That Summer

Have you ever had that feeling after reading a book where you can not stop thinking about it? Well I just finsihed this book a few minuted ago and the many well thought out themes that Sarah Dessen inserts in this book are still running through my mind. That Summer is my current favorite book, and I have read a lot of books!
What is it about? A fifteen year old girl, unique, as all people are, but I still found myself relating to her completely. She is tall and skinny, feeling as if she is a giant and different in the crowd. Everything is changing. Her father is getting remarried to the weather pet, her sister is engaged and is soon to move out, and her mother is sad and lonely. I do not want to It was like the words she was saying were the words I wanted to say but couldn't express.
Who would I reccomed this to? Well, I know whenever you have read a realy good book you say anybody, and I know everyone has their own opinions. Teenager could relate to this novel the most, Sarah Dessen is such a beautiful writer. Please read this book, I loved it, and I hope you will too!

Amazing book that really captures the true meaning of being alone in the world. 15 year old Haven, has gone through alot of heartache and disappointment recently and she can't help but look back into the pst, to think of the good times. And with so many things changing in her life, she feels alone and insecure. But throughout this story, she realizes that the good times aren't always as you remember them. This book was wonderful and really shows what a true bond really is.

I just got done reading the book 'That Summer'. This book is about a teenage girl named Haven. She goes through many good times and upsetting times. This book is a very gook book to read if you like to read teen issues. I would like to recomend this book to girls, because the main character is a girl. Many of the things that Haven goes through girs would be able to relate to, and the boys would probably think that it is boring. If you have an older sister that you fight with a lot, but deep down inside you know that you love her, this would be a perfect book for you. Haven and her sister fight quite a bit, but when it comes down to the times when they need each other the most,they're there for each other. If you're looking for a good book take my advice and read 'That Summer'.

That Summer was a great book beacause it tells the story of a girl's life. Haven is the girl in the book, is very tall and is self-concious about her height. She has a 21 year old sister named Ashley who is very short. Ashley is engaged to a man named Louis who is VERY boring. The book got it name becuse it tells about the summer Haven spent at the beach when she was eight with Ashley and one of Ashley's many boyfriends over the years, Sumner. It also tells about Haven's bestfriend Casey who went to camp very timid and came back smoking, drinking, and doing other crazy stuff. This book is mostly about Haven's life and what she thinks and what she thinks about her life and I recomend it to anyone who likes stories that could acctually happen in real life.

Haven feels a little bit like her life is escaping from her grasp. She remembers being small and safe, having her parents together and loving each other, having her sister sometimes be nice to her. Now, though, Haven is quickly approaching six feet tall and she feels gigantic. Her parents are divorced and her father, a television sportscaster, has just remarried, to his television station's weather forecaster. Haven's mother has become the type of woman who goes out to a bar once a week with a new female friend. And the worst thing of all is that Haven's sister is getting married and is unbearably obnoxious and selfish.

When Haven thinks back to when things felt better, her mind gets stuck on one summer, when her sister was in high school and dating a boy named Sumner. Sumner was the type of guy who could bring people together and make everything seem fun. He was nice to Haven and made her sister be nice to her, too. When Sumner came into their house, everyone gathered to greet him. They were all happy.

So when Haven meets up with Sumner again, back in town to work odd jobs before going back to college, all of her memories are stirred up. Could he be the key to her life getting back to normal again? If she tells her sister he is back in town, will she get back in touch with him?

I liked the character of Sumner and the way he always seemed to pop up when Haven needed him. I also liked seeing the dynamics of Haven's family. It was interesting to see the ways she viewed her mother and her father now that they weren't together anymore, and the way she viewed her sister and her wedding plans.

The ending of this book was sort of a letdown, though. Sumner ended up being just a bit boring at the end. Also, Haven's sister was simply over the top. I don't think anyone would have allowed her to behave like she did for so long.

