That Certain Summer

The writing style is engaging and the whole book was a quick read for me. I felt that because of 4 POVs in a 300 page book, some super deep subjects got brought up (plus for me) but then skimmed over (minus for me)...each subject could have easily taken an entire book to explore and solve. I felt like these characters bounced back super quick from several massive issues that had affected them for a very long time previously or in a very deep way. The reality of this created a disconnect from the problems they were having.


Also, two things really bothered me. First, one character assumes another is married because of some pictures on his desk, but “needs a fan” for his “hotness” and lets him flirt mildly with her...this one was both cliché and disturbing.

Second, an unbeliever (who is prodigal at the very least, but certainly has deep problems with even deciding whether he thinks God exists or not) is asked to take a music leader position in a church. The pastor says in justification, (summarized) “We never know what means God will use to reach a soul...this is a job like any other... I'm the preacher here.” WAIT A MINUTE. How about we go back to the New Testament and read some of the qualifications for church leadership over again? Anyone in leadership in a church has to have a strong faith or the ministry is crippled. Also, why is this preacher making the decision for an entire church body? Doesn't he have at least a group of advisors?

Anyway, it's one of those easy reads that leaves you with a feel-good ending. I'd recommend it to 18+ for the amount of body-noticing and the theological bit with the pastor.