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The Summer We Read Gatsby
A delightful comedy of manners about two sisters who must set aside their differences when they inherit a house in the Hamptons
Half-sisters Cassie and Peck could not be more different. Cassie is a newly divorced journalist with her feet firmly planted on the ground; Peck is a vintage-obsessed actress with her head in the clouds. In fact, the only thing they seem to have in common is their inheritance of Fool's House, a rundown cottage left to them by their beloved Aunt Lydia. But Cassie and Peck can't afford the house, and they can't agree on anything, much less what to do with the place. Plus, along with the house, they've inherited an artist-inresidence and self-proclaimed genius named Biggsy who seems to bring suspiciously bad luck wherever he goes. As these two likable sisters try to understand their aunt's puzzling instructions to "seek a thing of utmost value" from within the house, they're both distracted by romantic entanglements with men from their pasts.
The Summer We Read Gatsby, set in the end-of-an-era summer of 2008, is filled with fabulous parties, eccentric characters, and insider society details that showcase Ganek's pitch-perfect sense of style and wit.
Half-sisters Cassie and Peck could not be more different. Cassie is a newly divorced journalist with her feet firmly planted on the ground; Peck is a vintage-obsessed actress with her head in the clouds. In fact, the only thing they seem to have in common is their inheritance of Fool's House, a rundown cottage left to them by their beloved Aunt Lydia. But Cassie and Peck can't afford the house, and they can't agree on anything, much less what to do with the place. Plus, along with the house, they've inherited an artist-inresidence and self-proclaimed genius named Biggsy who seems to bring suspiciously bad luck wherever he goes. As these two likable sisters try to understand their aunt's puzzling instructions to "seek a thing of utmost value" from within the house, they're both distracted by romantic entanglements with men from their pasts.
The Summer We Read Gatsby, set in the end-of-an-era summer of 2008, is filled with fabulous parties, eccentric characters, and insider society details that showcase Ganek's pitch-perfect sense of style and wit.
292 pages, Hardcover
First published May 27, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 628 reviews
April 26, 2011
I forced myself to finish this book because I figured it would get better toward the end. But no, I hated it at page one and by page 280 I was thoroughly disappointed with my follow-through.
In summation, this book is a shallow narrative about equally shallow and underdeveloped characters living in an exaggerated trying-too-hard-to-be-unique Hampton summer home with stereotypical everything, a crime that could have been solved in one page stretched to fill about 150 of them, and rushed romances between people who don't seem to be compatible bolstered with too many I'm-cool-because-I-know-this name dropping of bands and brands as half of the dialogue. (Also, if you name drop something and almost every time a character responds with "What's that?" or "If you didn't know, that is..." maybe try working on your descriptive powers, because you are making it painful.) I am so sorry to The Great Gatsby for being dragged into this.
I would have given this an A+ to the freshman highschooler struggling in their creative writing elective, but in this case I'm sad to have wasted $25.95 and several hours of my life.
In summation, this book is a shallow narrative about equally shallow and underdeveloped characters living in an exaggerated trying-too-hard-to-be-unique Hampton summer home with stereotypical everything, a crime that could have been solved in one page stretched to fill about 150 of them, and rushed romances between people who don't seem to be compatible bolstered with too many I'm-cool-because-I-know-this name dropping of bands and brands as half of the dialogue. (Also, if you name drop something and almost every time a character responds with "What's that?" or "If you didn't know, that is..." maybe try working on your descriptive powers, because you are making it painful.) I am so sorry to The Great Gatsby for being dragged into this.
I would have given this an A+ to the freshman highschooler struggling in their creative writing elective, but in this case I'm sad to have wasted $25.95 and several hours of my life.
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June 8, 2024Another book I couldn't put down! Made me laugh and smile and wish I could go to the Hamptons. --Ann P.
May 15, 2011
Like the women in the novel, my Aunt (who I adore) has a house in the Hamptons, one where I have spent many a summer weekend, and of which I have many fond memories. Couple that with the fact that The Great Gatsby was one of my favorite books, back in High School, and that, like the narrator, I am a single, twenty-something, aspiring writer, and I thought to myself, "This book has my name written all over it!"