The novel "that summer" by Sarah Dessen was published in 1996. The protagonist Haven, a fifteen-year-old teenager, feels totally uncomfortable in her body. Her six feet tallness causes a great lack of self-awareness. She envies her sister Ashley, who is "Dady's pet" and whose outward appearance turns boys' heads. Haven does not remember all of her sister's boyfriends. The only one who really mattered to her was Sumner. In Haven's opinion he fitted perfectly to her sister. By chance, he is in town and meets Haven repeatedly.

She regrets "that summer" when life was perfect and Sumner was still part of it. She does not understand why her sister has broken Sumner's heart. During the plot, everything seems to get out of control for the teenager. Their father gets remarried and is expecting a baby, her sister is going to marry, too. Later on, Ashley gets into a wedding crisis and insults her little sister to be selfish. However, everything revolves about herself and her wedding.

Sumner helps Haven to accept her body and to realize that she is gorgeous.
Finally, Haven gets to know that Sumner is not the perfect boy she considered him to be. He cheated on Ashley and affected the sisters in separate but similar ways. Haven comes closer to her sister the way she missed. Furthermore, she learns to look forward instead of regretting the past.

Dessen's way of describing Haven as far as her feelings are concerned is really great.
The author presents Haven as the first-person narrator and creates amusing situations. Therefore it is really fun to read this novel provided that you like easy-reading teeny books.
I personally would honor this book with five out of five stars. It is entertaining and deals with important themes as self-satisfaction at the same time.

in the town of lakeview haven mcphail's family has many problems.her dad is getting married to the local weather woman and her sister is getting married also in the same summer.her best friend casie comes back from camp as a lovesick puppy.and haven is almost 6'0 ft tall!then her sister's exboyfriend sumner lee shows up and haven feel the weight of everything is lifted when she's with him.but then haven finds out why ashley dumped sumner.when the secret is lifted the family is put together in a new and understanding way.

"That Summer" was about a girl named Haven. Haven is a fifteen-year-old who is going through a lot of bad changes in her life. Her life is very similar to other teenagers lives in our world today. She would always get picked on at school because of how tall and thin she was. Also, the changes she was going through seemed pretty sad. She was dealing with her parents getting a divorce and her father re-marrying and her sister getting married for the first time. It was summer time for her, and there was two weddings going on. One of the weddings was for her father and Lorna Queen, and ther other was for her sister and Lewis Warsher. She wasn't all that happy.
I truly enjoyed reading this book by Sarah Dessen. I loved it so much because it was hilarious. Well, it was not only hilarious, but the story was also sad, very heart warming, and also sweet as well. Reading this book has reminded me a lot about the character Mia Thermopolis from "The Princess Diaries" by Meg Cabot. The way that she was getting picked on at school because of how weird she looked was exactly what was happening to Mia. I really like reading books about teenagers lives. I like to see what happens and what they go through. That's why i enjoyed reading this book.
My favorite part in this book would be in chapter eleven. In chapter eleven, they are apparently only three days away from her sister Ashley's wedding. She talks about how everyone was kind of stressing themselves out, and how they were trying to get everything done before the wedding. The funny part was when she was describing how her father looked when he and his new wife, Lorna came back from the Bahamas. She said,"My father came back with even more hair, a sunburn,..." I always love reading the funny parts. It reminded me of my grandpa. He barely had any hair. That was one good laugh!

While I very much enjoyed Just Listen, my first Sarah Dessen book, That Summer did not really impress me as much. However, I do realize that this is Dessen's first book, so it is to be expected that her work would improve over time.

Thankfully, Dessen's writing has improved vastly since That Summer. With this book, I found myself not really drawn into the story as much--it was written in first person from Haven's point of view, and much of it was reading Haven's rambling thoughts, while dialogues were a bit neglected, in my opinion. I can see how this story would appeal to the young adult set, however. It just happens to be a young adult novel that doesn't really translate well into adult reading in this case. Honestly, the book is a lot of fluff with a little bit of substance sprinkled throughout. Dessen does a good job portraying most of the characters, though most of them do not have any real depth. Frankly, I am surprised Haven didn't have her little outburst earlier on in the story, but I was glad to see her finally show some emotion. For the story to have been more effective, I also wish that Sumner played a larger role.

