Let me start by saying this book is a MIXED BAG. As someone who's read countless Reese's Book Club picks, I went in with high expectations but finished with... complicated feelings.

The GOOD: The writing absolutely pulls you in after the slow start (yes, push through those first 50 pages!). The way it explores teenage friendships - the intensity, the betrayals, the way one summer can alter lives forever - hit me right in my nostalgic feels. There were nights I stayed up way too late muttering 'just one more chapter' like a mantra.

The NOT-SO-GOOD: That ending though? Total blue balls moment. After investing hours getting to know these characters, the resolution (or lack thereof) left me staring at the last page going 'Wait... THAT'S IT?!'. It's like baking cookies and being served half-baked dough - satisfying crumbs but no proper payoff.

PRO TIP: This shines as a book club pick precisely BECAUSE of its flaws. The messy characters and ambiguous ending will have your group debating for hours (we certainly did). Just don't expect neat bows or clear villains - life isn't like that, and neither is this book.

Final verdict? Worth reading for the gorgeous prose and relatable coming-of-age pain, but keep your expectations in check for that final act. 3.5/5 stars from this picky reader!