Book Review: I Love You S’more by Bethany M. Desombre
When I first caught wind of I Love You S’more, I couldn’t resist its promise of summer camp adventures, friendships, and all the emotional rollercoasters that come with them. Having adored I Think I Love You by Bethany M. Desombre, my expectations were set high—maybe a little too high. There’s something about the enchanting backdrop of summer camp that always pulls at my heartstrings, and I was eager to dive into this heartfelt tale. But as I turned the pages, I found myself wrestling with some mixed feelings.
This cute, easy read centers around Ivy, a 15-year-old whose world is thrown into disarray post-breakup with her long-term girlfriend, Ally. As a twenty-something reader, I couldn’t help but feel that Ivy’s age impacted the stakes of her emotional journey. At just 15, it seemed difficult to fully grasp the gravity of a four-year relationship that began when she was just a pre-teen. While Ivy herself is a relatable character, the tension of her past romance felt lighter than I expected.
I appreciated Ivy’s complexities, particularly her relationships within her family and her struggles at camp. Her sibling dynamic, especially with her sister, added depth and reflected real familial tensions. However, it was Ally—her ex-girlfriend—who left me wanting more. Presented primarily through social media snippets, the character felt more like a shadow than a fully fleshed-out person, making it hard for me to invest emotionally in Ivy’s heartbreak. This could have been an interesting opportunity to explore Ivy’s character development further, and I found myself wishing for more context around Ally’s significance in her life.
On the bright side, Rynn, Ivy’s best friend and potential love interest, is vibrant and adds a fun dynamic to the story. However, I struggled to fully embrace the budding romance between Ivy and Rynn. Given Ivy’s lingering feelings for Ally, the transition from best friends to something more felt a bit rushed and unrealistic. Their relationship could have blossomed beautifully if given more time and space in the narrative.
The side characters—like the hilarious Fitz and the wise Mrs. P—added a delightful texture to the camp atmosphere. I enjoyed Ivy’s interactions with her younger campers, even if the middle school drama sometimes felt overly tedious. Yet, a poignant quote towards the end more than made up for it, encapsulating how we discuss love and its implications for younger generations, grounding the story in a meaningful way.
By the end of I Love You S’more, while some plot points felt unresolved—particularly regarding Ivy’s aspirations with the musical—I found consolation in Ivy’s personal growth and her newfound connection with her campers. Everything tied together for a neat conclusion, but I still felt a tinge of disappointment over missed opportunities for more character development and emotional depth.
In summary, I Love You S’more is a charming summer read, perfect for younger teens navigating the complexities of friendships and first loves. While it didn’t fully resonate with me as I had hoped, I believe Desombre’s talent shines through, and there are countless readers who will cherish this story. If you’re looking for a light, humorous take on the challenges of adolescence, this might just be your next favorite book! Rating: ★★★☆☆.