Summer Days, Summer Nights

Authors: Stephanie Perkins (Editor), Leigh Bardugo, Francesca Lia Block, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Brandy Colbert, Tim Federle, Lev Grossman, Nina LaCour, Veronica Roth, Jon Skovron, Jennifer E. Smith

Genre: Young Adult, Short Stories, Contemporary

Originally Published: May 17th 2016

Format: Hard Cover (384pages)

Goodreads:        Book

Synopsis: This beautiful collection features twelve gorgeously romantic stories, by some of the most talented and exciting YA authors writing today. Includes: Leigh Bardugo, Nina LaCour, Libba Bray, Francesca Lia Block, Stephanie Perkins, Tim Federle, Veronica Roth, Jon Skovron, Brandy Colbert, Cassandra Clare, Jennifer E Smith, Lev Grossman.

My Rating: ★★★★

I really enjoyed myself whilst reading this anthology. I wasn’t expecting such a range of stories. This anthology is so diverse: stories about gay and lesbian relationships, disabilities, mental health and that’s not to mention the range of backgrounds and relationships. It is too difficult to pick a single favourite story so I’ve broken my review down into short comments about each of the twelve stories in the collection.

Head, Scales, Tongue, Tail by Leigh Bardugo– I loved this short story from Leigh. I love her writing style and this story was so atmospheric and beautifully written. It felt like a fairy tale of its own. The edge of fantasy to it was great and I thought this was a great start to the anthology! 4.5 stars

The End of Love by Nina LaCour – This is a touching story about Flora, a young girl with divorcing parents. In a bid to escape her home she decides to attend summer school. Embarking on new friendships and giving in to her romantic feelings for Mimi. A touching and sweet glimpse into a lesbian relationship. I really liked this one, especially Flora as a character. 4 stars

Last Stand at the Cinegore by Libba Bray – This story is very different from the previous too and it felt kind of lacking in romance (if I’m completely honest). It is a quirky and silly story giving a nod to classic horror movies. It just wasn’t really my cup of tea. 2 stars

Sick Pleasure by Francesca Lia Block – This was an odd and depressing little story which made me feel a little indifferent on the most part. I didn’t like the use of letters instead of names as I found it impersonal but the story itself had an interesting message. (I want to point out that there is mention of drug taking and sex in this story.) 2 stars

In Ninety Minutes Turn North by Stephanie Perkins – Aw well I absolutely loved this story! It is definitely the sweetest romance story in the anthology so far and I loved both Marigold and North. I’ve not read the first anthology so came into this short as a new reader and I thought it was very sweet, touching and it felt real. What a lovely story! 4.5 stars

Souvenirs by Tim Federle – This is by far the saddest story in the collection so far (which is not what I expected in this anthology at all!). This is a story about a summer romance and the ‘breakup day’ at the end. This is a bittersweet story about Matt and Kieth’s gay relationship. Matt’s character was very well developed and it left me feeling a little emotional at the end. 3 stars

Inertia by Veronica Roth – Ahh this was such a treat! I loved this sci-fi short from Roth. It had a very Divergent feel to it but was also completely different at the same time. I loved the concept of ‘Last Visitation’ even if it was tinged with great sadness but I just loved how this story turned out. We learnt a lot about the characters and their feelings in a short time. Great! 4.5 stars

Love is the Last Resort by Jon Skovron – This short story was absolutely hilarious! For such a short story there were a few too many characters but due to the good writing, this wasn’t a big problem. I loved the concept of the holiday resort team matchmaking the clients and I genuinely laughed out loud on more than a few occasions. A great story! 4 stars

Good Luck and Farewell by Brandy Colbert – I really liked this story. It was a touching story about loss but just as equally about hope and moving on. I thought the story was really well told and I really liked how the relationship between Rashida and Pierre developed. This was a really heartwarming little read. 4 stars

Brand New Attraction by Cassandra Clare – Hm, this one fell a little flat for me. I just wasn’t really feeling the romantic relationship that was created between Lulu and Lucas. On the other hand, I fell in love with the carnival and thought Clare did a great job with her descriptions here. I could have happily read a longer story about the carnival itself. 2 stars

A Thousand Ways This Could All Go Wrong by Jennifer E. Smith – I really, really enjoyed this story. I thought the way in which we see the characters develop was done in a really special and delicate way. I especially loved how more information was revealed about Griffin as the story progressed and I found it to be a really heartwarming and honest little story. 4 stars

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things by Lev Grossman – This story developed into so much more than I was expecting it to be. I wasn’t sure about it at first but it only took a few pages for me to completely enraptured by the repeating day and the moments of perfection. A very well structured story with an emotional, bittersweet ending that seemed so perfect. 4 stars

Final Thoughts

All in all I think there is really something in this anthology for everyone. From straight out fluffy romance, to some emotional angst and features from the world of sci-fi and fantasy. You won’t be disappointed!

Have you read Summer Days, Summer Nights? What did you think? 

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