Here's how it works: a book is offered to Flamingnet for review (they prefer electronic copies, but paper will do). Then, if a reviewer picks it, reads it, and writes a review, the review is posted. But it's not as simple as that. It's also a learning experience for the teen readers, because they are given guidance by adult volunteers as to how to write a review. It's a wonderful program, something I would have loved to have been a part of as a young reader.
I submitted my book for review by Flamingnet at least nine months ago, and I was a little bit saddened to think that it hadn't been picked. Actually, I was more than a little bit sad. Because I want young adults to pick my book. I wondered what they didn't like about it. I wondered if the cover wasn't "sexy" enough to compete with attractive vampires and dystopian universes. And then, when I had all but given up, I got an e-mail from Flamingnet that my book had gotten reviewed! Not only that, but it got seven out of ten stars, and a smiley face. Here's their content rating criteria:




I was thrilled to receive a smiley face. That's the kinda book I want to be writing.
And now, the review:
Flamingnet Student Book Reviewer AScho
When 17-year-old Rachel Guo learns of an opportunity to spend the summer abroad in Turkey, the opportunity seems almost too good to pass up. She anxiously wonders if she will like her host family and whether she can assimilate to a completely different religion and culture. When Rachel meets her host family, especially her host sister Aylin, her fears are put to rest and she begins to experience a life very different to her own in Washington. As Rachel grows closer to Aylin, she discovers that despite a few differences in culture, the two teenagers are very much the same. As the summer progresses, Rachel finds new experiences, especially in her blossoming romance and Turkey s exciting culture.
When 17-year-old Rachel Guo learns of an opportunity to spend the summer abroad in Turkey, the opportunity seems almost too good to pass up. She anxiously wonders if she will like her host family and whether she can assimilate to a completely different religion and culture. When Rachel meets her host family, especially her host sister Aylin, her fears are put to rest and she begins to experience a life very different to her own in Washington. As Rachel grows closer to Aylin, she discovers that despite a few differences in culture, the two teenagers are very much the same. As the summer progresses, Rachel finds new experiences, especially in her blossoming romance and Turkey s exciting culture.
Secrets of a Summer Village, a novel by Saskia Akyil, is a culturally rich tale that weaves American and Turkish traditions with love and friendship. I found the book to be engaging as well as enlightening, and I learned about Turkish customs, from reading coffee grounds to the many sayings for good luck. The plot held my attention at first, but could have been more engaging and tended to be slightly repetitive as the action progressed. I enjoyed learning about Turkey, and I could also easily relate to the two main characters. Overall, I would recommend this book to teenage girls interested in becoming more culturally aware, as well as anyone looking for a unique summer read.
Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Bayside, WI USA
Here's a direct link to the review on Flamingnet: http://www.flamingnet.com/bookreviews/newreviews/newbookreview.cfm?title=Secrets%20of%20a%20Summer%20Village%20(eBook)
Thanks, Flamingnet reviewer!
Congratulations. This is a good review. As you already know, I loved your book.
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