Reviews

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner

jnobrien21's review against another edition

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.75

The plots twists felt very choppy. 

evarano's review

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4.0

4.5 ⭐️


Wow! This book went to places I did not expect. I was happily surprised with all the crazy twists and turns. I would rate this book a 4.5.

Big Summer follows Daphne, a plus sized Instagram influencer and babysitter who's just trying to live her best life. Having experienced a tough time growing up as a plus sized gal, including criticism from her family and a viral video gone wrong curtesy of her former best friend Drue, Daphne is all about maintaining positivity to develop her brand and create a great future for herself. With her best friend, her parents and her dog by her side, life is going pretty well! She's also just recently signed a deal with a big time fashion brand. All is good until Drue, Daphne's former best friend pops back up and into her life, asking a huge favour. Drue needs Daphne to be her maid of honour at her huge, expensive, and highly covered by the media, wedding. Daphne agrees, although she's very hesitant. Why does Drue need her? The wedding festivities begin and all is well-Daphne's even met someone-until an unexpected event occurs leaving absolutely everything up in the air.

I loved this book. I loved Daphne and all of the characters, they were so well written. I thought the story was interesting and captivating. There were so many layers and various aspects, stories and characters coming together. Weiner's writing is perfect, just enough details and descriptions to ensure you have a complete, clear picture of what's occurring. I found Daphne so relatable. There were times where I kept thinking, my gosh Daphne, no! However, I think all of her feelings and thoughts were so real and justified. As a character she definitely went on a journey and I enjoyed reading it. I also loved the supporting characters, Daphne's bestie, her parents, her love interest, they were all so lovely and supportive, to see that community was great. The twist! The twist in this book was the absolute last thing I ever expected, but I was so happily surprised. Not giving too much away, I enjoy reading these types of stories and for me it combined genres that I love. I thought the book was the perfect length, I didn't figure anything out until the very end. I have to admit I do think some aspects were a bit far fetched, but who cares? It was entertaining and kept me reading. I think this book covered some important topics including body positivity, bullying and family trauma. This is a must read! Thanks to NetGalley for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.

lnholman's review

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emotional funny lighthearted mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.25

kristin_817's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

3.25

antiqueyouth's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

locajohanna's review

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mysterious

3.5

hannah_joy's review

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lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

zaineylaney's review

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5.0

I had forgotten how much I loved Jennifer Weiner. So much so that once I started reading this book, I felt connected and had to share on my Instagram stories. Like her previous series, Good in Bed, this book has a plus size heroine. She is smart, entrepreneurial and stylish. And everything I want to be.

About halfway through this book, it takes a surprising turn. Like so surprising that I can’t even mention it here because I don’t wanna ruin it. The release summary doesn’t reference this plot line or the tone this book will take. And I’m not even mad about it.

I advise you to go into this book with the mind to let it take you to a different place than you expected. It’s ending is not earth shattering or anything. It’s just a different book than it is marketed and a solid read anyway. I give my rating based on the connection to the character and the way this book surprised me. Will totally be reading again.

peaknit's review

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3.0

A 3.5 even

alexandc's review

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medium-paced

3.0