Well, it turns out it did . . . except my name was written in pencil. And about a quarter of the way through the book . . . I erased it. :)
If I could describe this book in one word, that word would probably be "cheesy." The plot was flimsy. The dialogue was unbelievable. (Who the heck talks like that?) The solution to the so-called "mystery" was pretty much obvious from the first page. And this is coming from someone who almost NEVER solves the mystery in books, unless she has cheated and read the last page. The romances were forced and unengaging. And the characters were more like cartoon sketches than real people.
But I think my biggest problem with the book was with its two main characters, Peck and Stella/ Cassie / Kid(?) (I swear they called the narrator so many names in this book, I couldn't decide which to use.) These were supposed to be women in their late twentys and early 30s, living in this decade. And yet, I couldn't fight feeling like I was reading about a very Botoxed pair of 60 somethings trying to reclaim their youth.
Peck, "the dramatic sister," in particular, I found incredibly annoying, with her eccentric tastes, gauche mannerisms, and her snooty way of always speaking as if she's auditioning for a bad play. This would have been just fine, if I got the impression that the character was MEANT to be unlikeable. But all the other characters in the book seemed to think she was just FABULOUS! (In Peck's defense, she was the most developed character in the story, personality-wise.)
As for Cassie/Stella, aside from being a bit of a dish rag, she didn't really seem to have much personality at all! Since this was the narrator, I kept waiting for Cassie/Stella to develop some sort of distinctive voice. Unfortunately, it never happened. In fact, I would have much prefered the story had been told from the point of view of one of the more intriguing, but underdeveloped characters in the story, like Hamilton, Scotty, Finn, or, even the "mysterious," but extremely unfortunately named, "Bigsy."
So, why two stars, instead of one? Well, as many problems as I had with the book, I didn't HATE reading it. It's a harmless little beach read, that doesn't require too much of your time or intellect. And it did help to get me in the mood to spend a summer in the Hamptons. So, perhaps my name is still written somewhere on this book, after all . . . just in very small print. :)
Well, it turns out it did . . . except my name was written in pencil. And about a quarter of the way through the book . . . I erased it. :)
If I could describe this book in one word, that word would probably be "cheesy." The plot was flimsy. The dialogue was unbelievable. (Who the heck talks like that?) The solution to the so-called "mystery" was pretty much obvious from the first page. And this is coming from someone who almost NEVER solves the mystery in books, unless she has cheated and read the last page. The romances were forced and unengaging. And the characters were more like cartoon sketches than real people.
But I think my biggest problem with the book was with its two main characters, Peck and Stella/ Cassie / Kid(?) (I swear they called the narrator so many names in this book, I couldn't decide which to use.) These were supposed to be women in their late twentys and early 30s, living in this decade. And yet, I couldn't fight feeling like I was reading about a very Botoxed pair of 60 somethings trying to reclaim their youth.
Peck, "the dramatic sister," in particular, I found incredibly annoying, with her eccentric tastes, gauche mannerisms, and her snooty way of always speaking as if she's auditioning for a bad play. This would have been just fine, if I got the impression that the character was MEANT to be unlikeable. But all the other characters in the book seemed to think she was just FABULOUS! (In Peck's defense, she was the most developed character in the story, personality-wise.)
As for Cassie/Stella, aside from being a bit of a dish rag, she didn't really seem to have much personality at all! Since this was the narrator, I kept waiting for Cassie/Stella to develop some sort of distinctive voice. Unfortunately, it never happened. In fact, I would have much prefered the story had been told from the point of view of one of the more intriguing, but underdeveloped characters in the story, like Hamilton, Scotty, Finn, or, even the "mysterious," but extremely unfortunately named, "Bigsy."
So, why two stars, instead of one? Well, as many problems as I had with the book, I didn't HATE reading it. It's a harmless little beach read, that doesn't require too much of your time or intellect. And it did help to get me in the mood to spend a summer in the Hamptons. So, perhaps my name is still written somewhere on this book, after all . . . just in very small print. :)
May 17, 2011
(Reprinted from the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography [cclapcenter.com]. I am the original author of this essay, as well as the owner of CCLaP; it is not being reprinted illegally.)
