Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Reflective, Sweet, Melancholy, Hopeful
- Read it if
- You enjoy coming-of-age stories about navigating family changes, first crushes, and the often-messy reality behind idealized memories.
- Skip it if
- You prefer high-stakes plots or stories with a clear, dramatic romantic arc between the protagonist and a main love interest.
That Summer Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
A Summer of Discomfort
Fifteen-year-old Haven feels out of place in her world. At nearly six feet tall, she feels awkward, especially next to her best friend, Casey. Her parents are divorced. Her father, a local weatherman, is about to marry Lorna, a woman Haven finds annoyingly cheerful and too focused on healthy eating. Haven's older sister, Ashley, who seems perfect and popular, is carefully planning her wedding to Lewis, a stable but somewhat dull fiancé. Haven misses a simpler time, specifically the summers before her parents' divorce, when her family seemed whole and happy. She often thinks about these memories, looking for comfort in a past that feels further away.
The Return of Sumner Lee
Haven's quiet summer changes with the unexpected return of Sumner Lee, Ashley's ex-boyfriend from a few summers ago. Sumner is known for his charm, his impulsive nature, and his ability to captivate everyone, including Haven, who had a secret crush on him when she was younger. Ashley is initially worried about his return, trying to keep up her perfect image and her engagement to Lewis. However, Sumner's magnetic personality quickly starts to pull Ashley back, causing tension between her and Lewis. Haven watches this with a mix of interest and unease, as Sumner's presence brings a forgotten energy back into their lives.
A Glimpse of the Past
As Sumner spends more time around Ashley and Haven, he starts to share stories and observations about the past. These challenge Haven's carefully built, idealized memories of her family's pre-divorce happiness. Sumner's view, often a bit cynical, hints at underlying problems and tensions that Haven, as a younger child, had either missed or romanticized. He reminds Haven that Ashley and his relationship was volatile, and he subtly suggests that her parents' marriage was not as perfect as she remembers. These revelations make Haven re-think her family's history, leaving her confused and a little betrayed by her own nostalgia.
Growing Pains and New Friendships
Amidst the drama with Ashley and Sumner, Haven continues to deal with her own insecurities. Her height makes her feel noticeable, and she struggles with confidence, especially when comparing herself to Ashley's seemingly easy beauty and poise. However, a new friendship begins with Chloe, Lorna's niece, who is visiting for the summer. Chloe is a lively, artistic girl who sees Haven's height as unique and interesting, not a flaw. Chloe's fresh perspective and genuine acceptance help Haven start to see herself in a more positive way. Their bond gives Haven a much-needed outlet and a sense of belonging outside her family's complicated situation.
The Wedding Dilemma
The closer Ashley's wedding to Lewis gets, the stronger her inner conflict becomes. Sumner's presence reignites the passionate, though chaotic, spark they once shared. Ashley feels torn between the stability and security Lewis offers and the thrilling, unpredictable excitement Sumner represents. Haven watches Ashley's struggle, seeing her sister, for the first time, as vulnerable and unsure rather than perfectly composed. The wedding plans, once a source of Ashley's careful control, now become full of tension and indecision, leaving everyone, especially Lewis, anxious.
A Confrontation and a Revelation
Confused and wanting answers, Haven confronts Sumner. She asks him directly about his past with Ashley and about her parents' divorce. Sumner, surprisingly open, is honest. He explains that his relationship with Ashley was intense but ultimately could not last due to their different paths and his own immaturity. More importantly, he reveals that Haven's parents' marriage had been troubled long before their divorce, with arguments and unhappiness often hidden from Haven and Ashley. This conversation with Sumner breaks Haven's remaining illusions about her childhood, forcing her to accept a more complex and less perfect version of her family's history.
Lewis's Heartbreak
The inevitable happens: Ashley calls off her wedding to Lewis. The decision is painful for everyone, especially Lewis, who is deeply hurt and confused. Ashley, however, feels she can no longer ignore her strong, returning feelings for Sumner, despite the uncertainty he brings. This dramatic event shocks the family and their friends. Haven observes the aftermath, recognizing the raw emotion and the difficult choices her sister is making. While she feels sympathy for Lewis, Haven also understands Ashley's need to follow her heart, even if it leads to a potentially complicated future.
