Books matching: transformative summer
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- #1
Save:The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord is a coming-of-age novel that follows Lucy Hansson, a teenager dealing with her mother's cancer diagnosis. Lucy decides to volunteer as a camp counselor at a camp for troubled kids, where she forms new friendships and relationships while navigating faith, grief, and self-discovery. The book explores themes of anxiety, doubt, faith, and growth through well-formed characters and authentic storytelling.
I reach for my satin clutch, which took my mom and me hours of shopping to find. This purse was our holy grail: elegant, a deep red to add color to my ensemble, and actually big enough for all my esse... - #2
Save:Emaline, the protagonist of "The Moon and More," navigates a summer of unexpected changes in her small beach town of Colby. From dealing with her estranged father's sudden reappearance, becoming a big sister, and ending a long-term relationship with Luke to finding new love with Theo, Emaline experiences a whirlwind of emotions and transformations. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of a picturesque beach town. Readers witness Emaline's journey of growth as she balances her past, present, and future amidst the summer's unfolding events.
Sarah Dessen's storytelling shines through in "The Moon and More," offering a blend of romance, family relationships, and coming-of-age experiences. The novel captures the essence of a summer getaway, with vivid descriptions of Colby, relatable characters, and intertwining plotlines that keep readers engaged. Emaline's evolution throughout the story, from grappling with her father's presence to exploring new romantic possibilities, showcases Dessen's ability to create multidimensional characters and craft a narrative that resonates with readers.
“—or I promise you, we’ll turn right around and go back to Paterson!” the woman behind the wheel of the burgundy minivan was shouting as it pulled up beside me. She had her head turned towards the bac... - #3
Save:In 'Summer at Tiffany' by Marjorie Hart, readers are transported back to the summer of 1945 in New York City, where two college girls from Iowa, Marjorie and Marty, find themselves working as the first female pages on the showroom floor of Tiffany's. Set against the backdrop of the end of World War II, the book captures the innocence and excitement of youth during a time of great change and historical significance. Through vivid descriptions of the city, the glamorous store, and the events of the era, the author paints a nostalgic picture of a summer filled with adventures, celebrities, and the magic of New York City.
The writing style of 'Summer at Tiffany' is described as light, charming, and nostalgic, offering readers a breezy and entertaining read that transports them to a simpler time. The author's storytelling captures the essence of the 1940s, with detailed descriptions of the sights and sounds of the era, from the fashion and music to the historical events that shaped the summer of 1945. Through the lens of Marjorie Hart's memoir, readers get a glimpse into a bygone era filled with joy, wonder, and the timeless allure of Tiffany's.
FROM THE top deck of the bus, Marty and I were mesmerized by Fifth Avenue as we watched glamorous stores spring up like pages out of Mademoiselle. Bergdorf Goodman. Bonwit Teller. Cartier. De Pinna. S... - #4
Save:'Out Stealing Horses' by Per Petterson is a contemplative novel that delves into the relationship between a father and son, set in Norway during and after WWII. The story follows Trond, a man in his 60s who retreats to a remote cabin to reflect on his past, particularly a transformative summer spent with his father in the backwoods country close to the Swedish border. Through flashbacks, the reader discovers the father's involvement in the resistance movement and the impact it had on their lives. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of boyhood friendship, tragedy, loneliness, and the complexities of familial relationships, all while offering vivid descriptions of the Norwegian landscape.
Early November. It’s nine o’clock. The titmice are banging against the window. Sometimes they fly dizzily off after the impact, other times they fall and lie struggling in the new snow until they can ... - #5
Save:'Maine' by J. Courtney Sullivan is a multi-generational family saga centered around the Kelleher family and their summer home in Maine. The story follows four women from three generations as they come together at the family cottage, delving into themes of motherhood, family dynamics, and personal struggles. The narrative unfolds through alternating viewpoints, providing insights into each character's past, present, and future, while exploring their complex relationships and individual personalities.
The author, J. Courtney Sullivan, intricately weaves together the lives of the Kelleher women, portraying their flaws, complexities, and conflicts with empathy and depth. Sullivan's writing style is characterized by excellent character development, engaging storytelling, and a compassionate portrayal of the characters' struggles and growth. Through vivid descriptions and detailed family dynamics, the book offers a compelling exploration of the intricacies of family relationships and the challenges faced by each woman in navigating their roles within the family.
