Review: That Summer

Title: That Summer
Author: Sarah Dessen
ISBN/Publisher: 0-14-240172-2/Speak (part of Penguin Group)
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Fifteen year-old Haven is in for a summer of change. She is still getting used to her parents divorce, then her dad marries a younger women known as the weather pet. Her sister, Ashley, is also getting married, but to a boring guy and Ash is not being so nice as the wedding approaches. Her mom is considering a vacation in Europe with a few other singles after the summer and when school begins. Finally, to top it off there is Haven's own body that is changing...she's almost six feet tall and apparently the growing does not stop.

To make herself feel better, Haven clings to her memory of a summer vacation when her family was together and happy and with Sumner Lee (one of Ashley's ex-boyfriends, but Haven's fave). Haven also remembers the night that Sumner and Ashley broke up. It also adds more pain and hurt to the love/hate relationship she has with her sister this summer.

It just so happens that Sumner is actually in town and is there for Haven. She can vent to him and feel comfortable with him...like things really aren't changing. Can Sumner help her get through the summer and how will the sisters relationship go now that he is back in town???

I love this book...it was a great way to start off my Sarah Dessen month. This book is totally relatable because sometimes when one things changing it seems like the whole world is changing before you. And what teenage girl is going to accept that so easily.

Also, I love how this story involves a sister-sister relationship. Haven and Ashley are five years apart...just like my big sis and me. I related to teenage Haven and the whole love/hate relationship with her sister. Sometimes, I could never understand my sister's memories and how they were so different from mine. This book made me understand that maybe one of us wanted the memory to be so happy and idyllic that we clung to other facts, rather than remembering all the accurate facts. But I guess that's the beauty of older siblings for me...they shoulder the pain sometimes so I can keep things happy in my memory.

The book was lovely and I will totally recommend this book to my friends...especially those with sisters. I even left a message for my sister telling her how much I love her after reading this novel.

My Rating:

Now go and grab your cup of tea or hazelnut coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) along with a Sarah Dessen book and HAPPY readings!!!