Cruel Summer [NOOK Book]

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Overview


“This was supposed to be my best summer yet, the one I’ve been working toward since practically forever. Now I’m being banished from everything I know and love, and it just doesn’t make any sense.”

Having recently discarded her dorky image--and the best friend that went with it--Colby Cavendish is looking forward to a long hot season of parties, beach BBQ’s, and hopefully, more hook-ups with Levi Bonham, the hottest guy in school. But her world comes crashing down when her parents send her away to spend the summer in Greece with her crazy aunt Tally.

Stranded on a boring island with no malls, no cell phone reception, ...

See more details below

Overview


“This was supposed to be my best summer yet, the one I’ve been working toward since practically forever. Now I’m being banished from everything I know and love, and it just doesn’t make any sense.”

Having recently discarded her dorky image--and the best friend that went with it--Colby Cavendish is looking forward to a long hot season of parties, beach BBQ’s, and hopefully, more hook-ups with Levi Bonham, the hottest guy in school. But her world comes crashing down when her parents send her away to spend the summer in Greece with her crazy aunt Tally.

Stranded on a boring island with no malls, no cell phone reception, and an aunt who talks to her plants, Colby worries that her new friends have forgotten all about her. But when she meets Yannis, a cute Greek local, everything changes. She experiences something deeper and more intense than a summer fling, and it forces her to see herself, and the life she left behind, in a whole new way.

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up

Seventeen-year-old Colby Cavendish's plans are tossed overboard when her parents decide she should spend the summer with her aunt on a remote Greek island. They are jeopardizing her hard-won spot as ultracool Amanda's "new best friend," and now that she's hooked up with hottie Levi Bonham, how is she supposed to hang on to him? Crazy Aunt Tally, who talks to her plants and sells handmade jewelry, doesn't have a cell phone, TV, or Internet access. Colby's feelings and experiences are relayed through clever, but sometimes typographically confusing, emails, journal entries, letters, postcards, and a "Cruel Summer" blog. (The island has an Internet café.) The story is one of understandable teen frustration and resentment: adults don't make sense to her, and she's insecure about her new social status. She's far away from the usual connections, electronic and otherwise, that she and many comfortably middle-class, modern American teens rely on. An islander, Yannis, complicates her feelings for Levi, and Colby finds herself becoming involved, against her will, in the rhythms and lifestyle of this charming, remote place. The protagonist's venting and observations are alternately whiny, wistful, strident, and hilarious. Despite typical teen self-obsession, Colby is likable and ultimately well intentioned. As she deals with her feelings, she blunders her way rather charmingly into a new maturity.-Roxanne Myers Spencer, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9781429938594
  • Publisher: St. Martin's Press
  • Publication date: 7/1/2010
  • Sold by: ST MARTINS / MPS
  • Format: eBook
  • Edition description: First Edition
  • Edition number: 1
  • Pages: 240
  • Sales rank: 32,427
  • Age range: 13 - 17 Years
  • File size: 256 KB
  • Items ship to U.S, APO/FPO and U.S. Protectorate addresses.

Meet the Author


Alyson Noël is the author of Saving Zoë and Art Geeks and Prom Queens. She lives in Laguna Beach, California, where she is working on her next book. Visit her on the web at alysonnoel.com.

