That Summer: A Novel

Written by Jennifer Weiner

Narrated by Sutton Foster

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Named a Notable Work of Fiction by The Washington Post

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Big Summer comes another “ideal beach read, full of secrets and complicated female friendships” (Cosmopolitan).

Daisy Shoemaker can’t sleep. With a thriving cooking business, full schedule of volunteer work, and a beautiful home in the Philadelphia suburbs, she should be content. But her teenage daughter can be a handful, her husband can be distant, her work can feel trivial, and she has lots of acquaintances, but no real friends. Still, Daisy knows she’s got it good. So why is she up all night?

While Daisy tries to identify the root of her dissatisfaction, she’s also receiving misdirected emails meant for a woman named Diana Starling, whose email address is just one punctuation mark away from her own. While Daisy’s driving carpools, Diana is chairing meetings. While Daisy’s making dinner, Diana’s making plans to reorganize corporations. Diana’s glamorous, sophisticated, single-lady life is miles away from Daisy’s simpler existence. When an apology leads to an invitation, the two women meet and become friends. But, as they get closer, we learn that their connection was not completely accidental. Who IS this other woman, and what does she want with Daisy?

From the manicured Main Line of Philadelphia to the wild landscape of the Outer Cape, written with Jennifer Weiner’s signature wit and sharp observations, That Summer is a “compelling, nuanced novel” (Maureen Corrigan, The Washington Post) about surviving our pasts, confronting our futures, and the sustaining bonds of friendship.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: May 11, 2021
• ISBN: 9781797122106

Jennifer Weiner

Jennifer Weiner is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-one books, including The Summer Place, That Summer, Big Summer, Mrs. Everything, In Her Shoes, Good in Bed, and a memoir in essays, Hungry Heart. She has appeared on many national television programs, including Today and Good Morning America, and her work has been published in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, among other newspapers and magazines. Jennifer lives with her family in Philadelphia. Visit her online at JenniferWeiner.com.

Reviews for That Summer

[Gaye Iorio · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Cliche and predictable. Really terrible ! Woman are great and men are the worst- if they are gay they do get a pass. Just a joke of s book. Pathetic!

[Julie Ruchotzke · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Jennifer Weiner used to be able to write a good novel without sounding like another of the media-heads. Her disguised use of her social agendas makes this the last book , which I will read written by her.
Her disdain of Christians is so far left field. One of the characters in this book wears a large gold cross but won’t speak to her son. Appalling negativity. Good bye to Jennifer Weiner. Sadly, she used to be one of my favorite authors.

[Ann G Miller-Sobel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Many online reviewers were angered at the me too theme of the book. But, when is rape acceptable? Once more Weiner takes a tough topic and adds insight from all sides. Her mastery of word choice and story flow makes this another can’t put down tale. However, it leaves the question what is the right punishment for men who never cease to force their entitlement on others?

[kennylef_495849271 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I wasn't going to listen to this book until I started reading the reviews and how uncomfortable some became by the author's writing. This had me intrigued and I'm so very happy I listened.
I am utterly baffled by all of the complaints on here and amazon. I don't agree that the author was putting her political views in this book, or all of the other things that were said. I found the writing style very refreshing because she told a story about life as it is, each and every day, and if this makes some people uncomfortable, then perhaps you are living your life with blinders on.
Unfortunately, men do rape women every single second of the day. Unfortunately, some people are overly privileged and don't deserve what they have, and gays exist, as well as black people in high positions and own businesses. And yes, there are lots of trans people in the Cape! How does this make you mad? I hope the author continues writing like this, I think she just became my favorite author!

[Kimha Nguyen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Really liked this book. I remember reading In Her Shoes or was it Good In Bed? years ago and loved all the Philly references. The familiarity is still present and although I no longer live in the city, she’s up to date on the hot restaurants, neighborhoods and over all vibe that I know and love. She hits all the notes with me- from describing the food to current events, social media, and the culture of our society, strong female lead. It was as if a friend wrote this book. Will continue with some other books I’ve missed out on over the years.

[Eleanor Mimbs · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was not at all what I expected. I’m not sure why, but I thought this would be a RomCom, a good audiobook for light read, but instead it dealt with very heavy issues. It was well done and poignant. There are some major trigger warnings: rape, PTSD, and suicide.

[DianeONeal · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I'm all for the Me Too movement, but the storyline was weak.