I picked up this breezy beach read literally on a whim the other week, after spying it on the "New Releases" shelf at my neighborhood library, suspecting the entire time that it might turn out to be an inexorable piece of chick-lit; and indeed, while author Danielle Ganek admirably attempts to add as much cynicism and dark touches as she can to her story of two mismatched half-sisters who inherit a wacky aunt's rundown bungalow in Long Island's the Hamptons (setting of The Great Gatsby as well, for those who don't know), she unfortunately cannot completely hide her love for all things pink and shiny and expensive and WHEEEEEE!, resulting in sometimes unintentionally hilarious scenes where our anti-Hamptons main character will go on and on about how little she follows or cares for fashion, while simultaneously describing both the style and brand name of every single piece of clothing being worn at the party where she's letting everyone know how little she follows or cares for fashion. The whole book is like this, to tell you the truth, an attempt to fight against the stereotypes of chick-lit while then wallowing in these very stereotypes just a few pages later; and it leaves the manuscript a schizophrenic read by the end, which I suspect will disappoint both the readers looking for such stuff and those looking to avoid it. It's a shame, because Ganek is a decent writer; and in the future, I'd encourage her to really go for broke either one way or the other, and not try to both have her cake and eat it too like she does here.
Out of 10: 7.8
I picked up this breezy beach read literally on a whim the other week, after spying it on the "New Releases" shelf at my neighborhood library, suspecting the entire time that it might turn out to be an inexorable piece of chick-lit; and indeed, while author Danielle Ganek admirably attempts to add as much cynicism and dark touches as she can to her story of two mismatched half-sisters who inherit a wacky aunt's rundown bungalow in Long Island's the Hamptons (setting of The Great Gatsby as well, for those who don't know), she unfortunately cannot completely hide her love for all things pink and shiny and expensive and WHEEEEEE!, resulting in sometimes unintentionally hilarious scenes where our anti-Hamptons main character will go on and on about how little she follows or cares for fashion, while simultaneously describing both the style and brand name of every single piece of clothing being worn at the party where she's letting everyone know how little she follows or cares for fashion. The whole book is like this, to tell you the truth, an attempt to fight against the stereotypes of chick-lit while then wallowing in these very stereotypes just a few pages later; and it leaves the manuscript a schizophrenic read by the end, which I suspect will disappoint both the readers looking for such stuff and those looking to avoid it. It's a shame, because Ganek is a decent writer; and in the future, I'd encourage her to really go for broke either one way or the other, and not try to both have her cake and eat it too like she does here.
Out of 10: 7.8
June 10, 2013
This book is a prime example of why one should never pick a book based solely on its title. The writing isn't terrible, the plot isn't ridiculous or anything, it's literally a forgettable book. I just finished reading it a few hours ago and my brain has already forgotten...what was I writing about?
Yes, the whole book is like that. There are two things I did like about this novel: the title (genius! makes it sound like the novel will be something worth remembering!) and the author's ability to make me yearn for a summer beach house vacation in the Hampton's. The characters aren't awful or anything, the whole book was just blah. Is it sad that I only stuck with it based on the fact that the real Great Gatsby took some getting into and I thought the author was going for the same mild boredom?
Def a beach read, but only if you go in knowing it's legit/ straight up a beach read.
Yes, the whole book is like that. There are two things I did like about this novel: the title (genius! makes it sound like the novel will be something worth remembering!) and the author's ability to make me yearn for a summer beach house vacation in the Hampton's. The characters aren't awful or anything, the whole book was just blah. Is it sad that I only stuck with it based on the fact that the real Great Gatsby took some getting into and I thought the author was going for the same mild boredom?
Def a beach read, but only if you go in knowing it's legit/ straight up a beach read.
October 22, 2014
a cute, if predictable, story about life in the hamptons. half-sisters peckland and stella are asked to sell their beloved aunt's house after she dies unexpectedly in paris.
the girls love the house for different reasons and as they spend their last summer there, they bond in ways they never did living separate lives.
romance is around the corner for both girls and it's fun to watch the events unfold around various parties and hijinx involing a "fool in resident" biggsy.
a quick and enjoyable summer read with tons of literary and artistic references.
the girls love the house for different reasons and as they spend their last summer there, they bond in ways they never did living separate lives.
romance is around the corner for both girls and it's fun to watch the events unfold around various parties and hijinx involing a "fool in resident" biggsy.
a quick and enjoyable summer read with tons of literary and artistic references.
