Today I’m sharing my thoughts on Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner. This book has been all over social media and from what I’ve seen it has received mixed reviews. To be honest I picked it up because of the cover, it seemed like the perfect summer read and I was in the mood for that!
Synopsis
Six years after the fight that ended their friendship, Daphne Berg is shocked when Drue Cavanaugh walks back into her life, looking as lovely and successful as ever, with a massive favor to ask. Daphne hasn’t spoken one word to Drue in all this time—she doesn’t even hate-follow her ex-best friend on social media—so when Drue asks if she will be her maid-of-honor at the society wedding of the summer, Daphne is rightfully speechless.
Drue was always the one who had everything—except the ability to hold onto friends. Meanwhile, Daphne’s no longer the same self-effacing sidekick she was back in high school. She’s built a life that she loves, including a growing career as a plus-size Instagram influencer. Letting glamorous, seductive Drue back into her life is risky, but it comes with an invitation to spend a weekend in a waterfront Cape Cod mansion. When Drue begs and pleads and dangles the prospect of cute single guys, Daphne finds herself powerless as ever to resist her friend’s siren song.
A sparkling novel about the complexities of female friendship, the pitfalls of living out loud and online, and the resilience of the human heart, Big Summer is a witty, moving story about family, friendship, and figuring out what matters most.
Rating
I’ve thought about how to rate this book for day and I still can’t make up my mind. I’m between 3.5 – 4 stars.
My Thoughts
I think because I had read some reviews of this book it ruined some parts for me. It’s best to go into this book blind if you decide to read it. This is probably the hardest review I’ve ever written because I don’t want to spoil the book for you but also want to help you decide whether to read it or not.
I really liked some of the topics this book addressed like how society views women and body dysmorphia. Daphne, the main character, is very relatable and likeable. I love having someone to root for and a main character I can connect with.
The story also addressed the topic of the dangers of social media. This is the second book in a row I read that addresses social media and I’m fascinated by them. As a social media user I am always battling with how much to share and consume via social media.
Am I glad I read it? Yes! Was it entertaining? Yes! However, I had some issues with it mostly in the way some of the characters were written (some things were not consistent). I can see how some people would love this book and also why its not for everyone. This may be the least helpful review I’ve ever written but just wanted to share my thoughts!
If you are interested in reading Big Summer get it from Bookshop.org here or Amazon here.