Alice decided to take a break from packing. She lit a cigarette, leaning back in one of the wicker chairs that were always slightly damp from the sea breeze. She glanced around at the cardboard boxes ... - #6
Save:"The Lucky List" by Rachael Lippincott is a YA novel that follows Emily, a girl who is struggling with the loss of her mother and feeling unlucky. When Emily discovers her mother's bucket list from high school, she embarks on completing the list with the help of a new friend, Blake. Throughout the summer, Emily learns to confront her fears, honor her mother's memory, and explore her own identity. The book delves into themes of grief, friendship, self-discovery, and taking chances, all while navigating the complexities of teenage life.
I don’t know why I did. I’d walked past it hundreds and hundreds of times without a second thought while a thin layer of dust formed around the edges. But there was just something about the way it was... - #7
Save:In "The Music of What Happens" by Bill Konigsberg, the story follows two teenage boys, Max and Jordan, who come from different backgrounds and personalities. They meet while working together in a food truck over one summer in Mesa, Arizona. Max is an easy-going gay kid into video games and sports, while Jordan is more tightly wound, has personal struggles with his mother's issues, and has never been in a relationship. Throughout the summer, their attraction deepens as they help each other navigate their own conflicts and personal growth. The book deals with themes of friendship, love, personal growth, and facing challenges such as trauma, mental illness, and self-acceptance.
The writing style of the book is described as sweet, engaging, and refreshing. It offers a different perspective for students, tackling serious issues gracefully without making light of them. The dynamic between the two protagonists, Max and Jordan, is highlighted as realistic and heartwarming, showing the growth of their relationship as they support each other through their struggles and vulnerabilities.
There’s this thing my dad taught me when I was a kid. One time when I was eight, and he was swinging me around the living room by my ankles. Man I used to love that, flying free with that centrifugal ... - #8Breathby:
Save:'Breath' by Tim Winton is a coming-of-age novel set in a remote Western Australian town, following the adolescence of Bruce Pike, known as Pikelet, and his friend Loonie as they become obsessed with surfing. Under the guidance of a former surfing champion named Sando, the boys engage in risky surfing adventures, navigating the thrill of the waves and the dangers of the ocean. As the story unfolds, it delves into themes of friendship, risk-taking, and the impact of past events on the characters' adult lives, all narrated with beautiful language and a sense of foreboding.
WE COME SWEEPING up the tree-lined boulevard with siren and lights and when the GPS urges us to make the next left we take it so fast that all the gear slams and sways inside the vehicle. I don’t say ... - #9
Save:Lucy, the main character in 'Half a Chance' by Cynthia Lord, moves to a cottage on a lake in New Hampshire with her family. Her father, a famous photographer, leaves for a summer photo shoot, leaving Lucy to navigate her new surroundings and make friends. She befriends Nate and his family next door, and together they explore the lake, take on the responsibility of monitoring the loons, and participate in a photography contest. The story delves into themes of friendship, family dynamics, the challenges of dementia, and the beauty of nature, all woven together through Lucy's experiences during a transformative summer.
The narrative in 'Half a Chance' is heartwarming and poignant, focusing on Lucy's growth as she navigates new friendships, the complexities of family relationships, and her passion for photography. The book beautifully captures the essence of summer in New Hampshire, with vivid descriptions of the setting that transport the reader to the lake, the mountains, and the town. Through Lucy's perspective, the author skillfully weaves together themes of empathy, resilience, and the power of memories, creating a touching story that resonates with readers of all ages.
- #10
Save:"Along for the Ride" by Sarah Dessen follows the story of Auden, a girl who has always been the perfect daughter, excelling in academics but missing out on a normal childhood. Spending the summer with her dad and his new family, Auden meets Eli, a fellow insomniac, who helps her rediscover the joys of teenage life. Through new friendships, experiences, and a budding romance, Auden learns to let go of her perfectionism and embrace the present moment. The book explores themes of self-discovery, second chances, and the impact of family dynamics on a teenager's life.
Dessen's writing style in "Along for the Ride" is described as emotional, realistic, and sweet, with a touch of humor. The author delves into the complexities of relationships, coming-of-age struggles, and parental influences without resorting to edgy or overly mature content. The story unfolds through Auden's journey of growth and transformation, guided by Eli and a cast of relatable characters, making it a heartwarming and engaging summer read.
I hope you’re having a great last few weeks of classes. We are all good here! Just finishing things up before your sister-to-be arrives. She’s been kicking like crazy lately. It’s like she’s doing the...
