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itsy719's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Grief, and War
Moderate: Abandonment, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Car accident, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Racism, Pregnancy, Suicide, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Police brutality, Religious bigotry, and Suicidal thoughts
debra_reads_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Dear Summer of '69,
You are my first Elin Hildebrand novel, and you fell into a genre that I adore. Historical fiction is a true favorite, and in that aspect, you did not disappoint. Your women were funny, touching, introspective, brave and such a reflection of the changing times. I loved Jessie's voice the most; her innocence and adoration of her father was admiring. Kirby was the best mirror of the change that happened in the '60's; her struggle to be reponsive to the injustice she saw while still trapped in her upbringing. Blair became the strongest voice, and in my opinion, the best feminist; ultimately finding a balance between the role society expected and what her heart wanted, although the drinking and smoking during pregnancy were difficult for me to accept. Kate was the least sympathetic character; I disliked how she distanced herself from her daughter's out of worry for her son and her paralysis was hard to bear. I loved where all of the characters ended up, and how they all found harmony with thier changes. I didn't realize the social impact of that specific summer, and enjoyed learning about it through the lense of this family.
You are my first Elin Hildebrand novel, and you fell into a genre that I adore. Historical fiction is a true favorite, and in that aspect, you did not disappoint. Your women were funny, touching, introspective, brave and such a reflection of the changing times. I loved Jessie's voice the most; her innocence and adoration of her father was admiring. Kirby was the best mirror of the change that happened in the '60's; her struggle to be reponsive to the injustice she saw while still trapped in her upbringing. Blair became the strongest voice, and in my opinion, the best feminist; ultimately finding a balance between the role society expected and what her heart wanted, although the drinking and smoking during pregnancy were difficult for me to accept. Kate was the least sympathetic character; I disliked how she distanced herself from her daughter's out of worry for her son and her paralysis was hard to bear. I loved where all of the characters ended up, and how they all found harmony with thier changes. I didn't realize the social impact of that specific summer, and enjoyed learning about it through the lense of this family.
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Drug use, Mental illness, Misogyny, Racism, and Sexism
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