Is there a better way to spend a birthday than by sitting outside with a new book and margarita? I don't think so. And if the book just happens to take place down the shore in Lavalette, NJ it's damn near impossible to think of anything better. This basically sums up my past Wednesday. The sun was shining, I was drinking tequila, and I devoured Doktorski's latest novel August and Everything After in one sitting, only getting up for minimal bathroom breaks and to refill my mason jar glass. Ahhh the single 26 year old life.
So about the novel. August and Everything After follows the story of Quinn, who is spending the summer down at her aunt's shore house. Quinn had an especially tough year. There was a scandal with her high school music student-teacher, and her best friend passed away in a bike-automobile accident that she blames herself for. Having just graduated high school, everyone is focused on college and the future, but Quinn is struggling with just focusing on the now. Then Quinn meets a bad boy. Okay, he CAN be considered a decent guy. He has a good heart, but he's a hot mess himself and he's tossing up red flags all over the place. When Quinn is supposed to meet him for pizza, he shows up drunk. I mean come on, girl. Then she finds out he used to abuse prescription drugs and he ASKS her told hold a few pills for him! Seriously!? But, they both have their demons, they're both trying to figure life out, they both DO have good intentions, and they both DO love each other. Whether love is enough........ I don't know.
I love Doktorski's books because of the New Jersey and shore references, obviously. These books are a pleasure to read and they are on my list of favorite things. In this novel in particular, Quinn's aunt is a single LIBRARIAN who moved from North Jersey to live down the shore. HOW DID YOU KNOW THIS IS MY LIFE GOAL!? I want to be Quinn's aunt and be a coastal librarian. Ugh. That's the dream. What else did I love about this book? Quinn and her aunt drive up to North Jersey and buy a drum set at Sam Ash on 17. Hello Paramus! That's where I purchased my flute and piccolo. I don't think they're in business anymore though... but don't take my word on that.
Did I love this book? Yes. I adored it.
Would I recommend this book? Without a doubt.
How many coffee beans would I give it? A million and a half.
This book is EVERYTHING and more.
Until the next read!
~Jessica
P.S. The main characters from The Summer After You & Me are side characters in this book, which just makes me love it even more! And for all you readers close to New Jersey, Jennifer is coming to the Hawthorne Library on Saturday, June 16. You can sign up here. It's free.
