“As a British family of six takes its annual beach holiday, narrator Ell Potter's delivery is informed by the voice of the unnamed, ungendered young adult narrator.… Potter's narration focuses on the emotional arc, tone, and characterizations of this story. Listeners will enjoy this finely crafted novel in which time and traditions endure amid plot twists and the protagonist's struggle to find his footing.” (AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award Winner)

“A British family of six takes its annual vacation to the beach for what is sure to be a glorious summer....Printz Award-winner Rosoff (How I Live Now, 2004) has written an absolutely remarkable coming-of-age story. Everything about it - style, substance, mood, atmosphere, tone, and especially characterization - is spot-on. One wants to read the book several times to tease out how Rosoff achieves her effects. The effort is a joy, just like this unforgettable novel, the first of a planned, summer-themed trio.” (Booklist, starred review)

“A London teen recounts the summer that tore the family apart... Through the narrator’s keen observations, made more poignant in hindsight and through sarcasm, readers view the twisting and turning development of Kit’s manipulation. Although slim, Rosoff’s taut, psychological story elicits a slow burn, leaving readers wondering how far and wide Kit’s power will extend through the family. It’s all just the beginning of the narrator’s loss of innocence. A searing coming-of-age novel.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“I was blown away by the deep heart, dark soul, and storm-tossed depiction of a summer with family where nothing and everything changes. The Great Godden took me into a space of memory, nostalgia, teenage passions, and sun-swept coastlines. A truly beautiful book.” (E. Lockhart, author of We Were Liars)