- Author: Jennifer Weiner
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Number of Pages: 432
- Year of Publication: 2021
- Name of the Publication: Atria Books
That Summer by Jennifer Weiner Short Summary
“That Summer” by Jennifer Weiner delves into the intertwined lives of Daisy Shoemaker and Diana Starling. Daisy is a homemaker and cook, leading a seemingly perfect life in the suburbs but feeling unfulfilled and plagued by insomnia. An email mix-up introduces her to Diana, a successful businesswoman who has faced her own set of challenges. As their friendship develops, buried secrets from their pasts resurface. Daisy and Diana share a traumatic history connected to a life-altering event that has haunted them for decades.
This novel explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the impact of past events on the present. Through their journey, both women learn to confront their fears and seek justice and healing. “That Summer” is a powerful narrative about the strength of women and the enduring impact of trauma, showcasing Jennifer Weiner’s talent for crafting relatable, emotionally resonant stories. To read summaries of more books, stay with us at Better Summary.
Who is the Author of That Summer?
Jennifer Weiner is the author of “That Summer.” Born on March 28, 1970, in DeRidder, Louisiana, and raised in Connecticut, Weiner is a celebrated author known for her compelling and relatable storytelling. She graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University in 1991 with a degree in English.
Weiner began her writing career as a journalist, working for various newspapers before transitioning to fiction. Her debut novel, “Good in Bed,” published in 2001, was a bestseller and established her as a prominent voice in contemporary women’s fiction.
Her writing often explores themes of body image, female friendship, and the complexities of modern life. Weiner’s novels are known for their wit, emotional depth, and strong female characters, making her a favorite among readers.
Other Works by Jennifer Weiner:
- “Good in Bed” (2001)
- “In Her Shoes” (2002) – adapted into a film starring Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette
- “Little Earthquakes” (2004)
- “Best Friends Forever” (2009)
- “Fly Away Home” (2010)
- “The Next Best Thing” (2012)
- “All Fall Down” (2014)
- “Who Do You Love” (2015)
- “Mrs. Everything” (2019)
- “Big Summer” (2020)
Weiner’s books have been translated into numerous languages, and her work continues to resonate with readers around the world. For more information about this Author, visit Jennifer Weiner.
Who Should Read This Book?
“That Summer” by Jennifer Weiner is a captivating novel that appeals to a wide range of readers. Here are some groups of people who would particularly enjoy this book:
- Fans of Contemporary Fiction:
- If you love modern stories that explore real-life issues and relationships, “That Summer” will captivate you with its well-drawn characters and engaging plot.
- Women Seeking Relatable Stories:
- This book delves into the lives of two women with complex backgrounds and personal struggles, making it a relatable and inspiring read for many female readers.
- Readers Interested in Themes of Friendship and Resilience:
- The novel beautifully portrays the strength of female friendship and the resilience required to overcome past traumas. It’s a heartwarming and empowering story for anyone interested in these themes.
- Those Who Enjoy Mystery and Secrets:
- The unfolding mystery and hidden secrets in “That Summer” add an element of suspense that will keep you turning the pages.
- Jennifer Weiner’s Fans:
- If you’ve enjoyed Weiner’s previous works, you’ll find her signature blend of humor, emotional depth, and compelling storytelling in “That Summer.”
- Book Club Members:
- With its rich themes and layered characters, “That Summer” is an excellent choice for book clubs, offering plenty of material for discussion and analysis.
- Readers of Women’s Fiction:
- If you appreciate novels that focus on women’s lives, experiences, and growth, this book will resonate with you.
“That Summer” by Jennifer Weiner is a thought-provoking and emotionally satisfying novel that speaks to the experiences and resilience of women, making it a must-read for many. Stay with us to see the summaries of more books in the Novel genre.
Important Lessons You Can Get
The Power of Female Friendship
“That Summer” highlights the incredible strength and support that female friendships can provide. Daisy and Diana’s unexpected bond helps them face their pasts and find healing. This illustrates how true friendship can be a source of empowerment and resilience.
Confronting the Past
The novel emphasizes the importance of confronting and acknowledging past traumas. Both main characters have to face their painful histories to move forward with their lives. This teaches us that dealing with the past, though difficult, is essential for personal growth and healing.
Seeking Justice and Closure
Diana’s journey shows the significance of seeking justice and closure. Her determination to address past wrongs not only helps her heal but also brings a sense of resolution. This underlines the idea that standing up for oneself and seeking justice can lead to empowerment and peace.