I realize that it sounds like I didn't like this book, but I promise that's not the case. It was a light, easy read and perfect for me at the time I read it. I would definitely recommend it to the teen and pre-teen girls out there, as I think perhaps it is a story they can more easily relate to.

The book That Summer tells the story of what happened to a fifteen-year-old girl named Haven.

Haven's father divorced with her mother and married his colleague. Haven and her sister Ashley took part in the wedding, they proved and witted their father to start a new life.

Ashley was five years older than Haven. This summer she would marry Lewis, but Haven did not like this upcoming marriage very much. She regarded the guy called Sumner whom Ashley dated before as the best among Ashley's boyfriends. A few years before, Sumner spent a great summer with their family. However, Ashley and Sumner broke up on Halloween. Haven thought Ashley betrayed Sumner, so she did not like her sister and was sympathetic towards Sumner. By chance, Haven met Sumner again and she depended on him very much. Haven was nervous about her height because she was nearly 6 feet even though she was just 15 years old. Many people seemed surprised about her height.

During the preparation for the wedding of Ashley, her mother changed very much. After divorce, the mother wanted to sell the house. In the meantime, her father had a child with new wife. Ashley was also a little crazy and bothered, Haven was not satisfied with Ashley as Ashley didn't treat her very well before and now. All these things disturbed Haven, she had a lot on her mind and became a little tired. She was on edge the day before wedding. Sumner tried to send her home, and at last, she went home with Ashley. Before the wedding, two sisters had a talk. Haven learned that it was Sumner who betrayed Ashley. Haven understood a lot of things and two sisters became reconciled. Haven did a good job on Ashley's wedding, and she began to understand the life.

I like this book. I think this is a good novel which is suitable for teenagers. Haven is based on many teens in this society. Their parents were divorced and they had to face a lot of difficulties and they must learn many things by themselves because there were few people who could help or understand them. In the book, Haven is such an ordinary girl. The author created Haven to show a normal group in the society--kids from a divorced family. This book shows their life to us and makes us understand their feelings. After reading it, I became more concerned about this group. I know I am much happier than them. I have both of my parents and a nice family. When I have any troubles or concerns, I can call for help from both of them. I do not have so many worried or serious feelings because I had not experienced anything horrible. Everyone in this world should care more about these kids. Through this book, I also know we should see ourselves clearly, we should have confidence to face life, we should have courage to overcome the difficulties and we should try to understand many things. We may make some mistakes but we could correct them; this is part of growing up. I like the theme very much.

I like Haven in this book. I think she is a kind girl. She was a little mad before wedding, but she had a lot to bear. As a young girl, the difference in height embarrassed her. Every girl may be dissatisfied with some part of her body or spirit. Haven became reconciled with her sister in the end. The relationship between siblings should not be destroyed by a guy. I think the author has created a successful character. The author showed the character's feelings and actions in detail. I can feel Haven's happiness when she is happy and her sadness when she is sad. I think I have something in common with her. I like this girl very much.

However, I do not like some parts which seem had nothing to do with the whole theme. I think the author wrote about some complicated things. The whole novel is not very tense. Sometimes I felt bored.

In a word, I think this is a good book to read and enjoy.

I would recommend That Summer to other readers because it is an interesting book which describes the challenging life of Haven. I enjoyed this book very much becuase I felt as you were reading it you could feel both happy and sad at the same time. Although this book is ficton; it seemed that this story could be so real at the same time. Typically, girls would appreciate this book more because it is based on a young girl's life. That Summer would be an interesting and adventerous book to choose.

Sarah Dessen captured my heart once again in That Summer. She draws you in with such exhileration that no one can say no. Being my second book that I have read by Dessen, I already expected another writing. She writes with such poise that you are sucked into the book and are dying to read another by the end. Her cheif character, Haven, is a perfect example of every teen girl out there. Everyone relates to her and her amazing summer story. I recommend it for teen girls from thirteen to twenty! It is another score for Sarah Dessen to add to her Wall of Fame! Two thumbs up!

