Review: Summer and the CIty

Author: Candice Bushnell
Pages: 409
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Library
Series: Sequel to The Carrie Diaries
Synopsis: Summer is a magical time in New York City and Carrie is in love with all of it—the crazy characters in her neighborhood, the vintage-clothing boutiques, the wild parties, and the glamorous man who has swept her off her feet. Best of all, she's finally in a real writing class, taking her first steps toward fulfilling her dream. 


 This sequel to The Carrie Diaries brings surprising revelations as Carrie learns to navigate her way around the Big Apple, going from being a country "sparrow"—as Samantha Jones dubs her—to the person she always wanted to be. But as it becomes increasingly difficult to reconcile her past with her future, Carrie realizes that making it in New York is much more complicated than she ever imagined. 


 With her signature wit and sparkling humor, Candace Bushnell reveals the irresistible story of how Carrie met Samantha and Miranda, and what turned a small-town girl into one of New York City's most unforgettable icons, Carrie Bradshaw.


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I haven't watched Sex in the City (the movie or the tv show) or read the original series. So all I know about the characters are from reading Candace Bushnell's young adult series of Carrie's life.

I really enjoyed Summer and the City. I've always had a fascination for New York like Carrie. Carrie's experience in the city was interesting. I completely understood her motivations. It's New York- anything can happen. The story itself was realistic in ways but fictional enough to remain entertaining. There was a brand new cast of interesting characters and we met Samantha and Miranda.

Carrie was a flawed character. She wanted to make it big but had a hard time dealing with setbacks. She was a bit hypocritical at times without meaning to and was trying to find her path in New York so that she could stay. As a character, she was really cool though she did make her share of mistakes. I was rooting for her and her love interests.

The feeling the story leaves behind is important to me. It's the aftertaste, and Summer and the City's aftertaste was good. It's the kind of book that makes you want to pursue your dreams, whatever they may be. It makes you remember that not all good things need to last, but not needing doesn't make them less good. That's the feeling I'm left with.

I really like this series. There's plenty of romance, friendship, and big city lights. 4 stars,

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