The Ephemeral Nature of Sumner
True to his wandering nature, Sumner does not stay long after Ashley breaks off her engagement. He eventually leaves town, once again disappearing from their lives. His departure, though perhaps expected, confirms the bittersweet reality of Ashley's decision. She chose the unpredictable excitement of Sumner, knowing it might not last, over the stable predictability of Lewis. Haven witnesses this departure, understanding that Sumner was a catalyst for change rather than a permanent part of their lives. His leaving reinforces the idea that some people enter your life to shake things up, but are not meant to stay.
Acceptance and Growth
With the wedding drama over and Sumner gone, Haven finds a new sense of peace and acceptance. She starts to come to terms with her father's marriage to Lorna, realizing that Lorna genuinely cares for her father and adds a positive, though sometimes overwhelming, energy to his life. Haven also begins to embrace her height and her unique qualities, partly because of Chloe's influence. She understands that change is a part of life and that holding onto an idealized past stops her from fully experiencing the present. This summer, though difficult, was a time of important personal growth for Haven.
A New Beginning
As summer ends, Haven feels a quiet confidence she did not have at the beginning. She has navigated family drama, confronted her idealized memories, and begun to accept herself. Her friendship with Chloe has grown strong, giving her a supportive connection. While Ashley's future with Sumner is uncertain, Haven has learned to appreciate the present moment and the people who are truly there for her. She looks forward to the new school year and future adventures, no longer wishing for the past to return, but ready to embrace whatever comes with a more mature and self-assured perspective.
That Summer Characters
Haven
Protagonist
A tall, introverted teenager grappling with family changes and self-acceptance.
Fifteen-year-old Haven is the central character, an introspective and observant girl who feels awkward and out of place, primarily due to her height and her parents' divorce. She clings to idealized memories of her family's past, struggling to accept the changes happening around her, particularly her father's remarriage and her sister's wedding. Haven is a quiet observer, often analyzing the dynamics of her family and friends. Her internal struggles with self-image and her longing for a simpler time drive much of her emotional journey.
Relationships: Ashley (Older sister, often seen as perfect and popular, causing Haven to feel inadequate.); Casey (Best friend, a smaller, more outgoing counterpart.); Sumner Lee (Ashley's ex-boyfriend, a past crush, and a catalyst for Haven's understanding of her family's history.); Chloe (Lorna's niece, a new friend who helps Haven accept herself.); Her Father (Loving but often oblivious to Haven's internal struggles, remarrying Lorna.); Lorna (Her father's new wife, initially seen as an annoying intruder, later accepted.)
Ashley
Supporting
Haven's older sister, seemingly perfect, who faces a major life decision.
Ashley is Haven's older sister, portrayed as beautiful, popular, and seemingly perfect. She meticulously plans her wedding to Lewis, embodying the ideal daughter and fiancée. However, her composed exterior hides a deeper conflict when her ex-boyfriend, Sumner, reappears. Ashley is torn between the stable, secure future Lewis offers and the passionate, unpredictable connection she shares with Sumner. Her journey highlights the challenges of choosing between societal expectations and personal desires, and the messiness of love.
Relationships: Haven (Younger sister, often a passive observer of Ashley's life.); Lewis (Her fiancé, a stable but somewhat boring man.); Sumner Lee (Her charismatic, reckless ex-boyfriend, who reignites old passions.)
Sumner Lee
Supporting
Ashley's charismatic and unpredictable ex-boyfriend, who stirs up the past.
Sumner Lee is Ashley's ex-boyfriend, a charming, somewhat reckless, and free-spirited character. His unexpected return to town acts as a significant catalyst for the plot, particularly for Ashley's internal conflict and Haven's re-evaluation of her family's history. Sumner is a wanderer, not tied down by conventional expectations, and his presence brings a sense of excitement and chaos. He serves as a mirror reflecting the complexities and imperfections of the past, challenging Haven's idealized memories and forcing Ashley to confront her true desires.
Relationships: Ashley (Ex-boyfriend, with whom he shares a passionate and complicated history.); Haven (A past crush for Haven, and later, a source of truth about her family.)
Lewis
Supporting
Ashley's stable, kind, but ultimately rejected fiancé.
Lewis is Ashley's fiancé, a kind, reliable, and seemingly perfect match on paper. He represents stability, security, and a conventional future. He is deeply in love with Ashley and committed to their wedding. His character highlights the contrast between dependable comfort and passionate, albeit tumultuous, love. Lewis is ultimately a victim of Ashley's resurfacing feelings for Sumner, and his heartbreak underscores the difficult choices people make in matters of the heart.
Relationships: Ashley (Fiancé, deeply in love with her.)
Chloe
Supporting
Lorna's niece and Haven's new, supportive friend.
