Invincible Summer by Hannah Moskotwiz

Monday, March 28, 2011

Invincible Summer by Hannah Moskowitz
Publication date: April 19th, 2011
Source: ARC received from Simon Pulse.  Thank you.

Goodreads Description: 
Across four sun-kissed, drama-drenched summers at his family’s beach house, Chase is falling in love, falling in lust, and trying to keep his life from falling apart. But some girls are addictive..

Noah’s happier than I’ve seen him in months. So I’d be an awful brother to get in the way of that. It’s not like I have some relationship with Melinda. It was just a kiss. Am I going to ruin Noah’s happiness because of a kiss?

My Review:


Invincible Summer is completely different from what I expected.  When I look at the cover I think summertime fun, romance, a story told from a girl's perspective.  But I couldn't be more wrong.  Incivible Summer is a powerful and HEARTBREAKING story about family. 

It is told from Chase's point of view, the second eldest in a family of five children, over the period of four summers, set at their beach house.  Chase is an outstanding character.  So well fleshed  out.  He is a character you really feel for and just want to hug and never let go.  Chase has so much weight and responsibility on his shoulders for somebody of his age. 

The rest of Chase's family I have mixed feelings towards.  Loved Claudia and Gideon.  Noah would make me mad and then I would love him again the next minute.  And Chase's parents annoyed me and I would love to rant on about them but I don't want to spoil the book.  They are parents who need to be more responsible for taking care of their children and their own actions.  But no matter how I feel towards the characters, they were all believable and well written.     

Invincible Summer plot deals with some compelling family issues head on.  Moskowitz writing is raw and gritty. It gets under you skin and will cause an emotional reaction.  Whether it be tears or anger. Both for me.

There is one thing that bother me a little, the ending.  I wanted better closure with their relationship with the Hathaways (neighbours).  But then I guess everything doesn't always get sorted out in real life.

Overall, Invincible Summer is a really good but intense read.  I recommend it to fans of contemps who like their stories a little edgy and very emotional.

Overall rating: 4/5
Writing:4/5
Plot:4/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 3/5
Cover: 4/5

For more info:  Visit Hannah Moskotwiz website

For More reviews: Goodreads

20 comments:

Jan von Harz said...

I am with you on totally thinking this would be one of those fluff summer beach books. So glad to hear that not only is it insightful but that the narrator is male. Great review. I will definitely be looking out for this one.

Lamia (The Book Eater) said...

Thank you for a lovely review :) Everything I read makes the book sound better and better. I'm gonna read it very soon (I actually have a list of books to read soon. With ranks. It's the only way I get to actually pick something to read and stick with it).

The author seems so nice, have you read her interview on A Good Addiction? She talks about the parents in it, I think. Here's the link :) http://agoodaddiction.blogspot.com/2011/03/author-interview-contest-hannah.html

Savannah said...

Great review! This book was nothing like I expected but very heartbreaking!!

Misha said...

I never expected this book to be a serious one! From your review, it sounds like such a sad but beautiful read. I will definitely be reading it. Thanks for the review!

Jenny said...

Interesting, I definitely would have assumed this was a cute, fun, summer read from the cover as well. It's nice to know it's gritty and emotional, I like those kinds of books. Really nice review Nic!

Leanna Elle said...

Great review. I never would have guessed that this book dealt with any serious issues. From the cover, I was definitely thinking light, fun and fluffy!

bibliophile brouhaha said...

I love the edgy reads! I think you get the most from them. Sounds like Chase has a mixed bag of chips sort of family - I think that makes for a realistic read. I didn't know a lot about this one before - thanks, Nic! Def adding it to my pile now.

Missie, The Unread Reader said...

I was also surprised to hear that this book is told in a MPOV.

This review makes me happy. I think a while back I read a no so favorable review and was kind of bummed. Its good to know there is more to the story than meets the eye. I even like the idea that it doesn't wrap up so nicely.

I'm so glad I have you to screen books for me. I need to know where the good stuff lies. LOL!

CHRISTIE said...

I loved this book! Great review!

Alix said...

Ooh thanks for this review. I have to say the cover put me off and it wasn't at the top of my TBR list, but it sounds wonderful - I love a bit of heartbreak !

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Oh not a light read. Don't tell me... I'm gonna cry, right???? Don't wanna! Oh, but then again, if it is such a good read... I might have to try it. I may need to get some stock in kleenex.

Melissa (i swim for oceans) said...

I've been wondering about this one, and I've been looking for more emotional reads lately. This sounds right up my alley, especially having just read Raw Blue, and Dark Song. Awesome review, Nic :)

Jenny N. said...

I thought the same as you thinking that it would be a light summer read. Didn't expect it wold be an intense read but happy to see you liked it.

A Canadian Girl said...

Judging the cover, I figured the same thing as you and thought this was a novel involving a summer romance from a girl's POV. It's good to know that it was a little more intense and emotional. I'll have to check this one out then. Thanks for the review, Nic!

Audrey (holes In My brain) said...

I don't know if such fluffy covers would be good or bad for this novel O.o totally woulda expected something fluffy as well, and the title isn't helping either. Okay, moving away from shallow comments :p

Great review! I never took the time to stop and read all the summaries, I had no idea this one would take place over 4 summers, i think that'd be facinating for character development. and heartbreaking? awh, i could use some sniffle-books once in a while :p plus it's male POV which i usually enjoy. thanks so much for the review, i have a feeling i won't be able to stay away from this one!

Jacinda (The Reading Housewives) said...

I was thinking the same thing when I saw this cover and so was my sister! Once I started reading it I was like, "well I was wrong!" And I agree with you, like I told you before, that the characters are believable! Great review!

Kat said...

I almost got this one from the Galley Grab-- now I wish I had! Like you, I thought this would be a beach read, but am glad to hear it's not like that. The cover is somewhat odd for me, but I like how the MC is male and the book seems to be unique. Great review. :)

It's a Book Thing said...

Great review, Thank you!

The cover is deceiving... (Never judge a book by its cover is sounding my head - My Gran's voice to be exact. I am going to shut up now)

Pop past the blog to say hi

Julie said...

Wow. I'm surprised. This does appear like a summer fun book. I like your honesty about the characters. This definitely sounds like an intense read. But I might check it out! Fab review :)

brandileigh2003 said...

Oh I agree about the ending--I liked it because its authentic but I wanted to be able to fix things for them
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

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