How to Ruin a Summer Vacation (How to Ruin a Summer Vacation Novel Book 1)

Ok, before I start reviewing the book I have to say a couple of things a bout Israel. I live in Israel. My mom lived in the US for 20 years and moved to Israel because of my dad, therefore I read only english books and speak english better then I speak hebrew.. Sad I know. I started reading this book knowing it will be fun reading about a book that is about Israel and America. About Israeli's and American's being together. While I was reading this book I understood that the author didn't really know many things about Israel. Understandable. But when you write a book you need to make sure you have all the right facts. So before I tell you what I thought about the book I have to clarify some things that bothered me throughout the book.first of all, in the twenty first century teenagers name's aren't usually Osnat, Ofra. It's more like: Maya, Mia, Noa, Dana, Natalie...2. I am 19, which means that I am a soldier.We, soldires, are not, I repeat, are NOT bodyguards or work in any security company. We do not stand in airports with guns, outside of clubs (which we don't call disco- number three of the list that bothered me) checking I.D's and being called when there's a fight- That is for the police to take care of.What we REALLY do is: guard our country. Not the clubs or hotels, but the country itself! So reading about soldiers being like bodyguards just had me wanting to explain to you all that it's not true.3. We don't say disco anymore. My dad didn't even say disco when he was a teen. Just wanted to clarify things.4. People don't lick one another at clubs. It's just wrong and gross!Now about the book:I, actually, really liked it. When I started reading it I thought it will be horrible, but I instantly liked it and read it in one sitting. Amy was sometimes annoying and too much to handle. I liked that she grew throughout the book.I LOVED the cute relationship between Avi (a typical guy name, even now lol) and Amy. It took some time but I'm happy it happened.I can't wait to read the second book and see what happens to Amy when she's in the US. I hope Avi will be involved.Overall it was a fun read. I found myself laughing and smiling to myself most of the time. I really recommend this book. But again, I had to explain some stuff. I give this book 4 stars.

Taken from princessbookie.comMy Thoughts: First off, I just want to say that I am reviewing all 3 books in this one review. The other titles in the series are How To Ruin My Teenage Life and How To Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation. We are introduced to Amy who lives with her mom. Her dad has been in and out of her life throughout the years but he calls and wants Amy to go to Israel because her grandmother whom she has never meant and to learn more about his home country and her family. Amy goes and spends time there and it is nothing like what she is used too. She meets her dad's side of the family. She meets a boy. Not just any boy but a hot boy named Avi. It was love at first page for me. I loved him and throughout all three books I fell in love more and more. Part of me felt like he was my Avi!How To Ruin My Teenage Life deals with Amy being back home in the states and she has went to live with her father in Chicago. She meets a new boy named Nathan but deep down her heart belongs to Avi but the catch is Avi is spending 3 years in the military because that is law in Israeli so how can she be with someone who is not around? But what happens when he does come around?Book 3, How To Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation deals with Amy ending up on Avi's boot camp. I don't want to say much more without giving away every detail of every book. But, here is the short version. I spent 24 hours reading these 3 books. Did I sleep? Not much. One of the times, my boyfriend came in the room and I was asleep on top of the book. I fell asleep reading it! Of course I got right back up and started reading it again until my eyes got tired. I went to bed for a few hours, got back up, and started reading again. These books are so addicting and I love Amy, all of Amy's friends, and Avi. I hope there is a book 4!!!!!Overall: Loved the whole series! Devoured it! So good!Cover: I think all 3 covers are really adorable!

Simone Elkeles shows her sense of humor in "How To Ruin A Summer Vacation". Amy traveling to Israel with her father whom she calls SD {Sperm Donor} has you laughing right from the start. When they arrive at the Moshav, Amy meets up with guys her own age named Doo-Doo, Moron and O' dead. When her father introduces her to Doda Yucky {Aunt Yikara}, uncle Chaim {Chime to Amy}and than her cousin O'snot, this brought on laughing so hard I started to cry. When she meets her Safta {Grandma} for the first time it over whelms Amy so bad that she runs out of the house crying and stops by a pig pen where she see's "no shirt guy" {Avi} throwing bails of hay into the pen, and a puppy she later names "Mutt" comes up to her. Walking back towards the house she notices a bunch of big dogs barking at her and running towards her. Amy takes off in the opposite direction running as fast as she can and jumps toward the pen with her eyes closed. She ends up straddling Avi. After her Aba {father} gets done yelling at her she goes into the bedroom where Snotty is sitting on her bed. Amy decides she is going to take a shower, but forgets clothes. With a towel wrapped around her she heads into the bedroom not looking at Snotty. Amy is embarrassed to dress in front of her, but drops her towel to put on her underwear and shorts when the door opens she thinks it is SD, but it is Snotty. With a tank top covering her chest she turns to see Avi sitting on the bed and screams which brings her father and uncle. Avi got a really good peep show. Embarrassed, Amy runs into the bathroom. And this is only in the first 55 pages. Out of the three "How To Ruin" books, this one is the funniest. I would recommend this book. Simone as usual writes a great book...

This would be a good holiday book, enough funny moments to be lighthearted but the author does try to include serious issues. I like the way she handles Israel, although it's a dangerous place we are reminded that the young people who live there are still ordinary people with the same the worries as American/English etc At the same time Amy, our main character, realises that her life isn't as tough as she thought, she doesn't have to join the army for two years or shear sheep! There are some nice romantic moments and I liked the growing relationship with her father.All in all, a nice book for young adults :)

I bought the tree books for my granddaughter and she loved them, in fact she has bought all of Simone Elkeles books.

Great series.

This is my favourite book!! I borrowed it from my school library and then I just had to get it on my Kindle!!!

To be honest the first couple of chapters it was a little slow, but then it started to get really good until i couldn't put the book.It was funny, cute, romantic & Dramatic. This is honetly a great book to read.