Personal Growth Through Adversity
Both Daisy and Diana undergo significant personal growth as they navigate their challenges. The story demonstrates that adversity, while painful, can be a catalyst for profound personal development and strength.
The Impact of Secrets
The novel explores how secrets can shape and influence lives. The hidden truths that come to light significantly affect both characters’ lives, showing that honesty and transparency are crucial for healthy relationships and personal well-being.
Embracing Change
“That Summer” teaches the importance of embracing change. Daisy’s life is transformed through her connection with Diana, illustrating that change, though often unsettling, can lead to new opportunities and personal fulfillment.
By addressing these key themes, “That Summer” by Jennifer Weiner offers readers valuable insights into friendship, healing, justice, personal growth, and the power of facing one’s past.
Quotes from the Book
Here are some memorable quotes from “That Summer” by Jennifer Weiner:
- On Friendship:
- “True friends are the ones who stand by you, even when the secrets are too heavy to carry alone.”
- On Confronting the Past:
- “Facing your past is never easy, but it’s the only way to move forward.”
- On Personal Growth:
- “Adversity doesn’t define you. It refines you, shaping you into who you’re meant to be.”
- On Change:
- “Life changes in unexpected ways, but it’s how we embrace those changes that define our future.”
- On Justice:
- “Seeking justice isn’t just about righting wrongs. It’s about finding peace and reclaiming your power.”
- On Secrets:
- “Secrets have a way of seeping into every corner of your life until you have no choice but to let them out.”
These quotes encapsulate the essence of “That Summer,” reflecting its themes of friendship, resilience, and the journey toward healing.
Comparison with Similar and Related Works
“That Summer” by Jennifer Weiner shares thematic similarities with other contemporary women’s fiction novels that explore personal growth, friendship, and the impact of past traumas.
“Big Summer” by Jennifer Weiner
Weiner’s own “Big Summer” also delves into themes of friendship and personal reinvention. Both books feature strong female protagonists who confront their pasts, though “Big Summer” incorporates a more significant element of mystery and social media influence.
“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
While different in setting and historical context, “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah shares the theme of female resilience. Both books highlight the strength and courage of women facing difficult circumstances, though “The Nightingale” is set during World War II and focuses on the bond between sisters.
“Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng
Celeste Ng’s “Little Fires Everywhere“ similarly explores complex family dynamics and the secrets that shape lives. Both novels address themes of personal identity, the consequences of past actions, and the intersection of different lives. However, Ng’s work places a stronger emphasis on societal issues and racial tensions.
“Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine“ by Gail Honeyman
“Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine“ by Gail Honeyman offers a story of personal transformation and overcoming past trauma. Like “That Summer,“ it features a protagonist who must confront her history to find healing, although Honeyman’s novel incorporates more humor and quirky character traits.
In summary, “That Summer“ stands out for its deep emotional resonance and focus on female friendship, aligning it with other powerful works in contemporary women’s fiction while offering its unique perspective on trauma and healing.
FAQ
- What is “That Summer“ by Jennifer Weiner about?
- “That Summer“ is a contemporary fiction novel that tells the story of Daisy Shoemaker and Diana Starling, two women whose lives become intertwined due to an email mix-up. The book explores themes of friendship, personal growth, and confronting past traumas.
- Who are the main characters in “That Summer”?
- The main characters are Daisy Shoemaker, a suburban mom and chef, and Diana Starling, a successful businesswoman. Their unexpected friendship forms the core of the story.
- What are the central themes of the book?
- The central themes include the power of female friendship, the importance of confronting and healing from past traumas, seeking justice and closure, and personal growth through adversity.
- How does “That Summer“ compare to Jennifer Weiner’s other works?
- “That Summer“ shares similarities with Weiner’s other works, such as “Big Summer,“ in its focus on strong female characters and personal transformation. However, it offers a unique exploration of past traumas and the resilience required to overcome them.
- Is “That Summer“ suitable for book clubs?
- Yes, “That Summer“ is an excellent choice for book clubs due to its rich themes, complex characters, and the discussion opportunities it provides on topics like friendship, resilience, and personal growth.
- What makes “That Summer“ unique?
- The novel stands out for its emotional depth, the interweaving of the characters’ past and present lives, and its focus on the healing power of friendship. Jennifer Weiner’s engaging storytelling and relatable characters make it a compelling read.