A Diving Into NYC: My Thoughts on Summer in the City
There’s something undeniably enticing about a summer read set in the vibrant heart of New York City. When I picked up Summer in the City by Alex Aster, I hoped it would whisk me away into a whirlwind romance filled with the magic of summer nights, carefree exploration, and the occasional café latte. Unfortunately, this was not the love story I anticipated, and I found myself longing for that spark as I turned the pages.
A Familiar Yet Frustrating Plot
The book follows Elle Leon, a 27-year-old screenwriter who’s far more comfortable in her cozy apartment than wading into the complexities of city life. Enter Parker Warren, the charismatic “Billionaire Bachelor," who becomes her reluctant fake boyfriend in an attempt to navigate writer’s block and salvage his public image. While the enemies-to-lovers trope could have delivered some delightful tension, I found myself a bit detached from Elle. Her cynicism weighed heavily on the narrative; rather than being relatable, it often veered into the realm of unlikability.
One key moment that particularly struck me was Parker’s declaration: “I didn’t fall in love with a version of you, Elle. I fell in love with every you.” This sentiment had the potential to be a beautiful turning point, but instead, it felt drowned out by the many frustrations Elle harbored towards Parker—frustrations built on a seemingly trivial five-minute interaction two years prior. Her prolonged grudge seemed excessive, and I found myself questioning the authenticity of their romance.
Scenery and Friendship: The Bright Spots
What I genuinely enjoyed in this book was the spirited depiction of summer in NYC. Aster does a wonderful job of bringing the city to life; the endpapers featuring a map of places Elle and Parker visit was a charming touch. It allowed me to mentally stroll alongside them, making the setting a character in its own right. Of course, the fun dynamics shared among Elle’s friends—Penelope, Taryn, Emma, and Gwen—provided much-needed levity and reminded me of the importance of friendship in the journey to self-discovery.
However, these friendships sometimes felt like they were the only thing grounding Elle, as her reluctance to embrace the vibrant city around her hindered deeper character development. I wished for a more nuanced exploration of Elle’s relationship with her sister, Cali, but felt disappointed that it didn’t receive adequate attention.
A Final Thought
Ultimately, Summer in the City presents a bittersweet mix of potential lost amid unlikable characters and a troubled narrative. While Aster’s ambitions shine through—particularly with her vivid NYC setting—I wish the execution had delivered more emotional catharsis and depth.
With 2.5 stars rounded down to 2, I can’t fully recommend this book. However, if you’re a fan of Aster’s earlier works or enjoy light romances with a backdrop of city exploration, you might find aspects to appreciate here. Perhaps Aster’s next venture will bring forth the delightful summer romance I so dearly hoped this would be.
In the end, while this book didn’t quite land, I’m still curious about what journeys Aster will take us on next. Who knows? Maybe it’ll be a chance for a redemption story not just for her characters, but also for her readers.
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