(Rules of Summer #1)
Published: June 4th 2013
Synopsis:
There are two sides to every summer.
When seventeen-year-old Rory McShane steps off the bus in East Hampton, it’s as if she’s entered another universe, one populated by impossibly beautiful people wearing pressed khakis and driving expensive cars. She’s signed on to be a summer errand girl for the Rules — a wealthy family with an enormous beachfront mansion. Upon arrival, she’s warned by other staff members to avoid socializing with the family, but Rory soon learns that may be easier said than done.
Stifled by her friends and her family’s country club scene, seventeen-year-old Isabel Rule, the youngest of the family, embarks on a breathless romance with a guy whom her parents would never approve of. It’s the summer for taking chances, and Isabel is bringing Rory along for the ride. But will Rory’s own summer romance jeopardize her friendship with Isabel? And, after long-hidden family secrets surface, will the Rules’ picture-perfect world ever be the same?
My Rating: 
3/5 (Decent)
Book Information
Publisher: Poppy
Genre(s): Young-adult Romance, Contemporary
Page Count: 352
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 0316212059
Hey book lovers! I will be soon coming with a review on Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick (book 2 in the Hush Hush Saga), but for now I’m here with Rules of Summer by Joanna Philbin, a light, fun, summer-y read that got me nostalgic for summer (sadly we’re still in the season of rainy springtime). 🙂
So, Rules of Summer is written in third person, with dual narration from Rory and Isabel. Rory goes to East Hampton during the summer to work for the Rules’ family as their errand girl, while Isabel is back from a year of school in California. At first, the two girls didn’t exactly see eye to eye. As the novel progressed, the two girls formed an unlikely friendship. As social class and other problems throw curve balls on their way, Rory and Isabel have the most complicated summer of their lives.
Starting with the plot. There isn’t much to say, actually. The plot isn’t something magical or deep and substantial or something. It’s simply a simple, fun story line with summer romance, friendship, and social problems. If you came to this book expecting some deep, complicated plot, then you’re going to be disappointed. Rules of Summer, in short, is a fluffy, light, summer-y and beachy read.
Next, the characters. The characters were decent, although nothing really special (no offense!). I wished I cared more for the characters, especially Rory and Isabel, but they’re not characters that I absolutely love, nor characters I hate. They were simply, okay protagonists. I did enjoy them, and to be clear, I don’t really have anything against them. They were enjoyable enough. I’d be up for reading more about them, so that’s saying something.
The romance was enjoyable as well. I can’t really say I can relate, as both romances were kind of instant, sadly, but they weren’t bad.
What I particularly enjoyed about this book was the friendship of Rory and Isabel. Throughout the book, we follow their growing friendship that represents how two girls from two different worlds can becoming friends.
Lastly, the writing style was really good. It was light, easy, and suited the mood of the story. Definitely enjoyed it. 🙂
Overall, I did not dislike this book, however it isn’t on my all-time favorites shelf either. It was a decent read, with enjoyable enough characters and romance. It’s a fluffy, light read that simply is about friendship, romance, and social problems during the summer. It’s a good pick for a summer read, however there are better ones out there.
In short, I recommend this to people who enjoy YA contemporary/romance, or who simply likes beachy/summery books. This book isn’t anything outstanding or amazing, but it’s still a decent read you can pick up when you’re out of other books.
Hungry? Not hungry? Make sure to comment your thoughts; would you like to read this or not? If you have eaten this, also make sure to comment! I’d love to hear your opinion.
Happy eating!
-A
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