That Summer

Jennifer Weiner

*Chick-lit/Female friendship dynamics *

In That Summer, we meet Daisy, a woman who seemingly has it all: a beautiful home in the suburbs, a family, a cooking business, and volunteer work, but why doesn’t this feel like enough? While Daisy tries to pinpoint the root cause of her growing displeasure with her life, she is distracted by emails intended for a woman named Diana (classic case of mistaken identity).  Diana’s life seems super glamorous compared to her own. While Daisy is cooking dinner for her family, Diana is leading a boardroom meeting for her corporation, exuding a sophisticated single-woman aura that Daisy is a bit jealous of. Eventually the ladies have a chance encounter that leads to a solid connection.

Were Diana and Daisy’s encounter truly by accident? Or does Diana know more about Daisy than we realize?  

Setting: I wanted to continue with my beach- read theme, into July. Similarly, to her first novel, Jennifer brings us back to the Cape, providing a familiar sense of escape. I personally love that the main character has her own cooking business, as well. When the main character is a baker, chef, or food writer, I feel an instant connection and a sense of comfort.

Situation: This novel really highlights female and friendship complexities, again. Women are often comparing themselves to others, and we often feel like we must decide between a family life and a career. Why can’t we have both? Why can’t we be happy with one or the other and the choices we have made for ourselves that’s right for us. This novel shows us how life circumstances can set you on a path you may not have planned for yourself. In between present-day drama, we are met with some heavy subject matter (that I won’t spoil) and pulls us in with an emotional connection to the characters.  

Synergy: Most of the elements of this novel worked for me. I really enjoyed learning more about Daisy and Diana and seeing their connection. There was a summer vibe throughout the novel, that added some peace to some heavy subject matter.

Have you read this novel? How does it stack up against Big Summer, for you?