All of Sarah Dessen's books are amazing except this one. It was really boring. I was expecting some sort of romance like in the other Sarah Dessen books but it never showed up. The only interaction with a guy was Summer which went nowhere. I was expecting her sister to either dump her boring fiancee or get back together with Summer neither of which happened. The whole story was about Haven figuring out that other people are tall like her thats it.

15 year old Haven's world is changing, beyond her control. Not only is she worried about her gangly height, her sister is getting married to a bore, as is her father.
Over the summer Haven meets up with her sister's first boyfriend, and all the memories of that relationship and how she felt about her life then when things were so much easier come flooding back.
This is a heart warming story of a young woman growing up and seeing the world as it really is, instead of in an idealistic way.

I love Sarah dessen, she is my very favorite author. But, this was not my favote book. It seemed like it should have been a short story instead of full length novel. There was nothing really exciting about it, it was just blah. I hate to write a negative review, but i really didnt enjoy this book.

Sarah Dessen's debut novel, "That Summer", isn't her best achievement but it shows true hope and promise of her rising YA author stardom.
However, it is a coming of age story I think a lot of people, young adult and older(like, say 34) could relate to. At some point in our lives we all have similar experiences to the main character, Haven. She is 15, feels awkward in her own skin, and with divorced parents, an older sister who is getting married, and a best friend who's fallen in love. After reminiscing about a summer trip, she bumps into her sister's ex, Sumner.
Not only is he not who Haven thinks he is, but she's not the same person by the time her sister's big day arrives.
I think it's best to read this before her other novels because if you go to this after reading, "dreamland", you will be sorely disappointed.
I didn't do this, and I loved all her other books much more immensely. Her writing gets better with each book.
This was a very green Dessen, but very hopeful.

I have read That Summer twice & loved it. Two years ago I read it for school & recently bought it & read it again. I realized & remembered just how much I loved it. I loved what was going on inside the main characters head & the symbolism & how it showed that we all have so much to learn & how one person or one summer can change your life forever. That Summer is a beautiful novel & the best I have read by the author & it fully deserves the five stars.

I recently read "That Summer" and I loved it. This book reminded me of the past two years in my life. My parents divoriced and everything in my life sucked. I felt a lot like Haven, confused, scared and out-of-place. This book made me realize that sometimes you have to put the past behind you and move on. Even if it means letting go of something you love so much, you just have to learn to give it up. Just like Haven there always comes a time when we just want to runaway, but we can't. We have to face our fears with open arms. Dessen did an excellent job! I sure hope to enjoy others by her as well. Highly recommended for all ages!

I completely agree with the previous reviewer: I was 23 when I read this book, and a guy to boot, but I still found it insightful and sweet. It's a dead-on look at what it's like to be uncomfortable with what should feel the most right: your body, your family, your brain. Haven is a very well-drawn character, with quirks and rough edges that feel like real life. A strong debut.

The title basically sums up what i feel about this book. Sarah Dessen is definately one of my favorite authors EVER... i was actually going to apply to the u of north caolina, chapel hill just because she teaches there but, i didnt.

Back to the book tho... it was a def a let down. I think so much more could have been done with this storyline but it sounded like a typical teen angst story and i was extremely disappointed when the book ended... i didnt realize there was no real substance to this story or else i wouldn't have read it. I love her other stories, like Dreamland and The Truth About Forever... those r books that are truly amazing

Sarah Dessen sort of disappoints with her first novel, but it is still a nice read. Haven is living in the past, back when her older sister was dating Sumner and when her parents were getting along. But soon she learns to live in the real world.

"That Summer" entails Havens heartwarming memories of the past summers, with her sisters boyfriends, and parents marriage problems, along with her own hopes,thoughts, and dreams for her life still waiting to unfold in front of her. as haven stumbles across the summer she encounters confrontations with Sumner, her sisters old boyfriend, Gwendoly Rodgers, the town celebrity model, and "the weather pet" her dads new wife. Dessen describes perfectly the feelings of a 15 year old girl, and the summer feelings that every one enjoys as they think back to the summer when life really began.

