Review of Blow Out Summer

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Blow Out Summer" by Denise Ann Stock.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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“If everybody had an ocean,
Across the U.S.A.
Then everybody’d be surfin’
Like Californi-a”
-The Beach Boys-

Dee Dee, a twenty-year-old woman in the 1970s, meant to have a blow-out summer before she entered college on a tennis scholarship. Her bucket list includes surfing, partying, camping, friendships, summer love, and summer lust. But California was also the stage for a vast drug trade scene at the time. Will Dee Dee’s blow-out summer blow up? Blow Out Summer by Denise Ann Stock follows Dee Dee through her last summer before settling down for college, her dabbling with drugs, and her internal struggles with commitment in relationships.

By far my favorite asset of the novel was the descriptions. I loved how vividly the author portrayed every scene without falling into excessive details. In doing so, the author involves all the senses: the sight of magnificent glassy waves, the smell of lemon splash, the sound of Jethro Tull or Elton John, the touch of summer breeze, and the taste of summer kisses. This results in a fantastic depiction of California in the 1970s that leaves the reader enthralled in wanderlust. The pacing of the novel is even, with a few exciting incidents, but a calm overall rhythm. Dee Dee’s character is well-developed and relatable, which is a key feature in a main character. She’s the girl next door with a hard-headed twist, but she also evolves with the plot. Commendably, her many friends are perfectly portrayed too. The reader can perfectly distinguish the secondary characters from one another. I especially liked Dewey, who, despite making many poor decisions, had some very endearing qualities.

The book appears to have been professionally edited. The few editing mistakes it has are minor and do not diminish at all the reading enjoyment. This is a flawless novel, in my opinion.

Blow Out Summer by Denise Ann Stock is a brilliant melange of historical fiction, coming of age, and romance with outstanding descriptions and perfectly executed characters. Therefore, I rate it 4 out of 4 stars.

Blow Out Summer by Denise Ann Stock is a perfect pick for romance readers, sports enthusiasts, wandering souls, and anyone who feels nostalgia for the past, or wants to learn more about the social scene of the 1970s. Because of the conflicting nature of some subjects, namely the recreational use of drugs and alcohol, I would recommend this novel to a mature audience. I do not recommend Blow Out Summer to readers who prefer fantasy or sci-fi, readers who dislike romance novels or prefer a fast-paced, intriguing read.

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Blow Out Summer
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[Kingsley Emodi]

It'd be interesting to read about Dee Dee's internal struggles with commitment to relationships. Great review.

[Edit_or]

Wow. Seems like a nice book. Thank you for the review.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

It'd be interesting to read about Dee Dee's internal struggles with commitment to relationships. Great review.

It is an amazing novel.
Thanks for stopping by!

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

Wow. Seems like a nice book. Thank you for the review.

Thank you for your comment!

[Stephanie Runyon]

I'm the 1980s generation but I remember hearing the song lyrics from the opening line. This sounds like a fun to read book, and your review brings out the personality highlights. Great review!

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I'm the 1980s generation but I remember hearing the song lyrics from the opening line. This sounds like a fun to read book, and your review brings out the personality highlights. Great review!

I learned to love that music because of my mom. It is a great book! Thank you for your kind words.

[Astral Magi]

Relationships are never easy. Thank you for a great review.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

Relationships are never easy. Thank you for a great review.

Thanks for your comment!

[Luchris_michael]

Every human seem to have a lost of things that they want to achieve before death. It is never easy unless there's a strong determining force backing it up. Good review.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

Every human seem to have a lost of things that they want to achieve before death. It is never easy unless there's a strong determining force backing it up. Good review.

Thank you for your insightful comment!

[NancyDrew12]

I love a good romance novel! A story about romance and a young girl trying to live her best life before college sounds interesting. Great review!

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I love a good romance novel! A story about romance and a young girl trying to live her best life before college sounds interesting. Great review!

Then I think you'll love this book!
Thank you for your kind comment.

[Cheryl Erickson]

I grew up in California in the 70s and 80s, so I'd be interested to read the coming-of-age story about Dee Dee. I love how you started your review with lyrics from the Beach Boys. Thank you for the great review!

[Christell Lindeque]

I love books like this. I just don't like the drugs part. But this book seems like fun and some romance. Great review!