Review 139: Big Summer

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Yeah, I’d call this a beach read. We have a young twenty-something that makes some money as an influencer on Instagram and makes the rest of her money by part-time babysitting two kids after school. Daphne’s deal is she is plus sized, and she influences on fashion and gear for her body type. It’s still difficult for Daphne, and her past with the comments kids made still roam through her head all the time.

The plot of the book evolved around a friend, Drue, who is nearly the opposite of Daphne. Drue is rich, beautiful, thin and one of those types who actually treats friends awful, which is why it’s been six years since their friendship had ended. But Drue is back and asked Daphne to be in her wedding, after apologies, and promises of being different now. Well, the wedding will help Daphne’s social media accounts, and perfect timing with the new line of clothing Daphne is now showcasing.

Anyway, there are good aspects to the book, but the plot got a bit boring for myself, honestly. And all the minute details about what people are wearing and other information was excessive. I realize the main character would likely pay attention to these details, but sometimes a glossing over would be nice.

Then the book shifts, dramatically, in part 2. And here the writing seemed to suffer. The characters seemed to act differently than what they were drawn out to be like. There was a weird path that Daphne took, that wasn’t explained very well why she was doing this. But yet this did make the book somewhat more interesting.

I’m sure there will be many fans of this book. The author has a long list of books already to her name. Just don’t expect too much, enjoy the temporary diversion.


Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for an uncorrected electronic advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review