A review by keepcalmblogon
Six More Months of June by Daisy Garrison

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

There’s something about YA romance that appeals to me over adult romance. My best guess is that it’s because I’m such a huge fan of 90’s teen movies and I enjoy the aspect of characters discovering themselves as well as a significant other. Six More Months of June was a Macmillan Audio pick for me and even though I’m not the biggest fan of friends to lovers, the bittersweet sound to the end-of-highschool romance synopsis pulled me in—think Can’t Hardly Wait!

I think my favorite thing about this book was how it didn’t gloss over the more realistic aspects of modern teen life. A lot of YA romance avoids things like marijuana use, underage drinking, and sex, or if they’re not avoided they are mildly mentioned or even problematic in some way. This book accepts these things as facts of life for the cast of characters. Furthermore, this book represents these things as honestly as possible: messy, dangerous, but also showing their appeal and fun. Again, harkening to 90s teen movies. 

I also loved how this book dealt with trauma, “mean girls,” the nuances of friendship, and developing maturity in teens. 

While the main plot of the book–the developing feelings between best friends Caplin and Mina, was very well thought out and crafted, and left nothing to be desired, I actually think the subplot of “mean girl” Hollis, Caplan’s on again off again girlfriend, recognizing the reality of the situation and being super mature about it—and even acting as a sort of matchmaker—was an aspect that made this book five stars to me.

As for the audiobook narrators, a brief search suggests this is the first book for both of them (or at least I didn’t see others, so I apologize if I’m wrong!), and I did like them both.