The Summer I Learned to Dive by Shannon McCrimmon

Title: The Summer I Learned to Dive
Author: Shannon McCrimmon
Publisher: CreateSpace
Published Date: May 9, 2012
Format: Paperback & Kindle

Buy on Amazon: Paperback or Kindle
Author Website: http://shannonmccrimmon.com/

Synopsis from Back Cover:

Since the time she was a little girl, eighteen-year-old Finley “Finn” Hemmings has always lived her life according to a plan, focused and driven with no time for the average young adult’s carefree experiences. On the night of her high school graduation, things take a dramatic turn when she discovers that her mother has been keeping a secret from her—a secret that causes Finn to do something she had never done before—veer off her plan. In the middle of the night, Finn packs her bags and travels by bus to Graceville, SC seeking the truth. In Graceville, Finn has experiences that change her life forever; a summer of love, forgiveness and revelations. She learns to take chances, to take the plunge and to dive right in to what life has to offer.

My Thoughts:

Shannon McCrimmon's The Summer I Learned to Dive totally caught me off guard.  I really didn't know what to expect with this book, so I went in with an open mind.  I decided I would read a couple of chapters just to get a feel for it, and then save the rest for a road trip we were going to take on Saturday.  Ummmmm, yeah.  Once I picked this book up it was nearly impossible to put down.  I even brought it to read at my hair salon, which is saying a lot.  When I go to get my hair done, it's a gossip fest.  Always a fun time to dish with the other girls.  However, during this appointment I was in my own little, The Summer I Learned to Dive world.  I didn't care what the other women were discussing, I was totally enthralled.

Being 30 years old (uggg, that hurts to type out,) I've read a lot of YA literature.  In fact, I took several YA literature classes while studying for my Masters in college.  I have found that after a while most books start blending together.  I'm not saying that as a bad thing, I really enjoy the YA genre.  However, The Summer I Learned to Dive is totally unlike any other Young Adult novel I have read.  The characters are believable, the setting vivid, and the plot touching and surprising.

McCrimmon's The Summer I Learned to Dive follows 18 year old Finn as she embarks on quite the journey.  Finn always had a plan.  She would study hard, get into a prestigious Women's College, and then become a Doctor.  In order for her plan to work, she had to sacrifice many things, including, friends, dating, parties, and teenage life in general.  I found that I could really relate to Finn.  While I had a few friends in high school, my focus was purely academic.  It wasn't until college that I started 'living' life and came out of my shell.  

After Finn's graduation ceremony (where of course she was Valedictorian,) Finn stumbles upon a secret her mother had been keeping.  All of her well kept plans flew out the window when Finn decided to follow her heart.  Finn travels to South Carolina in the middle of the night in order to discover who she really is.  Embracing her new philosophy, Finn begins a new life with a family she never knew. 

The Summer I Learned to Dive is a fast read that made me laugh one minute and then wipe my eyes the next.  McCrimmon also did a great job in creating a realistic romance between Finn and Jesse.  After I finished The Summer I Learned to Dive, I wasn't ready to give it up.  I wanted to read more about Finn, Jesse, and her grandparents.  I went online and started searching for information about the novel and found that McCrimmon is currently working on the sequel to The Summer I Learned to Dive.  YES YES YES!!!  This was exactly the information I wanted to find, I absolutely can't wait!

Shannon McCrimmon's The Summer I Learned to Dive is a great read!  I challenge everyone to place it on your TBR lists! 

Shannon McCrimmon has provided me with a complimentary copy of her book, The Summer I Learned to Dive, for the purpose of review. 

Shannon McCrimmon has graciously donated an Autographed copy of her novel, The Summer I Learned to Dive, for a giveaway.  This giveaway will be running from August 1st-7th.  This is NOT a novel to miss out on, enter to win the copy on the Rafflecopter form starting on August 1st.