July 26, 2010
I decided to read this book after seeing it on quite a few summer reading lists, including Oprah's. I can somewhat understand why Oprah put it on her list. She seems to be a fan of thoughtful writers, and Danielle Ganek falls into that category. But other than that, I cannot say I enjoyed the book. I had such little interest in it that I quit reading a little before the half way point.
It is a story about half sisters that have to come together when their aunt dies. Their aunt, Lydia, writes in her will that Peck and Cassie must live in her Southampton's house for a month out of the summer before they can sell it or inherent any of the other items in the house.
I think this is one of those books where people either love it or don't really care for it, ( I can't say hate it, because that was not the case, I just did not really care about it.) Maybe my problem with it was the characters. Peck seemed to be portrayed as a very condescending and pompous, and was always putting Cassie down for not being as classy and sophisticated as herself. And Cassie seemed to be a push over and just excuse it and let it happen. I had not attachment towards either character and I think that is ultimately why I did not care about finishing the book.
I am sure there are people out there who will love the book and all the Gatsby references ( I loved Gatsby, which was why I wanted to read the book, and even this did not get me) and love the descriptions about the parties and Hampton's lifestyle. But this was just one of those books that was not for me.
It is a story about half sisters that have to come together when their aunt dies. Their aunt, Lydia, writes in her will that Peck and Cassie must live in her Southampton's house for a month out of the summer before they can sell it or inherent any of the other items in the house.
I think this is one of those books where people either love it or don't really care for it, ( I can't say hate it, because that was not the case, I just did not really care about it.) Maybe my problem with it was the characters. Peck seemed to be portrayed as a very condescending and pompous, and was always putting Cassie down for not being as classy and sophisticated as herself. And Cassie seemed to be a push over and just excuse it and let it happen. I had not attachment towards either character and I think that is ultimately why I did not care about finishing the book.
I am sure there are people out there who will love the book and all the Gatsby references ( I loved Gatsby, which was why I wanted to read the book, and even this did not get me) and love the descriptions about the parties and Hampton's lifestyle. But this was just one of those books that was not for me.
May 17, 2024
3.5 stars
I think I got this book from blind dates bookshop. They do mystery book boxes. I had two days off and I wanted something short from my shelves and this one fit. This book would have made an excellent beach read. It is about two sisters who inherit their aunt's house in the Hamptons. They go there for one last summer visit before they have to sell the house. I thought it was a fun read. It is just about them in the Hamptons. There is a small mystery in the background, some romance in the background. It is a little bit ridiculous so I get some of the bad reviews but I could not put it down. It was exactly what I was looking for in a book right now. I definitely recommend it for reading on the beach!
-"Let it be a life lesson. We never know how big a role we play in someone else's drama."
-"That's what I'm starting to realize. We all tell our stories the way we want to. And sometimes those stories have nothing to do with reality."
I think I got this book from blind dates bookshop. They do mystery book boxes. I had two days off and I wanted something short from my shelves and this one fit. This book would have made an excellent beach read. It is about two sisters who inherit their aunt's house in the Hamptons. They go there for one last summer visit before they have to sell the house. I thought it was a fun read. It is just about them in the Hamptons. There is a small mystery in the background, some romance in the background. It is a little bit ridiculous so I get some of the bad reviews but I could not put it down. It was exactly what I was looking for in a book right now. I definitely recommend it for reading on the beach!
-"Let it be a life lesson. We never know how big a role we play in someone else's drama."
-"That's what I'm starting to realize. We all tell our stories the way we want to. And sometimes those stories have nothing to do with reality."
