Book Review: As I Am by Annalisa Grant

Title: As I Am 

Author: Annalisa Grant

Rating: 3.5/5

I received an e-galley of this book from the publisher

Synopsis:“You’re not invisible. You’re invaluable.” 

When Kinley Carmichael looks in the mirror, she doesn’t see her blonde-haired, blue-eyed, size 4 twin sister. She sees her dark-haired, brown-eyed, size 12 self. 

Kinley and her twin sister Addison are excited to start their second summer as counselors at The Camp at Lake Hollis. All Kinley wants is to earn enough money to meet up with her mother so they travel the world as professional photographers. All Addison wants is to work on her tan, seduce a boy, and build her fashion budget. And while Kinley and Addison couldn’t be more opposite, nothing has ever stopped them from being the best of friends. 

It’s an especially great summer for Kinley as the official camp photographer with Notre Dame Quarterback Cal Harper showing interest in her. But when artist Miller Conrad arrives and rejects Addison’s advances, showing more interest in Kinley, true colors will shine and the sisters’ bond will be tested. 

As Kinley and Miller’s connection deepens, Kinley feels like she can truly be herself without the internal scrutiny she’s developed in the shadow of her sister. But when Kinley inadvertently uncovers a terrible secret, Miller is left facing the demons of his own reasons for coming to Lake Hollis. 

What was supposed to be the greatest summer of Kinley’s life turns out to be more life-changing than she ever imagined. 

Review: As you follow Kinley through her transformation, you'll finish the book feeling like you've been through something yourself and you'll finish the book wanting to clutch it to your chest and a little bit wanting to go to summer camp. Although I'm not quite sure I'm emotionally prepared for the sort of summer camp experience Kinley has.

As I Am reminded me of a Sarah Dessen novel in the best way possible. It had all of the best elements of one: it was a summer romance without the full focus being on the romance. The focus is rather on Kinley. You'll end this book feeling happy even though it doesn't quite give you exactly the happy ending you might expect.