Good writer with tonns of details on the surroundings. Read this book after twilight series- its alright not so exciting. Kind of sad. IT shows the emotions teenage kids go through when their parents get divorced, remarried etc. It must be hard growing up with complexities like these.

This book was most definately her worst. It's boring and I'm not really sure what the point was besides that being tall sucks. I was bored at many times and was disapointed by the lack of a love story that Dessen is known so well for. The character Sumner reminded me of Dexter from another Dessen book This Lullaby. He was the only good thing about this book, but he was too old to become a love intrest of Haven the main character. All of Dessen's other books however are excellent so don't judge her work on this specific book, because it was the black sheep.

However this is her book with the least depth and length, it is still not bad for her first run at writing. It has to start somewhere and only get better from there. =] You gotta love this one, simply because it is a Dessen. <3 If for no other reason, get this book just to know how far Dessen's writing really has come...

i recently purchased this book and i got to reading it right away. definately hard to put down. it is easy to relate to. it mixes in things that will make you laugh, cry, and inspire. i reccomend this to everyone.

I liked all the feeling and suspense of the story.
I dislike the fact that it basically talks about the character 'Sumner' and 'Ashley's' wedding the whole time. It doesn't really tell about 'Haven". The book only expresses her feelings and actions toward these two things I have listed above. It should tell more about 'Haven's' life, her story not her sister's and her sister's ex-boyfriend's story.

That Summer book by Sarah Dessen was a fantastic book and I love it so much. It's one of the best book I have ever read! I would recommend this book to everyone because it is lovely and interesting. It is about how two girls named Haven and Ashley go on with their lives after their parents divorce. Their life changed due to that because firstly, their father was getting married to 'Weather Pet'. Secondly, Ashley, was getting married and there was a conflict about the wedding. Everyone was all stressed up and in the end. Well, I should not give out the ending right?! Read it, to know it!

Sarah Dessen's book has an interesting story and it kept my attention. She tells the story of two weddings and a mixed up family. The author really gets teenagers. I recommend this book for any girl who likes to read.

This book is good, yet interesting. It is not as much of a dramatic story as a narrative of the way something happened. However, it is still a book that I would recommend to anyone looking for a book to read!

That Summer is really my favorite book ever. The voice of the protagonist reminds me so much of myself. This book doesn't have a lot of twists and turns; instead it's a genuine book about growing up.

"That Summer," is a truly inspiring book. It is a captivating story of a girl who is breaking into womanhood. She goes through everything from divorce of her parents, to a new marriage in her family. The dialogue is witty and funny, yet heart wrenching. You end up feeling like this girl is your friend, you end up caring for her, and hoping the best for her. It will win your heart!

I really enjoyed this book. With the theatrical release of "the sisterhood of the traveling pants", I re-read that book and read the 2 sequels then got on a "teen read" kick. I'm 34 and have read many teen books in my life. This one is great.

Sarah Dessen is one of my favorite authors. After all the excellent reviews it got I thought it would be good. I was very dissapointed. There was no point to the story nothing happened! All in all one of the worst book I have ever read.

Dessen's plot performs a rare and elegant twist of surprise at the end that forces you re-evaluate all that you have read up until that point. It thus becomes greater than the sum of its parts, an uncommon quality in a young adult novel.

Sarah Dessen's debut novel, "That Summer", isn't her best achievement but it shows true hope and promise of her rising YA author stardom.
However, it is a coming of age story I think a lot of people, young adult and older(like, say 34) could relate to. At some point in our lives we all have similar experiences to the main character, Haven. She is 15, feels awkward in her own skin, and with divorced parents, an older sister who is getting married, and a best friend who's fallen in love. After reminiscing about a summer trip, she bumps into her sister's ex, Sumner.
Not only is he not who Haven thinks he is, but she's not the same person by the time her sister's big day arrives.
I think it's best to read this before her other novels because if you go to this after reading, "dreamland", you will be sorely disappointed.
I didn't do this, and I loved all her other books much more immensely. Her writing gets better with each book.
This was a very green Dessen, but very hopeful.