August 2, 2011
Some of my favorite memories have come from long summer days. So when I'm trying to decide what to read while sitting in the sun, on the beach or in a pool, I always gravitate towards summer-based fiction. I want to be able to read words that capture this feeling of complete and total relaxation, freedom and happiness. I am so glad I picked THE SUMMER WE READ GATSBY. Danielle Ganek, author of Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him, has hit a home run with this novel that explores the lives of two sisters (technically half-sisters, but anyone with a sister will recognize the dynamics as ringing perfectly true). Pecksland "Peck" and Stella are as opposite as two women can be. Where Peck is curvy, vivacious and charming, Stella is tall, thin, cynical and quick to judge. She doesn't seem to trust people easily, including her sister Peck. When the two sisters learn they have inherited their great aunt Lydia's house in the Hamptons, appropriately named "Fool's House," they are thrown together with unexpected circumstances at every turn. Fool's House is overwhelming to the girls in its dilapidated state and neither one has the resources to afford its upkeep. To make matters even more confusing, their aunt has instructed them to "seek a thing of utmost value," from within the house. The summer becomes a learning experience for both girls as they must learn how to come together, despite their differences and embrace the unexpected. They also begin to unravel secrets within themselves, face issues that have long been unresolved and learn to appreciate the blessings in life, no matter how small they may seem. This book offers a wonderful life lesson to appreciate what you have and resist questioning that which can not be explained or understood completely. Stella, the character who experiences the most change in the novel, learns to let go of what she can't control and enjoy the ride of life. A lesson her sister Peck seems to have already mastered, and that which makes her a very enjoyable character to watch throughout the novel. I really loved this book and can't recommend it enough! A perfect summer read with great characters, an enchanting setting and eloquent prose.
July 19, 2013
This charming book is for someone who: loves books and literary references, appreciates chick-lit but also wants something well-written/non-fluffy, and a novel full of unforgettable (and realistic) characters, as well as an intriguing plot. This book has all of these things.
I am so thankful I "splurged" on this one-dollar find. When I say splurged, I mean took a risk. I wasn't all that sure I'd like this novel. However, I truly believe that books find the reader, and if someone is meant to read a book (or a book is meant to be read), it will find you. This is the case with "The Summer We Read Gatsby".
Its an older novel and I saw it advertised here on Goodreads. I marked as "To-Read", figuring it would pile up as many of the unread "to-reads" often do. And then, I saw the hardback copy at Dollar Tree, and I was sold, shocked that one of my "to-reads" could even be found at Dollar Tree. The cover art is divine, as it well-represents the treasures inside. It's just a fun book to read, but it's not for airheads. It's definitely intelligent, heartfelt, and even has a mystery. I am so impressed!
While this is by no means The Great American Novel (as Gatsby claims to be), nor is it the best book I have ever read, I find myself loving this book and thinking about its characters as if I knew them myself. I am aching for this to be a movie, becuase it simply has that silver-screen appeal. I definitely recommend this book to anyone seeking a true summer treat with a book full of literary wit and escapism.
Five stars for the amazing cast of characters, the fabulous descriptions, the addition of a family mystery, and the unfolding of sisterly love.
I am so thankful I "splurged" on this one-dollar find. When I say splurged, I mean took a risk. I wasn't all that sure I'd like this novel. However, I truly believe that books find the reader, and if someone is meant to read a book (or a book is meant to be read), it will find you. This is the case with "The Summer We Read Gatsby".
Its an older novel and I saw it advertised here on Goodreads. I marked as "To-Read", figuring it would pile up as many of the unread "to-reads" often do. And then, I saw the hardback copy at Dollar Tree, and I was sold, shocked that one of my "to-reads" could even be found at Dollar Tree. The cover art is divine, as it well-represents the treasures inside. It's just a fun book to read, but it's not for airheads. It's definitely intelligent, heartfelt, and even has a mystery. I am so impressed!
While this is by no means The Great American Novel (as Gatsby claims to be), nor is it the best book I have ever read, I find myself loving this book and thinking about its characters as if I knew them myself. I am aching for this to be a movie, becuase it simply has that silver-screen appeal. I definitely recommend this book to anyone seeking a true summer treat with a book full of literary wit and escapism.
Five stars for the amazing cast of characters, the fabulous descriptions, the addition of a family mystery, and the unfolding of sisterly love.
October 31, 2016
The most important lesson I'm taking from this book isn't at all from this book. I thought this book was chick lit and therefore, when it started to bore me (around page 18, tbh) I stopped trying. By page 100, I was hardcore skimming.
The thing is, if I had thought this is good literature, I might have tried more and then gotten more out of this book. I suppose this is a lesson about my definitions (if this book was good enough for me to attempt reading, surely I should make an effort).