Chloe is Lorna's niece, who visits for the summer. She is artistic, vibrant, and refreshingly unconcerned with conventional beauty standards. Chloe becomes a crucial friend for Haven, offering a different perspective on life and helping Haven to see her height and unique qualities as assets rather than flaws. Her positive influence and genuine acceptance provide Haven with much-needed support and a sense of belonging outside her family's drama, playing a key role in Haven's journey of self-acceptance.
Relationships: Haven (New best friend, providing support and a fresh perspective.); Lorna (Aunt.)
Haven's Father
Supporting
A weatherman remarrying, often oblivious to his daughters' emotional turmoil.
Haven's father is a local weatherman, a generally kind and well-meaning man who is remarrying Lorna. He appears somewhat oblivious to the deeper emotional struggles of his daughters, particularly Haven's discomfort with her height and her longing for the past. He represents the changing structure of the family and the move towards a new future. While he cares for his children, his focus is often on his new relationship, which Haven initially resents.
Relationships: Haven (Daughter, with whom he has a loving but sometimes distant relationship.); Ashley (Daughter.); Lorna (His new wife.)
Lorna
Supporting
Haven's father's new, overly cheerful and health-conscious wife.
Lorna is Haven's father's new wife, a cheerful, energetic, and health-conscious woman. Haven initially views her as an annoying intruder who is trying too hard to fit into their family and impose her lifestyle choices. Lorna's character highlights Haven's resistance to change and her difficulty accepting new people into her life. Over time, Haven begins to see Lorna's genuine warmth and her positive impact on her father, leading to a grudging acceptance.
Relationships: Haven (Stepdaughter, with an initially tense relationship.); Her Father (Husband.); Chloe (Niece.)
Casey
Supporting
Haven's best friend, who is smaller and more outgoing.
Casey is Haven's best friend, a petite and more socially confident girl. She provides a contrast to Haven's height and introverted nature, often pulling Haven into social situations. Casey is a loyal friend, though sometimes she doesn't fully grasp the depth of Haven's internal struggles. Her presence offers Haven a sense of normalcy and a connection outside her family, acting as a sounding board and a source of companionship.
Relationships: Haven (Best friend.)
That Summer Themes
The Idealized Past vs. The Complex Reality
Haven initially holds onto an idealized version of her family's past before her parents' divorce, believing it was a time of perfect happiness. Sumner Lee's return and his honest observations force her to confront the more complex and imperfect reality of her family's history, including hidden tensions and unhappiness. This theme is central to Haven's growth; she learns that nostalgia can distort reality and that accepting the past, with all its flaws, is essential for moving forward. For example, Sumner reveals details about her parents' arguments that Haven had suppressed or never fully understood.
“Maybe the past, like a cat, had many lives, and I was seeing a new one today.”
Identity and Self-Acceptance
Haven struggles significantly with her physical appearance, especially her height, and her overall self-image. She feels awkward and out of place, often comparing herself negatively to her 'perfect' sister, Ashley. Her journey throughout the summer is about gradually accepting her individuality. Her friendship with Chloe, who sees Haven's height as unique and beautiful, is important in this. Haven learns to accept her body and her personality, understanding that true worth comes from within, not from fitting external ideals. Her initial discomfort at social events due to her height, compared to her later confidence, shows this theme.
“Maybe I was just meant to be tall. Maybe it wasn't a punishment, but just... a fact.”
The Nature of Love and Relationships
The novel explores different kinds of love through Ashley's romantic dilemma. Her choice between Lewis, who offers stability, and Sumner, who embodies passionate but unpredictable love, shows the complexities of romantic relationships. It questions whether comfort or excitement is more important for happiness, and whether love can truly be controlled or planned. Haven observes these dynamics, learning about the messy, unpredictable nature of human connection. The scene where Ashley breaks off her engagement to Lewis clearly shows the difficult choices involved in following one's heart.
“Love wasn't a thing that was measured, or weighed. It was a thing that just was.”
Embracing Change
Change is a constant force throughout the novel, from Haven's physical growth to her father's remarriage and Ashley's changing wedding plans. Initially, Haven resists change, longing for the stability of the past. However, as the summer progresses, she learns that change is inevitable and often necessary for growth. She comes to accept her new stepmother, Lorna, and understands that her family is evolving. This theme is about letting go of the past and opening oneself up to the future, finding strength and hope in new beginnings rather than fearing them. Her eventual acceptance of Lorna and her father's new life demonstrates this.
