but we wish it was not. Mia’s handling of the tragedy is a tad melodramatic but intense and realistic given that all teenagers have a flair for the dramatic. The fact that it helps bring the story to a close is also important because it is follows the formula established by so many YA authors prior to Ms. Howell.

The Summer of Skinny Dipping is the stereotypical coming-of-age story filled with young love, angst-ridden self-reflection, quirky neighbors, mean girls, and growing independence. It even has the clichéd ending because such stories can never end happily. This means that there are very few surprises, and the story itself is very formulaic. The funny thing about formulas, however, is that they usually work, and The Summer of Skinny Dipping is no exception to this. Mia’s struggles as the proverbial fish out of water are insightful, while her burgeoning relationship with the boy next door is appropriately charming. The Summer of Skinny Dipping is as advertised – flirty and fun with very little in the way of surprises. show less