Normally, I avoid rating book based on my experience only. Here I can't do that. I am the reader and this book simply did not resonate with me. I have no idea about half of the plot and I'm sorry. Maybe I'll reread this and write a proper review. I probably won't though, because the reviews have convinced me it's just chick lit.
what I'm taking with me
• The sisters are in their 20-30s, apparently. I was sure they were in their sixties or fifties.
• Umm.
• I have nothing to say.
• The Revenge series is pretty much how I imagine the Hamptons and I'll be very disappointed to discover the vibe there is different.
The thing is, if I had thought this is good literature, I might have tried more and then gotten more out of this book. I suppose this is a lesson about my definitions (if this book was good enough for me to attempt reading, surely I should make an effort).
Normally, I avoid rating book based on my experience only. Here I can't do that. I am the reader and this book simply did not resonate with me. I have no idea about half of the plot and I'm sorry. Maybe I'll reread this and write a proper review. I probably won't though, because the reviews have convinced me it's just chick lit.
what I'm taking with me
• The sisters are in their 20-30s, apparently. I was sure they were in their sixties or fifties.
• Umm.
• I have nothing to say.
• The Revenge series is pretty much how I imagine the Hamptons and I'll be very disappointed to discover the vibe there is different.
July 2, 2010
I have to admit that I bought this book because of the title: I absolutely adore The Great Gatsby. I thought the premise - two half sisters who barely know each other and inherit a semi-dilapidated Southampton house from their eccentric aunt - sounded interesting. The characters are richly drawn and distinctive. The setting makes me want to go to the Hamptons next summer. The story kept me reading and didn't disappoint. I'd definitely recommend this as a fun summer read, especially if you've read Gatsby and can get the references.
September 5, 2018
Definitely chic lit.
The part I liked the most was Finn and Stella relationship. However, most characters were unlikable and most of the story line was jut plain odd. I didn't think that the scene set up was very good; it was choppy.
If I stop in the middle of this book and ask why? why write this book? why read this book? Then it is not a good book to me. I want one that peaks my interest and one that I can get lost in. One that challenges my imagination. This book does none of those things.
The part I liked the most was Finn and Stella relationship. However, most characters were unlikable and most of the story line was jut plain odd. I didn't think that the scene set up was very good; it was choppy.
If I stop in the middle of this book and ask why? why write this book? why read this book? Then it is not a good book to me. I want one that peaks my interest and one that I can get lost in. One that challenges my imagination. This book does none of those things.
June 8, 2010
The appears to be my summer of Chick Lit. Or, at least, "quality" chick lit. But this just doesn't cut it. Gaudy and overblown characters, which may make some people scream "Delightful!" and, sadly, provokes the opposite reaction in me: "Nap."
October 22, 2017
This is a definite beach read, which was exactly what I needed right now. The story has pretty much been done before, but I enjoyed being a bit swept away into the romanticism of summer in the Hamptons, and the the ending of an era. The two heroine's were fun, and complicated, which I like in my characters, but I felt a little whip-sawed with Peck; just when you start to get a feeling of her as a bit shallow and spoiled, then she takes a turn to where you really don't like her and then yet again, 10 pages later, she's lovable. I'm all for characters changing over the arc of a story, but this was a bit much. Likewise with the Finn/Stella storyline; it evolved a lot too quick for me. Whipsaw.
The ending was appropriate for the arc of this story; I could have done with out the epilogue; I don't need everything spelled out for me. It also felt a bit rushed, the ending. Everything was progressing along at a nice pace and then at about page 200 it was like someone stepped on the accelerator and everything screeched to an ending.
The ending was appropriate for the arc of this story; I could have done with out the epilogue; I don't need everything spelled out for me. It also felt a bit rushed, the ending. Everything was progressing along at a nice pace and then at about page 200 it was like someone stepped on the accelerator and everything screeched to an ending.
Did Not Finish
April 7, 20261.2.2021
DNF@15%
Own/Print Book [NLO]
Hoopla Audiobook [Justine Eyre]
2021 Read What You Own Challenge [2010]
DNF@15%
Own/Print Book [NLO]
Hoopla Audiobook [Justine Eyre]
2021 Read What You Own Challenge [2010]
March 19, 2017
2.5 stars. No depth of characters and completely misses on comedy and suspense. Will never be confused with being literary. That being said, it an easy page-turner and good for someone looking for a quick, mindless beach-type read.