“Sometimes you just had to let things go, and see what happened next.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
First-Person Narration
The story is told entirely from Haven's perspective.
This device allows the reader to deeply connect with Haven's internal struggles, her observations, and her emotional journey. By experiencing events through her eyes, the reader gains insight into her insecurities about her height, her longing for the past, and her evolving understanding of her family. It also filters the perceptions of other characters, making them appear as Haven sees them, which is crucial for understanding her initial biases against Lorna and her idealized view of Ashley and the past.
The Catalyst Character (Sumner Lee)
A character whose arrival precipitates significant change and revelation.
Sumner Lee's unexpected return serves as a major catalyst. His presence directly triggers Ashley's internal conflict regarding her wedding and her feelings, forcing her to make a difficult decision. More importantly for Haven, Sumner acts as a catalyst for truth. Through his candid conversations and observations, he shatters Haven's idealized memories of her family, forcing her to confront the more complex reality of her parents' divorce and Ashley's past relationships. He doesn't necessarily drive the plot through his own goals but through his disruptive influence on others.
Symbolism of Height
Haven's physical height symbolizes her feelings of awkwardness, visibility, and later, her unique identity.
Haven's height is a recurring symbol throughout the novel. Initially, it symbolizes her profound discomfort with herself, making her feel conspicuous, awkward, and out of place. It represents her inability to 'fit in' physically, mirroring her emotional struggles to adapt to her changing family. As the story progresses and Haven gains confidence, her height transforms into a symbol of her unique identity and strength. It becomes a physical manifestation of her personal growth and self-acceptance, no longer a flaw but a distinguishing characteristic she learns to embrace.
The Impending Wedding
Ashley's wedding serves as a ticking clock and a focal point for family tension.
Ashley's meticulously planned wedding to Lewis functions as a narrative device that creates a sense of urgency and expectation. It acts as a 'ticking clock,' building tension as the date approaches and Ashley's feelings for Sumner resurface. The wedding preparations also provide a setting for many family interactions and confrontations, highlighting the various characters' perspectives on love, commitment, and tradition. Its eventual cancellation marks a significant turning point, symbolizing the disruption of perceived perfection and the embrace of a more uncertain, but authentic, path.
That Summer Quotes
“It was the kind of summer that felt like it would never end, even as it was slipping away.”
“You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
“Sometimes you have to let go to see if there was anything worth holding on to.”
“It's funny how you can live your whole life in a place and not really see it until something changes.”
“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”
“Maybe it was good to have something to look forward to, even if it was just a day, or a week.”
“Some things, once broken, can never be fixed. But that doesn't mean they're not worth keeping.”
“There are some people you meet, and you just know you're going to be friends forever.”
“It’s hard to remember what it was like before, when everything was just normal.”
“The best way to get over one thing is to get under something else.”
“Sometimes you just have to take a leap and build your wings on the way down.”
“You can't choose your family, but you can choose how you deal with them.”
“It's amazing how much a person can change, and how much they can stay the same, all at once.”
“That's the thing about summer. It's like a blank canvas, and you get to paint whatever you want on it.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is Haven's most noticeable physical characteristic that she is self-conscious about at the beginning of the book?
- Her curly red hair
- Her height, being nearly six feet tall
- Her freckles
- Her braces
Show answer
B. Her height, being nearly six feet tall Haven is very self-conscious about her height, constantly feeling too tall and awkward, especially compared to her petite sister.
Question 2
Who is the 'old boyfriend of Ashley's' who re-enters the picture and becomes a significant character in Haven's summer?
- Todd
- Lex
- Brad
- Michael
Show answer
B. Lex Lex, Ashley's former boyfriend, returns to town and begins working at the local diner, where Haven also spends a lot of time.
Question 3
What is the primary reason Haven's father is getting remarried?
- He wants a larger family.
- His first marriage ended, and he found a new partner.
- He is marrying for financial stability.
- He is trying to make Haven's mother jealous.
Show answer
B. His first marriage ended, and he found a new partner. Haven's parents are divorced, and her father is remarrying his new fiancée, Lorna, a significant change in Haven's life.
Question 4
What is Ashley's fiancé's name, the man she is planning to marry?
- Jackson
- Paul
- David
- Ryan
Show answer
B. Paul Ashley is engaged to Paul, a detail that further contributes to Haven's feeling that her life is changing too rapidly.
Question 5
What is Haven's part-time job or regular activity during the summer that brings her into contact with Lex?
