
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the high expectations and messy realities of a first romance, particularly one involving long distance or a ticking clock. It is a dual perspective story about Arthur and Ben, two boys who meet by chance in New York City and try to figure out if their connection is destiny or just a summer fluke. The narrative explores how movies and musicals often romanticize relationships, while real life requires more work, communication, and compromise. While the book is a joyful celebration of LGBTQ+ identity, it also deals with the anxiety of being yourself in a new environment and the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye. It is best suited for older teens who are ready for honest conversations about dating and the complexities of young adulthood. Parents will appreciate how the book normalizes queer joy while maintaining a realistic, secular approach to the obstacles modern teens face.
Frequent kissing and frank discussions about physical attraction and dating.
Deals with the pain of breakups and the sadness of saying goodbye.
None.
A 15-year-old theater enthusiast who feels like they are waiting for their life to finally begin, or a teen who feels cynical about romance and needs to see that vulnerability is worth the risk, even if it doesn't lead to a "happily ever after."
This is a contemporary YA novel that can be read cold. It contains some mild profanity and honest discussions of teenage dating that are standard for the 14+ age range. Parents may want to discuss the ending with their teen, as it prioritizes personal growth over a traditional romantic conclusion. A parent hears their teen expressing deep frustration that their real life doesn't look like the movies they watch or the social media feeds they follow. The teen might say, "Why is everything so much harder for me than it is for everyone else?"
A 14-year-old will likely focus on the humor and the "meet-cute" excitement of the first half. An 18-year-old will resonate more deeply with the themes of transition, the difficulty of maintaining connections while moving away, and the maturity required to say a healthy goodbye.
Unlike many YA romances that rely on high-stakes drama or tragedy, this book finds its magic in the mundane. It is a meta-commentary on romantic tropes, written by two powerhouses of YA literature, that celebrates the value of a "great summer story" even if it isn't a lifelong marriage.
Arthur, an optimistic Broadway-obsessed teen from Georgia, is spending the summer in New York City. Ben, a more cynical local, is recovering from a recent breakup and attending summer school. After a chance encounter at a post office, the two embark on a series of "do-over" dates, trying to recreate the magic of a cinematic romance in the face of real-world friction, misunderstandings, and the impending end of summer.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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