That Summer by Sarah Dessen

Posted by: harmonybookreviews on: January 27, 2008

• In: Book Reviews
• 6 Comments

Fifteen year old Haven’s life is changing fast. She’s growing taller every day, her father is getting remarried and her sister, Ashley, is planning a wedding of her own to a guy whom Haven finds extremely boring and unlike any of her sister’s previous lovers. When Haven sees Ashley’s ex-boyfriend while at dinner with her father one night, she feels like some things are normal again. But was Sumner really the victim when Ashley broke up with him? Or was there something more to the story?

To be honest, I found this book to be my least favorite book by Sarah Dessen. However, it’s still an amazing book, especially since it’s her debut novel. In That Summer by Sarah Dessen, Haven is changing rapidly and learning a lot about herself and her family. When her sister’s ex-boyfriend, Sumner, comes back into town, she’s excited. He was the only boyfriend who paid any attention to Haven at all and he had brought excitement to the family when he and Ashley were together. I loved how this book portrays the way girls look up to boys in a non-romance way, only to be let down when they don’t understand the whole story. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone who’s a fan of Sarah’s work or wants to enjoy a light but meaningful teen book.

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