Reviews

Saudade Summer: Quick but interesting read Enjoyed reading about Donny’s nostalgic summer of ‘68. Also liked that we got an insight of his life 30 years later. I found it to be very well written.

Saudade Summer: Great book fast read Puts a person back in time to those growing up late tean age yrs.Happy times that we all have experienced.Great read....

Saudade Summer: An Inspirational Nostalgic Story that Puts Life in Perspective When I began reading Saudade Summer, I thought I was in for a nice light hearted story of a young man navigating love in the awkward way teenagers tend to. While on the surface, this is exactly what you will encounter, as you dive deeper into the mind set of young Donny, those of us who have had the displeasure of experiencing depression and anxiety find a second theme to relate to.The author has done an absolutely admirable job of encompassing his readers in the nostalgia of their own memories through the telling of his own. From the awkward first kiss, to dealing with the first rejection we all go through, of feeling as though you love someone so much who will never love you back and learning how to move on from that. I felt all of the fond memories and feelings I had growing up as they continued to rush back through the tales that seem to mirror my own, albeit generations apart.It is very interesting to be transported back to a simpler time, a time before social media and cellphones when kids were able to navigate life in their purest form, without outside influences telling them how they should think.However, one element that presents itself while reading this book is an issue many of us deal with today that was taboo back when this story took place. One quickly notices the signs of anxiety young Donny presents while going through the trials and tribulations of dealing with the bad that always comes along at that age. It is very comforting for the reader to see they are not alone and very brave of the author to put himself out there and admit what he has been hiding for so long... opening a dialogue such as this and reinforcing there is nothing wrong with having struggles with mental health and talking about it is admirable. While the theme is there, it is by no means a focus and adds to the story in a very relatable, real way.The author has managed to wrap this more serious issue within a lighthearted, fun loving story we all find ourselves laughing, smiling and inspired by. I will read this book time and time again as I have never been more deeply transported back to the best years of my life through reading about someone else's tale. The feeling of nostalgia and happiness will stay with you long after you are done reading and will leave you waiting for more... I hope there is a sequel soon!

Saudade Summer: Great read!! Well written I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very interesting and easy to read. It brought back so many great memories for me. Well written!!

Saudade Summer: Heartwarming story! Great read! It gives you an idea of what it was like to grow up in the 60s and also evokes fond childhood memories of your own. A heartwarming recollection of family and friendships, growing up and finding your way.

Saudade Summer: Captivating! Reviewed by Colleen.The book was easy to read and hard to put down.😊 I really enjoyed how the author brought you into his childhood memories. Well done!

Saudade Summer: A trip to the past.... Loved reading this personal account of life as a teen in the late 60's. Some of the "boy-girl" interactions seemed so innocent and old-fashioned to me (having grown up in the 80's), while the confusion and heartache described are timeless. Will definitely make you think about similar events from your own youth.

Saudade Summer: A coming of age or a love story? Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Seemingly bordering on fact and fiction, the author relives his memories of the summer of 1968. While the author claims the book is not a love story, I tend to disagree. I think he is trying to disguise the book as a coming of age story. There are many poignant moments in the book as well as funny stories and the reliving of family moments. I highly recommend Saudade Summer mostly for its nostalgic longing for someone (or something).