Scan barcode
yunsq's review
dark
sad
tense
3.0
It feels slightly wrong that this book is publicised as a beach read. That Summer is far from being lighthearted. It has a lot of heavy and weighted themes and topics which I don’t think anyone should read if they are not ready. I wouldn’t have gotten into it in the first place if I’d known. I only finished it because it played in the background whilst I was doing chores.
Jennifer Weiner really has a way with writing (white) women. I really empathised with both Daisy and Diana and I was feeling with them every step of the way.
Bumping my rating down because the ending was too fantastical and hasty for a book that was trying to address many issues.
Bonus: food descriptions!!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Misogyny, and Suicide
Minor: Car accident and Death of parent
kelly_e's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Title: That Summer
Author: Jennifer Weiner
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 3
Pub Date: May 11 2021
T H R E E • W O R D S
Twisty • Insightful • Heavy
📖 S Y N O P S I S
When two separate Diana's paths cross due to an errant email, an unlikely friendships begins to form. However, to one women it's hardly a chance encounter. That Summer is a story of long held secrets, powerful friendship, learning to confront the past and embracing the future.
💭 T H O U G H T S
This one has all the summer vibes a good beach read should - relaxing setting, delicious food, friendship and of course, drama. But with the addition of a traumatic and life-changing incident at its heart. If you're looking for light and fluffy, this certainly isn't it. I definitely have issues with this being marketed as the most anticipated beach read of the summer, and with such a fun and appealing cover. In fact this book is everywhere right now, but very little is said of the sensitive nature of its content.
While I enjoyed getting to know both women and their struggles to find an identity for very different reasons, the dual timeline structure made for an inconsistent flow throughout the first half of the book. The underlying theme of the powerful and healing nature of friendship is what makes this book shine, but it isn't without its flaws.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Jennifer Weiner fans
• readers looking for a beach read with depth
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"His smile was like the sum coming out after days of rain; like pulling on the softest sweater on a cold day."
Author: Jennifer Weiner
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 3
Pub Date: May 11 2021
T H R E E • W O R D S
Twisty • Insightful • Heavy
📖 S Y N O P S I S
When two separate Diana's paths cross due to an errant email, an unlikely friendships begins to form. However, to one women it's hardly a chance encounter. That Summer is a story of long held secrets, powerful friendship, learning to confront the past and embracing the future.
💭 T H O U G H T S
This one has all the summer vibes a good beach read should - relaxing setting, delicious food, friendship and of course, drama. But with the addition of a traumatic and life-changing incident at its heart. If you're looking for light and fluffy, this certainly isn't it. I definitely have issues with this being marketed as the most anticipated beach read of the summer, and with such a fun and appealing cover. In fact this book is everywhere right now, but very little is said of the sensitive nature of its content.
While I enjoyed getting to know both women and their struggles to find an identity for very different reasons, the dual timeline structure made for an inconsistent flow throughout the first half of the book. The underlying theme of the powerful and healing nature of friendship is what makes this book shine, but it isn't without its flaws.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Jennifer Weiner fans
• readers looking for a beach read with depth
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"His smile was like the sum coming out after days of rain; like pulling on the softest sweater on a cold day."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Death of parent, Homophobia, Sexism, and Suicide
Minor: Addiction, Cancer, Car accident, Fatphobia, Infidelity, and Miscarriage
drunk driving, death of a friend
More...