Read an Excerpt


CRUEL SUMMER
by
Alyson Noël
June 13Dear Aunt Tally,
When I asked my mom for your e-mail address, she just laughed and told me you didn’t have one. But I know she’s just joking—right?
I mean, it’s not like you have to have a computer or anything, since I’m planning on bringing my laptop anyway, I just need to make sure you have wi-fi, high speed, broadband, or whatever they call it where you live, since it’s really important for me to stay connected, because, well, I just started hanging with this new group of friends and
Anyway, so my mom just walked in and when she saw me writing to you she said, “Don’t waste the postage, Colby. You’ll get there long before that letter does.” But just in case she’s wrong, I’m sending it anyway. And just in case she’s right, well, then I guess there’s nothing more to say.
See you soon.
Love,
Colby
June 15
Dear Mom and Dad-
Just in case you decide to stop arguing long enough to come look for me, you should know that I’m NOT home. I’m out with my friends, determined to enjoy my LAST NIGHT OF FREEDOM.
Attempting one last stab at having a little FUN before you succeed in TAKING IT ALL AWAY.
But don’t worry. I’m not running away or anything. Mostly because you’re decision to send me away makes running away seem almost redundant.
Besides, I’ve done my best to reason with you and try to put an immediate halt to all that you’ve started, but since I’ve so clearly failed, I will soon surrender, comply with your wishes, and resign myself to the fate you have so randomly chosen for me.
Only not now, later. Because now, I’m just going to try to enjoy myself—while I still can.
Though before I go I’d like to leave you with a few thoughts for you to consider:
It’s not too late!
There’s plenty of time to reconsider!
Everything you’ve done can still be undone!
At least take the time to think about it.
~Colby
Colby’s Journal For Desperate Times Like Right Now
June 16
I can’t believe I’m actually writing in this journal. I mean, today, (well, technically it would now be yesterday), when my mom gave it to me, I just looked at her and said, “What’s this?”
And she said, “I thought you could use it to write about all of the exciting things that happen to you this summer.”
So then I shook my head, rolled my eyes, and sighed as loud as I could.
Then I tossed it onto my desk, and watched it skid all the way across the top until it fell off the side and tumbled to the ground, as my mom just stood there, still and silent, gazing between the upside down journal and me.
But I just narrowed my eyes and stared right back, wondering if she was going to yell at me, cry, or both.
But in the end she just shook her head and left my room. And the second the door closed behind her, I’m the one who started to cry.
Though not for too long, since I didn’t want my face to be all puffy and red for the goodbye party Amanda was supposed to throw for me. Even though in the end it really wasn’t much of a party since it pretty much consisted of a six-pack of her brother’s beer, a bag of chips, and us.
Well, at least until she made a few calls—
Okay, I was just about to write the rest of the story, but then I decided to stop because it feels really weird to be confessing in this thing. I mean, as much as I’d like to write about EVERYTHING that just happened, (and trust me, there’s PLENTY to write about), because I’m thinking it might really help me to get it all down on paper and maybe even clear my head and put it all back in perspective, the thing is, I can’t help but think—what if someone reads it?
I mean, it’s not like you can password protect a leather bound notebook.
Not to mention how I can STILL hear my parents totally yelling and screaming downstairs, which is not only making it hard to concentrate, but also freaking me out to think what will happen when they come up here to check on me while I sleep, (because that’s what they always do after they’ve exhausted themselves from one of their arguments, and are ready to call it a night and head off to their separate rooms), and maybe even end up peeking at what I’ve written.
And even though I know that probably sounds totally paranoid, in light of how they’ve managed to wreck just about every aspect of my life, I think the breakdown in trust is completely justified.
So, with that in mind, it’s better to just sign off for now and continue this at another time, in another place.
Or not.
June 16
Text Message:
To: Amanda
Message: This is the last txt msg Ull get from me bcuz IM packed N ready N lvg 4 LAX v soon so I wanna say bye N also 2 say last nite was soooo fun but it also makes lvg that much harder I still cant believe my rents R doing this 2 me O well Plz say bye 2 Levi 4 me N plz give him my email cuz I 4got 2
K, ttfn, Colby
June 16
Dear Mom and Dad,
I really hope that by the time you return from dropping me off at the airport you will find this letter and realize what a big mistake you’ve made.
Because this is NOT fair!
It feels like I’M the one being punished because YOU GUYS decided to get a divorce—a divorce that, as you know, not only am I completely against, but that I definitely don’t agree with. And yet, here I am, being banished from everything I know and love, and it just doesn’t make any sense.
It’s not like I’m the one causing trouble. It’s not like I’m the one yelling and screaming and fighting all the time. Because that would be YOU! And yet, somehow, the plane ticket is still in my name.
I mean, did you ever stop to consider that maybe the WRONG PERSON is being sent to Aunt Tally’s? Did you ever stop and think that maybe one of YOU should go cool off on a Greek Island for a couple months, so I can just stay home and enjoy my summer in peace?
Apparently not.
I hope that by the time you finish this letter you will have come to your senses, stop fighting, see the error of your ways, and bring me back home immediately.
It’s as simple as calling the airport and having me paged.
I will be listening for my name.
And even though it’s probably not necessary to say, I want to assure you that should you choose to reverse your decision, I hereby do solemnly swear, to never mention this little digression again. I will just tuck it away in the file of- Things We’d All Rather Forget.
But if not . . .then I’m afraid I can’t be held responsible for my actions.
Please take the time to reconsider. And remember, it’s never too late to correct a mistake.
Love,
Your sad, lonely, and already completely homesick daughter—
Colby
Customer Reviews
Average Rating 4
( 73 )

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  • Anonymous

    Posted September 17, 2009

    I Also Recommend:

    Cute quick read

    Teen girls will love CRUEL SUMMER by Alyson Noel. The story is told using letters home, the journal her mother gave her, "Colby's Journal For Desperate Times...," and her new blog. The range of emotions, devastating lows to breathtaking highs, and the intense feeling that everything affects her is so authentic. The reader will relate to her habit of over-thinking every comment, gesture, or word of an email, and the insecurity she feels around Yannis. I loved this book and totally devoured it. For this reason, I give it five stars!