January 19, 2024
Honestly, I couldn't even finish this book. It was very redundant and boring.
August 15, 2017
Not entirely sure what the plot/genre of this book was supposed to be - romance? minor mystery? coming of age? It was a quick easy read and would make a good beach book.
June 2, 2010
Danielle Ganek’s The Summer We Read Gatsby was a unique novel about two sisters who become an unlikely pair of friends. Dramatic, theatrical and over-the-top Peck is a total counterpoint to Cassie, a practical writer and expat who returns to the United States after years of living abroad. Both girls seem to share little and know even less about one another, though they’re predisposed to love each other. And that’s what sold me on this novel: despite the antics, banter and occasional bickering, you knew Peck and Cassie were sisters who cared.
The setting of the book is an interesting one — especially since, from the outset, we’re told the novel takes place in the summer of 2008. Given that we’re skating around in 2010 now, just two years later, I was surprised to see a definitive date given at the start of the book. But, as with all good novels, there’s a reason for that: we’re drawn into a lush world in the Hamptons where optimism, money and superficiality are the norm.
Two years later, thick in the middle of a U.S. recession, extravagant theme parties, foreign sports cars and high-end meals in New York City are, at best, out of reach for most Americans — and, at worst, disgusting shows of wealth in a time when so many are struggling. Much like, you know, in The Great Gatsby. Daisy and Tom Buchanan, anyone? Many of Ganek’s characters bask in the glow of financial security, showing little regard for trivial matters like money. Biggsy stands as the foil to that: a starving, scheming artist frantically looking for a way to make ends meet. And, unfortunately, that often means making a nuisance of himself.
Fans of contemporary fiction will be seduced by quirky Peck and Aunt Lydia, even posthumously, and just might relate to Cassie, too. Considering The Great Gatsby stood as my all-time favorite novel for quite some time, I appreciated the allusions to Fitzgerald’s classic — but if you’ve never read it? Don’t be put off in the least. No Gatsby knowledge is required for enjoyment. Just get ready for a breezy, mysterious good time.
The setting of the book is an interesting one — especially since, from the outset, we’re told the novel takes place in the summer of 2008. Given that we’re skating around in 2010 now, just two years later, I was surprised to see a definitive date given at the start of the book. But, as with all good novels, there’s a reason for that: we’re drawn into a lush world in the Hamptons where optimism, money and superficiality are the norm.
Two years later, thick in the middle of a U.S. recession, extravagant theme parties, foreign sports cars and high-end meals in New York City are, at best, out of reach for most Americans — and, at worst, disgusting shows of wealth in a time when so many are struggling. Much like, you know, in The Great Gatsby. Daisy and Tom Buchanan, anyone? Many of Ganek’s characters bask in the glow of financial security, showing little regard for trivial matters like money. Biggsy stands as the foil to that: a starving, scheming artist frantically looking for a way to make ends meet. And, unfortunately, that often means making a nuisance of himself.
Fans of contemporary fiction will be seduced by quirky Peck and Aunt Lydia, even posthumously, and just might relate to Cassie, too. Considering The Great Gatsby stood as my all-time favorite novel for quite some time, I appreciated the allusions to Fitzgerald’s classic — but if you’ve never read it? Don’t be put off in the least. No Gatsby knowledge is required for enjoyment. Just get ready for a breezy, mysterious good time.
March 9, 2015
I got this book as a Christmas present because my friend saw Gatsby in the title and thought I'd enjoy it. And in that regard I very much did. I was a little afraid that this would go the same way as "The Jane Austen Book Club" (if I had been on Goodreads when I read that one it would be one star blech) with unrealistic characters acting like F Scott Fitzgerald was an evangelist and his books all divine. I love F Scott Fitzgerald, he's probably one of my top five favorite American writers, but I wasn't looking forward to characters who deified him. That didn't happen in this book. The main character had elevated Gatsby to a higher level because of sentimental attachment and she can admit and recognize that. The story in this book is exactly what all the testimonials, blurbs, and "sound bytes" on the back describe... frothy beach summer fun. This isn't a life changing book, and it's certainly not literary fiction. What it is is fun. Sometimes the narrative is a little disjointed and the story is a little ham and cheesy but it's a good read. I especially recommend it for travel. I read this book while traveling for work and it was perfect for that because it was a light read for being on a plane and just the right blend of addictive so I could read it when I got back to the hotel, but not be sucked in and staying up to late to find out what happened.
