Summer Days and Summer Nights

"Summer Days and Summer Nights" is a collection of twelve romantic short stories edited by Stephanie Perkins. Each story is written by a different young adult author and takes place during the summer season. The book is a mix of different genres, including contemporary, fantasy, and magical realism.

The stories in this collection explore various aspects of summer love, such as first crushes, second chances, unexpected encounters, and long-distance relationships. Some of the characters are struggling with difficult family situations, while others are dealing with the challenges of growing up and finding their place in the world.

One of the stories, "Head, Scales, Tongue, Tail" by Leigh Bardugo, is a contemporary fantasy that follows a young girl named Gracie who is determined to find a way to save her family's farm. When she discovers a mysterious pond with a magical creature living in it, she strikes a bargain with the creature in hopes of saving her family's livelihood. But as Gracie becomes more entangled with the creature, she realizes that the cost of her bargain may be higher than she ever imagined.

Another standout story is "The End of Love" by Nina LaCour, which follows a girl named Flora who is spending the summer in San Francisco with her older brother, his wife, and their baby. Flora is struggling to come to terms with the end of her own relationship and the impending departure of her brother and his family to a new city. But when Flora meets a street musician named Mimi, she finds herself drawn to Mimi's carefree spirit and unexpected kindness.

Other stories in the collection include a retelling of "Romeo and Juliet" set at a summer camp, a tale of a girl's unexpected connection with a carnival worker, and a story of two best friends who may be more than just friends.

Overall, "Summer Days and Summer Nights" is a heartwarming and diverse collection of stories that capture the magic and complexity of summer love. Whether you're looking for a contemporary romance or a touch of fantasy, there is something for everyone in this anthology.