debi_g's review against another edition
4.0
This book reminded me how much I enjoy sprawling family sagas filled with secrets and insights about the human condition.
I have a couple of minor objections, but the larger story overrules them.
I have a couple of minor objections, but the larger story overrules them.
bookapotamus's review against another edition
4.0
Omigosh did this one pack a wallop! I was worried about the amount of characters in this one, the pandemic storyline, all the kinda slimy things this family is involved in... but wowsa! does JW do such a great job at spinning the story and weaving the web and do all of the things to create a story like I've never read before.
Ruby has announced she's marrying her pandemic boyfriend and everyone is pretty shocked at how quickly they got so serious. The silver lining is that they all get to gather at the family beach house for one last big hurrah before it is sold. But what leads up to the day, what each family member is hiding, and how every single storyline comes together is pretty genius and leaves you picking your jaw up off the floor. Many times. Ouch my jaw hurts.
I will admit I didn't like most of these people or agree with almost any the decisions they made. It was really overwhelming that so. much. stuff. could go down in one family... like so, so, so much. But hands down it's great fun to read about it - while also simultaneously thanking the universe my crazy family is just a little less complicated...
Ruby has announced she's marrying her pandemic boyfriend and everyone is pretty shocked at how quickly they got so serious. The silver lining is that they all get to gather at the family beach house for one last big hurrah before it is sold. But what leads up to the day, what each family member is hiding, and how every single storyline comes together is pretty genius and leaves you picking your jaw up off the floor. Many times. Ouch my jaw hurts.
I will admit I didn't like most of these people or agree with almost any the decisions they made. It was really overwhelming that so. much. stuff. could go down in one family... like so, so, so much. But hands down it's great fun to read about it - while also simultaneously thanking the universe my crazy family is just a little less complicated...
desthemenace's review against another edition
4.0
wild ride to read, comparable to a soap opera with the twisting of romantic history.
shelby_crane's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Feeling a bit unsatisfied with the ending. Seems entirely unrealistic that nobody ended up mad at each other either given all the family dysfunction.
sundeviljewels's review against another edition
5.0
Of these three Summer books, this is the BEST one!
I didn’t understand all the references to Ruby’s dark hair and curls.
I loved and was saddened by the acknowledgements with Weiner’s mother’s passing.
Weiner’s is very descriptive, which leads to LONG chapters.
All worth it. Truly enjoyed this book!
I didn’t understand all the references to Ruby’s dark hair and curls.
I loved and was saddened by the acknowledgements with Weiner’s mother’s passing.
Weiner’s is very descriptive, which leads to LONG chapters.
All worth it. Truly enjoyed this book!
toastea's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Okay, I admit – I really enjoy the messy familial drama! This book was full of scandalous moments and I ate it up! Loved Sam & Gabe and was happy that I could predict certain gay moments in the book. A lot of the other characters in this novel were not that great or even that interesting, honestly. Sam was the best character in the story and the whole thing could have been about him and I would have given this book 5 stars! I thought the chapters where the house was sentient were really strange, but the drama & conclusion are solid. Nice read!
bernadettebloom's review against another edition
5.0
When 22 year old Ruby announces she's getting married to her pandemic boyfriend, Gabe, everyone in the family is a little taken aback. I mean...she hasn't known him that long. And she's so young! But Ruby has always known what she wants, and she's set the date and place. The summer home on Cape Cod where her step-grandmother lives.
The engagement churns up a plethora of secrets, lies and misunderstandings that are festering in this family. Veronica, the grandmother, once had a whole other life as a novelist, and is currently keeping a serious secret. Eli, Ruby's dad, has a secret from when he was married to his first wife. Sarah, Ruby's step-mother, has regrets she's never let herself face. Sam, Sarah's twin brother, is feeling lost and confused.
But what the old Summer Home knows is that this family needs to get together one last time. The house wants the family to remember all the good times, and what they mean to each other. It certainly doesn't want to be put on the market and sold. So the house does what it needs to do to keep the family together, and spill the secrets that are being held within its walls.
Clever story, good twists and turns, and a family you root for despite their many issues.
The engagement churns up a plethora of secrets, lies and misunderstandings that are festering in this family. Veronica, the grandmother, once had a whole other life as a novelist, and is currently keeping a serious secret. Eli, Ruby's dad, has a secret from when he was married to his first wife. Sarah, Ruby's step-mother, has regrets she's never let herself face. Sam, Sarah's twin brother, is feeling lost and confused.
But what the old Summer Home knows is that this family needs to get together one last time. The house wants the family to remember all the good times, and what they mean to each other. It certainly doesn't want to be put on the market and sold. So the house does what it needs to do to keep the family together, and spill the secrets that are being held within its walls.
Clever story, good twists and turns, and a family you root for despite their many issues.
rmesquirrel's review against another edition
3.0
The book wasn't bad... but, it has unrealistic twists and resolutions.
amymo73's review against another edition
4.0
Let me say this: I love Jennifer Weiner's books. I've loved them since her first novel (though I have not read all of them.) Her characters are relatable and funny and at times the story is poignant without becoming overbearing.
In her acknowledgements, she writes she was looking in part for a bit of a Midsummer Night's Dream vibe -- and after just seeing As You Like It at Buffalo's Shakespeare in the Park (different play but similar vibe to me, so just go with it), I can say this is how the book felt at times and it was delightful. Who slept with who? And what would happen next? What secret was going to come out? And I think she did a great job of capturing life during the COVID-19 pandemic -- the mental anguish it took on people even in the best circumstances.
I also love Jennifer Weiner's books because her work was something my mom and I shared. We didn't have all the same tastes in books, but we both loved her work. I miss my mom a lot and her work, well, it reminds me of those good times.
In her acknowledgements, she writes she was looking in part for a bit of a Midsummer Night's Dream vibe -- and after just seeing As You Like It at Buffalo's Shakespeare in the Park (different play but similar vibe to me, so just go with it), I can say this is how the book felt at times and it was delightful. Who slept with who? And what would happen next? What secret was going to come out? And I think she did a great job of capturing life during the COVID-19 pandemic -- the mental anguish it took on people even in the best circumstances.
I also love Jennifer Weiner's books because her work was something my mom and I shared. We didn't have all the same tastes in books, but we both loved her work. I miss my mom a lot and her work, well, it reminds me of those good times.