- Working at a boutique
- Volunteering at the library
- Spending time at the local diner, The Stick-In-The-Mud
- Working as a lifeguard
Show answer
C. Spending time at the local diner, The Stick-In-The-Mud Haven frequently hangs out at The Stick-In-The-Mud diner, where Lex gets a job, allowing them to reconnect and spend time together.
Question 6
What is the primary internal conflict Haven faces throughout the novel?
- Her struggle to decide which college to attend.
- Her desire for things to stay the same versus the inevitability of change and growing up.
- Her inability to choose between two romantic interests.
- Her resentment towards her mother's career success.
Show answer
B. Her desire for things to stay the same versus the inevitability of change and growing up. A central theme is Haven's struggle to cope with the rapid changes in her family and personal life, and her longing for the past.
Question 7
What is the name of Haven's best friend who is experiencing her own romantic drama during the summer?
- Chloe
- Casey
- Leigh
- Sarah
Show answer
C. Leigh Leigh is Haven's best friend, and her relationship struggles with her boyfriend, Todd, provide a parallel storyline to Haven's own experiences.
Question 8
How does Haven's perception of her sister Ashley and Ashley's past relationship with Lex evolve throughout the novel?
- She realizes Ashley was always perfect and Lex was never right for her.
- She learns that Ashley wasn't as perfect as she seemed and their past was more complicated than Haven believed.
- She becomes more critical of Lex, seeing him as manipulative.
- She understands that Ashley deliberately tried to keep Lex away from her.
Show answer
B. She learns that Ashley wasn't as perfect as she seemed and their past was more complicated than Haven believed. Through Lex, Haven gains a more nuanced understanding of Ashley's past, realizing her sister wasn't always the 'perfect' person Haven idealized, and that their shared history was more complex.
Question 9
What does the 'Stick-In-The-Mud' diner symbolize for Haven, beyond just being a place she frequents?
- A place of excitement and new adventures.
- A stable, unchanging comfort in a rapidly shifting world.
- A source of conflict and tension with her family.
- A representation of her desire to leave her hometown.
Show answer
B. A stable, unchanging comfort in a rapidly shifting world. The diner, with its familiar atmosphere and routines, becomes a comforting anchor for Haven amidst the many changes happening in her personal life and family.
Question 10
What is the ultimate resolution for Haven regarding her feelings about her father's remarriage and Ashley's wedding?
- She completely rejects both events and refuses to participate.
- She accepts the changes and looks forward to the new family dynamics.
- She remains resentful but outwardly pretends to be happy.
- She runs away to avoid attending either event.
Show answer
B. She accepts the changes and looks forward to the new family dynamics. By the end of the summer, Haven has come to terms with the changes, understanding that growing up and new beginnings are inevitable and can be positive, rather than just something to resist.
That Summer FAQ
What is the central conflict Haven faces at the beginning of 'That Summer'?
At the start of the novel, Haven, a towering fifteen-year-old, grapples with a profound sense of displacement and loss as her family undergoes significant changes. Her father is remarrying to Lorna, and her seemingly perfect older sister, Ashley, is planning her own wedding to Lewis, leaving Haven feeling overlooked and yearning for a simpler, idealized past.
Who is Sumner Lee and what is his initial role in the story?
Sumner Lee is Ashley's ex-boyfriend from 'that summer' – a period Haven remembers as idyllic. He re-enters the picture unexpectedly when he shows up in town, initially causing a stir and reminding Haven of a time before her family's current upheaval. His presence acts as a catalyst for Haven to re-evaluate her perceptions of the past.
How does Haven's height impact her self-perception and interactions?
Haven's unusual height for her age makes her feel awkward, conspicuous, and out of place, contributing to her overall insecurity. She often slouches or tries to minimize herself, and it affects her confidence in social situations and her ability to feel comfortable in her own skin, especially compared to her seemingly graceful sister.
What role does Chloe play in Haven's life?
Chloe is Haven's best friend and a vital source of support and normalcy amidst Haven's family drama. She provides a grounding influence, offering a listening ear and practical advice, and helps Haven navigate the complexities of her changing home life and burgeoning romantic interests.
What 'perfect' image does Ashley project, and how does it affect Haven?
Ashley projects an image of effortless perfection: beautiful, popular, and seemingly in control of her life, culminating in her engagement to Lewis. This polished facade exacerbates Haven's feelings of inadequacy and awkwardness, making Haven feel perpetually in her sister's shadow and fueling her desire for things to revert to a 'perfect' past.
