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Priscilla M. (Houston, TX)
A compelling read
I have been always been a fan of books about close-knit communities, and this story about a Nantucket beach town fits the bill. The story spans several generations, from pre-WWII to the present. The narrative switches back and forth during the years by way of a guest book started by the owners of Cliff House. Various family members and guests form the backbone of the story as Cliff House draws near to its final days as the family residence. Beach erosion is claiming the property, and Bess, the granddaughter of the original owners, comes home to evacuate her mother from the house before it falls into the sea. The
…more characters are lively and interesting, and the story is packed with intimate details of the family's history. The book held my interest all the way through to a satisfying conclusion. (less)My Dad came from Nantucket, and my siblings and I were able to spend a great deal of time on the Island, and for that, we all have an abiding love for that wonderful place and much appreciation for our beloved Nantucket family for giving us the opportunity.
In The Book of Summer we learn about the Codman family who has owned this home on the bluff in 'Sconset for generations. Unfortunately Cliff House, a beautiful old home is teetering on the edge and in imminent danger of falling into the ocean. Cis Codman, matriarch of the family is insistent on saving the house; however, she and her family come to realize that
…more nothing could be done about saving it. A journal called "The Book of "Summer", that had been kept over the generations and their families' stories, helped Cissie to accept the fate of Cliff House. (less)
Joan P. (Owego, NY)
The Book of Summer
Family sagas are my favorites and so I really enjoyed. "The Book of Summer". I'm not a great fan of the narrative switching between the past and present but this time it worked for me. The seeds of the present are planted in the past and produced some " aha moments". The characters are engaging and the house is as much a character as the family. It's a place of refuge that is disappearing forcing the family to honestly face the future. I had one negative reaction. The use of slang in the 40s sections was gratingly false. It's my era and it's not authentic or necessary. A bit of history, gender identity, ecology,
…more and romance make this a book with something for everyone.
I (less)The Book of Summer was inspired by a newspaper article in which a venerable Nantucket summer mansion was reported to be in danger of falling into the Alantic due to erosion. It is an enjoyable read and those curious about Nantucket society, family secrets, and the homefront in WWII will be especially interested. There is a rather predictable romance but the characters are strongly drawn and in a novel that moves forward and back in time, this is a real strength. Unfortunately, I found the slang used by the characters to evoke pre-war conversation annoying and stilted. It's a page turner with surprises and plot
…more twists right to the end. (less)An appropriate title for a perfect beach read. The Book takes place on Nantucket and is enjoyable from the first page to the last. Michelle Gable takes us on a fun journey with lovable characters embroiled in an island disaster! I would read more from this author.
Jessie S. (Novi, MI)
Book of Summer
Overall I enjoyed the past and present storylines about 3 generations of women who share a close connection to Cliff House, their grand family home on Nantucket. In the present day, Cissy tires to save Cliff House from the effects of erosion, while her daughter Bess tries to convince her otherwise. The characters and engaging and interesting, but the direction of the plot is somewhat predictable. The other storyline, set in the 1940s, features Cissy's mother Ruby and her struggles to keep her family together despite the challenges of WWII and a changing world. While a bit more serious in nature, the heavy use of
…more 1940s slang was annoying and it detracted from the overall impact of the story. This is definitely a book of summer as it makes for a good beach or vacation read. (less)Loved the writing, the multi-generational stories, and the entire premise of the book. There was, however, an issue in the book that I felt either didn't belong or wasn't developed enough for me to understand its relevance to the story. Can't wait to discuss this with others when the book is released!
Jan P. (Sarasota, FL)
Chick Lit and then some
I am writing this honest review in return for receiving an Advance Reading Copy. Overall, I enjoyed the stories of the three generations of women who, over a span of 60 years, summered in a family house on Nantucket. The author wove the stories together in alternating chapters. All of these women were stronger then the men they married and it is interesting to see how each of them made a life for herself with pains and gains along the way. On the minus side, I felt like the author was writing for a YA audience as the writing at times seemed juvenile. Yet there was a graphic description of a sexual encounter that
…more offended me and it detracted from the book. In the end, I would say a good summer read of the Chick Lit genre. (less)
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