    4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted December 26, 2008

    more from this reviewer

    good for a quick read

    I read this book in about a day and half. Sometimes it didn't really hold my attention, but it did have some twists and turns that made it interesting. I like how the whole book was in emails, letters, and journal entries, but sometimes the main charachter was annoying. This is definitely a book for a teenage girl who is looking for a quick read that doesn't require much thinking.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted October 30, 2008

    more from this reviewer

    Good, but slow

    I thought that this book was good, but a bit hard to get into at first. It's written all in diary entries, e- mails, and letters. Again, I would recommend it to my friends because it has a good message, but otherwise it was so-so.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted January 9, 2012

    loved it

    I thought this was an awesome book. I read it fast. It was cute, teen girls will defiantly love this.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 31, 2011

    Just a tip.

    Miranda kenneally. Catching jordan. The best book i ever read. Obvi the books name is catching jorfan. I guarentee u will love it.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 28, 2011

    :)

    This book deserves two thumbs up! From start to finish i was drawn in and continuosly intrigued with the constant change of events! The setting was picture perfect and characters well developed! Lastly, the format was my favorite part. Constant letters, emails and journal entries! Fun, exciting read! Definitely worth the money!!!

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  • Posted November 29, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    Cruel Summer by Alyson Noel

    When I first started reading Cruel Summer, I almost put it down. It wasn't horrible, but it was definitely not for me. Colby seemed annoying and spoiled, but around the middle of the novel, she got likable enough that I could continue reading. Thats not very good. I grabbed this book because it takes place in Greece, which is one of my favorite places in the world, but was disappointed when all Colby did was complain about it.
    I decided to give Alyson Noel another chance after reading Saving Zoe, so because I was short on money, I got this book from the library. I'm glad I did. Cruel Summer was written only through blog entries, letters, diary entries, and texts, which was confusing because it didn't show anyone's messages but Colby's and left the minor characters undeveloped. I also felt that everything that happened was predictable. The plot was very unoriginal, and even the "twists" in the story were not unexpected or surprising. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone :/

    0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted September 19, 2010

    awsome book

    i love this book i love the way she wrote it from webite to journal to diologe it was a amazing book! out of all the romance books this has to be the first loved it. the begginging was allright but wen u get to the middle its soo good u cnt stop havee to read!!!

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  • Posted April 20, 2010

    I Also Recommend:

    BORING!!

    Ok.. after I FORCED myself to finish one other book of Alyson Noels' (blog&kiss) I decided to see if this book would be any different?! Well, not really. I couldn't even get past page 24. I had to put it down. The one and pretty much only reason I didn't finish the book was that AGAIN a lot of repeating and useless information. Every SINGLE page and something that said... "I hate my parents for doing this to me!" "why did my parents do this to me?" or "This is going to be the worst summer ever!" OK Alyson Noel.. we get the picture... its going to be a "Cruel Summer." I would not recommend anyone to buy this book. If you REALLY want to read it... get it from the library so your not wasting your money on it.
    But just like on my other reviews of Alyson Noel.. her Evermore series is really good.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted August 15, 2009

    Great teen book..classic story line with great special teen twists..finding yourself

    Teen finding herself on the greek island of Tinos. Great book.

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  • Posted July 11, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    It was good.

    This book was good but wasn't incredible. The main character- to me- was annoying at some points, which made the book kind of eh. I give it a 7 out of 10.

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  • Posted July 10, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    CRUEL SUMMER

    I read this book about a year ago. It was okay. It wasn't really something I'd dive into again just for the heck of it. It was interesting and it kept me reading mostly. But I wouldn't recommend it to many people.

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  • Posted November 30, 2008

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    pretty good

    This book was pretty good the beginning was kind of boring. There were a lot of details. It was a good read though. To me it was comical how she would change her point of view depending on who she was writing a letter to, just like i would.

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  • Posted October 27, 2008

    more from this reviewer

    Reviewed by Cana Rensberger for TeensReadToo.com

    Colby Cavendish has finally made it into the in crowd! She worked hard to gain Amanda's favor and now she's her new best friend. She's practically guaranteed the best Senior year ever! As an added bonus, Levi Bonham, the hottest guy in school, has suddenly become very interested in Colby! So interested that she's actually sitting right next to him on the couch at Amanda's house.

    Okay, so Colby's just a little nervous that it's their first date...well, not even really a date. She's alone downstairs kissing Levi like she's always dreamed, like they'd been dating for forever, while Amanda is upstairs in her room with her guy. And Colby can't stop thinking about her curfew, which, by the way, passed, like, two hours ago. But at least she's stopped feeling guilty about dumping her former best friend, Natalie. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices in order to progress up the social ladder. It's just part of life. Right?

