Writing style:
I would recommend this book if you like multi-POV books. I quite enjoyed the writing style and felt like I got the 360 view of the plot and emotions of the characters. 

Content:
I’ve seen quite a few reviews of the book that say the book is too woke. To that, I say that this book does not contain only white, rich, heterosexual characters and touches on real issues and emotions associated with sexuality, race, and mental health. That should be considered normal and not woke in my opinion. I enjoyed the plot and didn’t feel sad, despite the emotionally charged content. If anything, it felt nice to read a book that, despite being a fiction book, felt real and relatable. 

TW’s:
I will say  that, I will say that it is packed with trauma so tread carefully if you have potential triggers. 

First off, let me say that I’m not here to bash the author. In fact, she’s one of my all-time favorites. I rarely re-read books, but one of hers happens to be my go-to comfort read—I’ve devoured it three or four times over the years. So, it pains me to say that this latest book fell flat for me.

The book cover and synopsis promised a story about characters at a crossroads in their lives, 10 years after a tragedy, coming together to support one another. I was excited to see this group of old college friends reconnect, rekindle, and reset. I knew there would be multiple elements involved, but I wasn’t prepared for just how heavy and politically charged the story would be. Not exactly the light summer read I’d been anticipating for months.

Now, heavy themes and political issues aren’t fundamentally bad—they can add depth and realism to a story. I’ll try to explain what I mean, but be warned: potential spoilers ahead. The story mentions a social media influencer, infidelity, LGBTQ+ characters, narcissistic parents, troubled family dynamics and even a sloppy sidekick. There were also a few mentions of sexual consent, with even a question of sexual assault. Additionally, there are strong elements of suicide, alcoholism, mental illness, and depression. However, some of these details felt unnecessary and forced, as if they were included just to check off boxes. It even went on to mention Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, TikTok, and Zach Galifianakis, which felt out of place. Anyway, the way these themes were handled didn’t sit right with me.

Although the characters were in their 30s, they were completely unrelatable. Most people can’t just quit a job to fulfill a 10-year-old pact and jump on a plane to travel for weeks on end. Making future plans with friends, absolutely. Being there for them in their time of need, completely. But to just up and leave like that? Not so much. And let’s not forget the seemingly endless supply of money for these spontaneous plans—highly unrealistic, at least for me anyway.

Another issue I had was with the characters themselves. The story was stuffed full of secrets, lies, and betrayals, despite the friends supposedly being there to support each other during a time of crisis. Instead of the mature, well-developed individuals I expected, they came across as surprisingly immature—especially given their age and respectable careers. While I could agree with some of their decisions, the way those situations were handled left much to be desired.

And despite flying through the book, the ending felt extremely rushed and unsatisfying. I’m left with so many unanswered questions. Needless to say, Giffin will remain on my favorite authors list, and I’ll always hold a spot in my heart for the Darcy & Rachel series, but sadly this just wasn’t it for me.

Classic Emily Giffin.  I haven't liked one of her books as much since Something Borrowed and Something Blue.  Multiple POV chapters alternate between Lainey, an actor coming to terms with meeting her biological father's "real" family, Hannah, who canceled her wedding after catching her fiance cheating, and Tyson, a DC lawyer who left a job and a relationship simultaneously that were good but not great.   Contemporary literary fiction, characters are 32, they are on a trip together.   College friends, their 4th friend Summer completed suicide after finals their senior year.  The Summer Pact has nothing to do with the season but instead the name of their deceased friend. 

Easy and likable characters, good dialogue.  I didn't feel the chemistry here between the characters but I appreciated their friendship.  The kind of very easygoing adult friendships we all wish we had.  

trigger warning: Suicide, infidelity, alcoholism

Did I guess what was going to happen by the 40% mark? Absolutely. Did I hate the use of some current pop culture references being thrown in? Absolutely. But it was a quick and easy read that kept me entertained enough

I do think the relationships could’ve had a better build-up, since they just kinda….appear out of what feels like thin air, but there’s only so many pages in a lil rom com book