What specific details about 'that summer' with Sumner does Haven initially idealize?
Haven initially idealizes 'that summer' as a golden period when her family was whole and happy, before her parents' divorce and Ashley's engagement to Lewis. She remembers Ashley and Sumner's relationship as passionate and uncomplicated, associating it with a time of stability and joy that she desperately wants to recapture.
How does Haven's perspective of her parents' relationship change throughout the book?
Initially, Haven views her parents' past marriage through a nostalgic, romanticized lens, longing for their reconciliation. As she observes her father's new relationship with Lorna and learns more about her parents' history, she begins to understand the complexities and flaws that led to their divorce, moving beyond her idealized vision.
What is the significance of the 'wedding' motif in the novel?
The multiple weddings – Ashley's to Lewis, and her father's to Lorna – symbolize profound changes and transitions within Haven's family. They force Haven to confront the reality that the past is over and that her family structure is irrevocably shifting, pushing her towards acceptance and growth rather than clinging to what was.
How does Sumner help Haven see the past 'for what it really was'?
Sumner, through his candid conversations and different perspective, reveals the less glamorous realities of his relationship with Ashley and the underlying tensions in Haven's family during 'that summer.' He helps Haven understand that her idealized memories were incomplete, showing her the actual complexities and heartbreaks that occurred.
What internal conflict does Haven face regarding her loyalty to Ashley versus her growing understanding of the past?
Haven struggles with a profound internal conflict between her ingrained loyalty to her sister, Ashley, and the uncomfortable truths she uncovers about Ashley's past relationship with Sumner. This clash forces Haven to question her sister's 'perfect' image and to reconcile her own memories with new, often painful, revelations.
How does Haven's relationship with Lewis evolve, and what does it reveal about Ashley's choices?
Haven initially views Lewis as Ashley's steady, 'safe' choice after Sumner, but as she gets to know him, she recognizes his kindness and genuine affection for Ashley. Her observations reveal that Ashley, despite her past with Sumner, genuinely loves and values Lewis for his stability and good nature, suggesting a maturity in Ashley's own choices.
What is the primary message about 'first love' that the book conveys through Sumner and Ashley's past?
The book suggests that first love, while often intense and memorable, isn't always destined to last or be the 'right' love. Through Sumner and Ashley, it illustrates that passionate, tumultuous relationships can be formative but also ultimately unsustainable, paving the way for more stable and mature connections.
How does Haven's perception of her father's happiness change?
Initially, Haven might see her father's happiness with Lorna as a betrayal of her mother and their past. However, as she witnesses his genuine contentment and the positive impact Lorna has on him, Haven gradually accepts that her father deserves happiness, even if it means moving on from her idealized family unit.
What does the ending suggest about Haven's personal growth?
The ending suggests Haven has achieved a significant level of personal growth and acceptance. She has come to terms with the changes in her family, shed her idealized view of the past, and embraced the present with a more realistic and hopeful outlook. She is more comfortable in her own skin and ready to face the future.
Are there any subtle hints about the true nature of Ashley and Sumner's relationship before the direct revelations?
Early in the story, there are subtle hints, such as Ashley's guarded reactions to Sumner's name or her slight discomfort when 'that summer' is mentioned. These small cues suggest a more complicated history than Haven's idealized memories, subtly foreshadowing the later revelations about their tumultuous and ultimately flawed relationship.
How does the book explore the theme of memory versus reality?
The book deeply explores the theme of memory versus reality by showing how Haven's nostalgic and selective memory has distorted her perception of 'that summer' and her family's past. Through new information and perspectives, she learns that her idealized memories were far from the complete truth, prompting her to reconcile the two.
What kind of relationship does Haven ultimately form with Sumner?
Haven ultimately forms a platonic, mentor-like friendship with Sumner. He becomes a confidant who helps her understand her family's history and her own identity, offering her a different perspective on life and love without developing a romantic interest between them.
How does Haven's relationship with Lorna evolve?
Initially, Haven is wary and somewhat resentful of Lorna, seeing her as an intruder replacing her mother. However, as she observes Lorna's genuine kindness, patience, and love for her father, Haven gradually softens, eventually accepting Lorna as a positive and caring presence in her father's life.
About the author
Sarah Dessen is an American author known for her young adult fiction that often explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth. Some of her notable works include Just Listen, The Truth About Forever, Along for the Ride, This Lullaby, Lock and Key, and Keeping the Moon. Dessen's writing has garnered a dedicated readership and has been recognized for its relatable characters and emotional depth.
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