    Colby's parents are in the middle of a messy, angry divorce. Turns out they were so engrossed in their fight of the night, that they didn't even know Colby missed her curfew. It seems they barely remember they have a daughter, whose life they are royally screwing up. Then Colby finds out they have plans for her summer that don't include hitting the malls and becoming fully entrenched in her new social order.

    They are sending her to Greece. No, not Athens. A tiny little island called Tinos. No amount of ranting, reasoning, pleading, or even crying will change their mind. Colby boards the plane bound for three months with Crazy Aunt Tally and no TV, no computer, no Wi-Fi. Nothing. How is she supposed to maintain her new social status? What if Colby gets replaced by a new Amanda Wanna-Be?

    But soon things are looking up. First, there's Yannis, this really cute Greek guy who's living on Tinos! And second? She found an Internet café! Score! She is alive again! Maybe she can ignore the parent wars. But why was Yannis with Marie? And should she tell him that she's going to island hop to Mykonos to meet Levi, who's on a cruise to Greece? And her parents are going to sell the house as part of the divorce settlement? She might be spending her Senior year in Arizona?

    Teen girls will totally love CRUEL SUMMER by Alyson Noël. The story is told using letters home, the journal her mother gave her, "Colby's Journal For Desperate Times...," and her new blog. The range of emotions, devastating lows to breathtaking highs, and the intense feeling that everything affects her is so authentic. The reader will relate to her habit of over-thinking every comment, gesture, or word of an email, and the insecurity she feels around Yannis. I loved this book and totally devoured it. For this reason, I give it five stars!

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Anonymous

    Posted August 24, 2008

    Great book!!!

    To tell you the truth I gave up on this book and now just suddenly went back to it yesterday and finished it last night. I am very glad I did so! I'm kinda a hopeless romantic so this book was great for me! It does come on a bit strong, which is why I put it down at first, but it is worth it. Now I want a guy exactly like Yannis!!!!! In a lot of ways the relationships in this book are much like the ones in the Twilight series. So for those of you who like that series give this book a try.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted August 27, 2008

    a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat

    The book was great. I loved the story line it makes you really want to keep reading more and more. The characters in it were fantastic. If you like vacations that you will remember forever read this book. It is almost like you were a character in the story once you get into it.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted September 6, 2008

    Amazing

    Colbie Cavendish is looking forward to a fun summer spenet partying with her new (and über-popular) circle of friends. Unfortunately, her fighting parents decide to send her to a tiny Greek island no one¿s ever heard of to stay with her crazy aunt Tally. This is practically unforgivable to Colbie since she¿ll only have minimal contact with her new friends (email) and is worried they¿ll forget her. But when Colbie finally takes a break from being depressed about her vacation when she spends mostly in an Internet café, she realizes that maybe she should be out living instead of mourning all the changes to her old life. And that¿s when she meets Yannis, a gorgeous Greek guy who¿s just as interested in her as she is in him. It seems Colbie¿s vacation isn¿t as miserable as she thought it would be it changes her perspective on her entire life. I really enjoyed Alyson Noël¿s writing in her other novels that I¿ve read, Faking 19 and Saving Zoë, and Cruel Summer was no different. While the plot isn¿t fast-paced and exciting, it¿s the well-developed characters that really caught my attention, though in this case, Colbie was the only well-developed character as the story was told from her point-of-view. Alyson Noël has a subtle way of making her stories much deeper and more meaningful than they may appear on the surface, and this makes them seem real. For example, Colbie is initially portrayed as a whiny and insecure girl, but as her vacation progresses, she starts to appreciate or at least accept what she has in life. I also liked how romance was incorporated into Colbie¿s story, because she really deserved Yannis in the midst of all her other problems. In all, Cruel Summer was a very enjoyable story and, despite the cover, much better than just a beach read. In a strange way, although none of her novels rank very high among my favorites, Alyson Noël is one of my favorite authors. It¿s not just because she¿s an Orange County resident like me and often writes about that setting Alyson Noël just has a really great writing style. I definitely recommend Cruel Summer as well as her other novels that I¿ve read, Faking 19 and Saving Zoë. I also look forward to reading Art Geeks and Prom Queens and Kiss & Blog sometime in the future.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 1, 2008

    Very Good Book

    This is the first book I have ever read from Alyson Noel. It was a great book, with a great plot, and Alyson really did an outstanding job illustrating a teen trying to find who she is. This book kept me entertained, and kept me guessing. My only dissapointment, is that I was not expecting it to be written like a diary, blog, and letter, but after you read into the book a little bit, you look past that. It was a great book, though!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 1, 2008

    A reviewer

    omg!!!! best boook by far!! makes you wanna go to greece && fall in love. or fall in love all over again. i recommend this book :]. really kept me entertained. i read it in one day.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 22, 2008

    Best book ever!!!

    Cruel summer is totally amazing!!! I loved every sentence! I couldn't put it down. AWESOME!

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