Thank you friend for getting this for me (you know who you are), I never would have discovered it otherwise :)
Thank you friend for getting this for me (you know who you are), I never would have discovered it otherwise :)
June 13, 2012
This was a pretty quick, light read that could probably be classified as chicklit, but I still really enjoyed it. It reminded me a lot of the books by Sarah Addison Allen even though there was no magical realism and it didn't take place in the deep south. Still, the characters and their relationships were very closely related IMO.
Two half-sisters inherit their quirky aunt's home in the Hamptons, and must decide what to do with it before the summer is up. The house has served as sort of an artist's retreat for years, hosted several theme parties, and has seen its share of celebrities over the years. The two sisters must decide how they are going to sell the house (as neither can really afford the place. Along the way, they solve a mystery, rekindle old flames and "get to know one another" (told you it was chick-lit). Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read, if predictable, and well worth the time it takes to read it. 4*
Two half-sisters inherit their quirky aunt's home in the Hamptons, and must decide what to do with it before the summer is up. The house has served as sort of an artist's retreat for years, hosted several theme parties, and has seen its share of celebrities over the years. The two sisters must decide how they are going to sell the house (as neither can really afford the place. Along the way, they solve a mystery, rekindle old flames and "get to know one another" (told you it was chick-lit). Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read, if predictable, and well worth the time it takes to read it. 4*
January 31, 2012
Once again, I don't know where I read about this book and added it to my audiobook rental shelf, but it was VERY interesting. It was a slow start, however. Meeting the two half-sisters and understanding that they are VERY different people would have been more interesting if one of them hadn't irritated me so much. But their tale of discovering they like one another, and the personal growth each experiences over their month together, preparing to sell the house of their summer childhood, grows on you. Had it been a book I was reading, I might have given up after 100 pages (that's my rule: hook me by the 100th page). But because I didn't have another audiobook to pop in, I stuck with it, and was glad I did. Note to the reader, though, I was about half way thru before I was hooked. And it has inspired me to re-read Gatsby. Stick with it.
Did Not Finish
August 3, 2016Meh, I picked this book up because of the title (I'm a Gatsby fan), but ended up putting it down around page 90ish. Not horrible, just a bit too bland for me. Plus, I couldn't connect with the characters. No point in trying to force myself through another 200 pages. (sadly)
Wouldn't advise you to stay away from this book if light summer romance-y beach reads are your thing. They just don't happen to be mine.
Wouldn't advise you to stay away from this book if light summer romance-y beach reads are your thing. They just don't happen to be mine.
March 3, 2013
I purchased this book for $1 at the Champaign Public Library bookstore. It was well worth the $1! And I read it while on a cruise--definitely a beach/ summer read. It was a predictable plot but fun nonetheless. As an American lit teacher, I enjoyed finding all the Gatsby references, the obvious and not-so-obvious.
November 1, 2015
The book started off as the beach read it was reviewed to be (with some cringe-worthy lines and more telling than showing in terms of character description), but by the time I was done it felt like a satisfying read. Not particularly memorable, and will not keep the book, but being brought to a beach in mid-fall isn't the worst thing.
July 27, 2013
This book had its cute moments and some good characters, but I didn't like the way it was told as something tat happened in the past, with comments like "what I didn't know then (xyz)." It was still a cute read.
January 6, 2013
I finished the book and i loved it. It was a light chick-lit type book but very heart-warming and a very good story. Would recommend it to any of my friends and will definitely read something else by this author.
August 23, 2016
Meh. It captured my attention after a bit. It reminded me of Big Little Lies, where characters are caricatures of themselves, with a little mystery mixed in to keep things interesting. The house was my favorite "character" by far.
June 16, 2010
Some good clothes descriptions, but overall not as good as I'd hoped for
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