Book Review | Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
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Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
Goodreads Score 3.66 | 67,652 Ratings | 7,209 Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hello hello! In today’s post, we are talking about the latest release by Jennifer Weiner, Big Summer. Big Summer is the second book I’ve read by Jennifer Weiner, and you’d think I’d have read more considering I have a decent collection of her novels on my bookshelf. Lol!
Several years ago, I started collecting first edition hardcover books, and I’d love to go to book signings when authors were on tour. Jennifer Weiner was one of the authors where I had the pleasure of attending one of her signings in July of 2010. You guys, she is so witty, and her humor reflects in her writing. Look at how she signed one of my books. Haha!
You guys, I found the picture I took with her, and lol, I’m not sure if I want to post it. If I remember correctly, it was a last-minute decision to go, and I didn’t feel myself but needed to get out. I look like a trainwreck, and poor Jennifer was not ready, but she looked fabulous regardless! Should I share? Ugh, let’s get this out of the way, and then we can jump into the review. 🙈
Description
The protagonist in Big Summer is Daphne Berg, a plus-size influencer. The first half of the book is primarily flashbacks of Daphne’s relationship with her childhood best friend, Drue Cavanaugh. These flashbacks give you some perspective on their toxic relationship and the events that ultimately resulted in a huge fight. Daphne moves on but never forgets Drue.
Six years later, Drue makes her way back into Daphne’s life. In a series of eye opening and tragic events, we see the complexity of relationships, more specifically female relationships. We learn the importance of family, friends, and living in the present.
My Thoughts
There is so much depth to this story. However, it did take a minute to get into the meat and potatoes. The first half of the book dragged on for me. It felt very wordy. Granted, we did need a little back story on Daphne and Drue, but it didn’t need to be half of the book, in my opinion. That is why I knocked a star off my rating.
Once you get past the halfway mark, though, it gets so good. Riveting, engaging, and has you on the edge of your seat wondering what’s going to happen next. Even with the slow start, I would highly recommend this book.
Jennifer does have a new book coming out in May of this year as well. The book is called That Summer and is currently available for preorder. It’s a stand-alone and not related to Big Summer as far as I can tell. However, it seems as though both primarily take place in Cape Cod.
Have you read Big Summer? Are you a fan of Jennifer Weiner’s books? Which one is your favorite? Let’s chat in the comments below.
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Until next time be happy, be kind, be you!
