All I Need by Susane Colasanti
Publisher/Year: Viking Juvenile May 21, 2013
Genre: Contemporary YA – Realistic Fiction
Series: No!
Other Books From Author: When It Happens, Waiting For You, Something Like Fate, Take Me There, So Much Closer
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I received this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way swayed my opinion. Pinky swear!
Every summer Skye hopes to find the boy that will sweep her off her feet during her time at her beach house. When she meets Seth, a guy she has never seen before, at the last party of the summer it’s evident that they both feel this incredible connection to each other. Seth doesn’t show up when they are supposed to meet before they both go back to school for the year and Skye is left wondering why he never showed up, if she was just the only one feeling the connection and, if they COULD find each other again, would that spark still be there.
This was one of those breezy, romantic books that I need once in a while; despite some things that bothered me which I’ll address later. It wasn’t a favorite by any means, it didn’t blow my mind or really stick with me but it’s the kind of feel good story that makes a perfect beach read. It’s light, sweet and very much captures the essence of summer romances and the ups and downs of starting a relationship and really getting into the nitty gritty of getting to know each other. It’s like those rom coms that I always watch wherein I predict most of what happens and don’t really walk away feeling CHANGED but I have that ooey-gooey “YAY love!” feeling in my heart. Sometimes you just NEED THAT, ok! Or I do. I am a former closet romantic — for years I hate-watched chick flicks and my college roommate was appalled that I didn’t squeal watching Sweet Home Alabama with her. I secretly did. SHHH.
The romance in All I Need by Susane Colasanti falls under the realm of insta-love so if that bothers you, you have been warned. I do feel like summer romances is my favorite place to let insta-love shine because it really is how summer romances typically are in real life (experience speaking here!) — they are a whirlwind and you everything speeds up because you know you only have the summer. I loved that Susane showed that whirlwind aspect of it despite sometimes the intense feelings were eyerolly at times because it went from crush to soulmate feelings very fast. I personally would have liked it a little better if the “OMG HE/SHE is the ONE!!” factor would have just been turned down a smidgen. I get whirlwind but the intensity of the feelings to me seemed a little forced.
I really liked how the story ventured outside the summer as well and dealt with life AFTER a summer romance and the troubles of their relationship. It showed that period of time when the honeymoon period is over and you start to really SEE that person — their flaws, their dreams, what they want in life, etc. I thought it portrayed that period really well and I enjoyed seeing them struggle and triumph in trying to define and figure out their relationship. HOWEVER, the book takes place in a span of 3 years so things feel a little clipped sometimes and the time shifts just were sometimes jarring how they would jump suddenly and I just didn’t feel really connected to it.
This was a quick & fun read that I thought was good — not amazing though. Just a solidly light, cute read that would be perfect on the beach or when you are craving something that reminds you of those feel good, romantic chick flicks. I didn’t particularly love the characters or felt it stood out but I did enjoy reading it and thought that the insta-love summer romance was fun but a little TOO “omg he/she is the one” so soon. It did coax a few “awwwws” out of me during the cute, romantic parts. It’s my first Susane Colasanti novel and I will probably be checking out her other stuff when I’m needing a cute romance that really embodies what it is to be young and in love — in all its messy glory!
Let’s Talk: Have you read this one?? Heard of it? If you’ve read it, did you enjoy it? Have you read any other Susane Colasanti novels? Since this is my first one which one do you recommend me trying next?
DannyBookworm says
Gosh I love sweet sappy Chick flicks… And yes I watch them ..whenever my husband is not around hhehe :)) This book sounds cute and just like you sometimes cute books are just what we need 🙂
ashley says
I love your post-it reviews so much.
Christianna says
This looks like one of those fluffy books that I would pick up if I felt like one! Your review makes it sound like a cute mindless read and there is nothing wrong with that!
P.S. the picture you used of the book is cute and adds a personal touch!
Rachel says
I’m all for summer romances and insta-love, but I’m thinking this one might be a little too much for me. If you think some of it was eye rolley, I know I will. I read my first Colasanti book last year and while I did enjoy it, it wasn’t anything that blew me away. I will definitely put this one on my “fluffy romance” list, though, because I totally need those at times.
Iris says
I kinda need a book like this now… Just put my thoughts on zero and read a sappy chick flick!
Tiff @ Mostly YA Lit says
I’ve read a couple of Colasanti’s novels, and none of them have blown me away. My fave was her first one, where the romance built slowly, and it wasn’t overdramatic…I was worried about picking up All I Need because of that. Also, insta-love really gets to me in books. For some reason, I don’t mind it in movies, but it drives me nuts in books…so I’ll be skipping this one. But I SO appreciate your review. Helped me decide!
Annette says
I plan to read this one soon. Your review is just what I expected of this book, and I WISH I was going to be sitting on a beach while reading it, but alas….I will not….
Thanks!
Alexa Y. says
I love a good romance! I’m definitely that girl who giggles and cries and squeals over romances, especially romantic comedies. They’re light and fluffy, but it feels so good to watch them. Plus, they make me happy, and hopeful about love and the like (even though it’s not always realistic). Just knowing that this novel is a bit like that makes me excited to read it! 🙂
Christina @ Allodoxophobia says
I wasn’t a fan of this one. It kinda felt like a MG book, but with sex. I agree with you on the cute & light factors though.
Jasprit says
I’ve had my eye on All I need for a while now, I’m sorry that you had some issues with insta-love. But I’m a huge contemporary fan, so always on the lookout for something light and fun for the Summer. So will definitely be giving this a shot, also the fact that it’s by Colasanti makes me more excited to give it a try! Wonderful review Jamie! 🙂
Christine says
I wanted to read this one. I’ve read a couple of her other books and did enjoy them. Like you said, they are that light summery type of read. Perfect change of pace from all the dystopian, OMG THE WORLD IS ENDING types of books I’ve been reading lately. The whole “insta-love,” as you call it, does get a bit annoying sometimes. I have a hard time loving the characters if they fall head over heels that fast. The relationship just doesn’t feel very real after that point. But, I do still read these types of novels and read them often, especially during the summer. It’s a guilty pleasure, if you will.
Cassie says
Hmm. Reading this for the read along I’m hosting but not too happy that you didn’t love it! BUT at the same time, as you said its perfect for a light summer read, so I suppose that is a good thing! 😀
Molli says
Well this just sounds ADORABLE. I’ve been meaning to read something from this author for the longest time, since I’ve consistently heard great things. I’m thinking this one may be the one to start with. I’m happy you compared it to one of those cute rom-coms that even though it doesn’t change you, it makes you SO happy while you’re watching. Sometimes we just NEED those sort of books.
Melody says
I’ve only read one book of Susane’s and have been conflicted about which book to read next so I will definitely save this read for just the right time when I’m in a chick flick type of mood! Really looking forward to reading a book that also shows life after the summer romance. I’m intrigued!
erinf1 says
thanks for the honest review! This does look cute… gonna put it on my “on sale” list 🙂 And I totally sympathize about the closet romantic thing… I’m still in the closet for movies but not for books any more!
April @ Books And Wine says
Agree. This was a good book, but not like amazing or anything. Nothing where I am like HOLYGRAILLIKESARAHDESSENORJENNYHAN OMG OMG OMG.
Sigh.
Also, is it just me or did the drama in this one feel totally manufactured?
Oh and I am totes linking your review when mine goes live….on May 14. <3