Summer In The Invisible City
Book Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Sadie Bell has this summer all figured out: She’s going to befriend the cool girls at her school. She’s going to bond with her absentee father, a famous artist, and impress him with her photography skills. And she’s finally going to get over Noah, the swoony older guy who was her very first mistake. Sadie wasn’t counting on meeting Sam, a funny and free-thinking boy who makes her question all of her goals. But even after a summer of talking, touching, and sharing secrets, Sam says he just wants to be friends. And when those Sadie cares about most hurt her, Sam’s friendship may not be enough. Sadie can see the world through her camera, but can she see the people who have loved and supported her all along? Set against a glamorous New York City backdrop, this coming-of-age romance is a gorgeous summer read—one whose characters will stay with you long into the fall.
Sadie Bell what in the world did I just finish reading? I wanted to like this book, I truly did, but it was just too hyped up and passe for my taste. What really captivated me about this book wasn't the story or the frustrating characters that tried too hard, it was the beautiful cover that I kept seeing day after day on Instagram. Honestly, I'm ashamed that I even picked this book up.
Geez, what was I thinking? I'm even considering reading Juliana Romano's other novel, First There Was Forever, though I'm a bit on the fence about it all - being that it has a ton of mixed reviews on Goodreads.com (I've never really listened to others opinions when it comes to books.)
So, maybe I'm exaggerating a tad, the book wasn't all bad, it actually had some likable parts and moments where I felt any emotion for the characters. My favorite aspect of the book was when Sadie started talking about photography and how her perspective on the invisible things in life are dissected and how beautiful even the forgotten things can be. I thought that Sadie was too much of a people-pleaser with a tragic backstory and a great lack of backbone.
Meeting Sam was probably the best thing that could've happened to Sadie all summer, or the worst, depending on how you look at it.
Don't knock it until you've tried it. Seriously, although I don't really have much nice words to say about this book, I can see the appeal of how it was able to draw so many people into reading it. I've lived in New York, but I prefer suburb small town living as opposed to living it up in the Big Apple. There's something so quaint about in a cute little town like mine, sorry Belle, but I don't agree, there really isn't much more than this provincial life.
This book really inspired me to take up photography as a hobby, maybe I'll go and check out a class or course (provided that it's free).
Rating: ★★★☆☆