[lynne · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This was not up to Jennifer Weiner’s usual standards by any means. It felt like she was pushing a political agenda, and while certainly a worthy one, the story suffered as a result. Instead of enjoying the author’s typical humor and originality, I found the book plodding and contrived. A real let down.

[melissa krueger · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

It’s too bad Jennifer Weiner has gone full woke. Her novels used to be slam dunks for enjoyable beach reads. Far too political now. Of course all the bad guys are conservatives! Puke.

[Hagerman · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book gets unnecessarily political and preachy near the end. Author’s left leaning unsubstantiated diatribe on Kavanaugh trial felt like book was just a vehicle for author to go on a political rant.

[Devon · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Characters and plot were cliché and simplistic. More of a political nod to the Me Too movement than a good piece of literature.

[michelle · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I think it would have been a better story without the romantic ,explicit sex descriptions. The plot was excellent.

[Christine Clark Hardy · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book was ok. The ending was not good. I think the author was going for complex but people are generally predictable so I was disappointed with the character resolution.

[suzywells · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Good plot & a nice twist to the story! Enjoyed it!

[Laura Klowan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book. Loved the depth of the characters. I found myself not putting it down, always wanting to know what’s going to be the result of the deep dark secret. But I must admit…. A bit disappointed in the end… I would’ve liked more of a conclusion with the 3 main characters. I do understand why the author left it there… let us come to our own conclusion. Mine would be Hal… buh-bye!

[A Family Who Reads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great easy read/listen. Finished so quickly! Would read another book by this author

[Sheri Masala · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Abandoned the book at chapter 3. It was taking too long to get into the story that the review referred to. I thought I had downloaded the wrong book!

[Madeliene Galindo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Love the book. Great plot. The ending falls short though.

[Melinda Budgell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I nearly gave up on this novel after a few chapters thinking it was going to be a teeny bopper thing to read. I am so glad I did not give up on it a must read!

[Jason Bradley · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Warning spoilers



Maybe Interesting plot but maybe a little strange, for the abused to track down and create this sinister ruse to be in the wife’s life.
Lots of unnecessary fluff, Beatrice’s mouse taxidermy could be taken out entirely.

Would have made more sense after Diana saw those photos to then run into Daisy at a shop or somehow be doing something together in the town then a chance encounter could be an opportunity to get close. Instead of what happened.

Hal’s character as a dad and husband is contrary to his unremorseful and sick attitude toward the rape.
The way he was written before and after that is revealed is a doting husband(motives to carry on and act only to get what he wants would be unlikely for 16 years! And no extra marital affairs?!)
And then at the end after everything he remains in their lives dutiful to daughter and still trying for a relationship with his wife. If he were still the evil heartless creep he was when younger he’d surely have waved goodbye to daisy and jumped into a slew of women waiting.

Could have been a poignant story of regret for a tragedy and making amends somehow(attempt anyway) rebuilding life for Diana and seeing her abuser humbled.

Also irritating was Danny’s role in the whole thing. He didn’t tell his sister about he whole truth, left out his actual actions during the assault besides watching. And then because he feels bad about it he’s off the hook?! An apology/amends attempt from him would have been best too.

Seemed author wanted to push a message and use #metoo to sell books. And threw in a gay Danny just to be PC. Could have been a great story but poorly executed.

[Cathy Roy Geromini · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book, but I was not a fan of the narrator.

[Joy Springob · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Narrator was engaging and good. The plot went a little off the rails.

[Kandace Simpson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great book! Definitely worth the read/listen. #metoo whoever said they couldn’t get into this book must not have been listening to the same book I was.

[pat hall · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Was much better than I anticipated. A story of family, deception, power, vanity. It covers it all! Held my attention throughout.
I highly recommend reading.

[Helga Skjelbreia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was such a good story! Very well written and Sutton Foster’s reading was spot on!

[Katie Marsh · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great book—-not a frivolous beach read. Well drawn characters. Loved it!!!

[Kelly Milanowski · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great story line with characters that are relatable. Loved it!

[Carol Burggraf · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Easy to listen to and it has been a good way to listen to a book

[maria · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is probably one of the greatest stories I have ever read.

[Jacy Alexander · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Just Ok rather unrealistic. Parts of this book were very far-fetchedSeems as if I’m being forced to write a review because I can’t use my phone unless I use