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The Summer I Dared/Maximum Security
Reader's Digest authorized condensed large type editions of The Summer I Dared by Barbara Delinsky and Maximum Security by Rose Connors.
473 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
820 people are currently reading
2312 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Delinsky
304 books4,356 followersI was born and raised in suburban Boston. My mother’s death, when I was eight, was the defining event of a childhood that was otherwise ordinary. I took piano lessons and flute lessons. I took ballroom dancing lessons. I went to summer camp through my fifteenth year (in Maine, which explains the setting of so many of my stories), then spent my sixteenth summer learning to type and to drive (two skills that have served me better than all of my other high school courses combined). I earned a B.A. in Psychology at Tufts University and an M.A. in Sociology at Boston College. The motivation behind the M.A. was sheer greed. My husband was just starting law school. We needed the money.
Following graduate school, I worked as a researcher with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and as a photographer and reporter for the Belmont Herald. I did the newspaper work after my first son was born. Since I was heavily into taking pictures of him, I worked for the paper to support that habit. Initially, I wrote only in a secondary capacity, to provide copy for the pictures I took. In time, I realized that I was better at writing than photography. I used both skills doing volunteer work for hospital groups, and have served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and on the MGH’s Women’s Cancer Advisory Board.
I became an actual writer by fluke. My twins were four when, by chance, I happened on a newspaper article profiling three female writers. Intrigued, I spent three months researching, plotting, and writing my own book - and it sold.
My niche? I write about the emotional crises that we face in our lives. Readers identify with my characters. They know them. They are them. I'm an everyday woman writing about everyday people facing not-so-everyday challenges.
My novels are character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship, and I’ve been blessed in having readers who buy them eagerly enough to put them on the major bestseller lists. One of my latest, Sweet Salt Air, came out in 2013. Blueprints, my second novel with St. Martin’s Press, became my 22nd New York Times bestselling novel soon after its release in June 2015. Making Up, my work in progress, will be published in 2018.
2018? Yikes. I didn’t think I’d live that long. I thought I’d die of breast cancer back in the 1900's, like my mom. But I didn’t. I was diagnosed nearly twenty years ago, had surgery and treatment, and here I am, stronger than ever and loving having authored yet another book, this one the non-fiction Uplift: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. First published in 2001, Uplift is a handbook of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes that I compiled with the help of 350 breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. These survivors just ... blew me away! They gave me the book that I wish I’d had way back when I was diagnosed. There is no medical information here, nothing frightening, simply practical advice from friends who’ve had breast cancer. The 10th Anniversary Volume of Uplift is now in print. And the money I’ve made on the book? Every cent has gone to my charitable foundation, which funds an ongoing research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/bdelinsky
Look for my photos on Instagram: instagram.com/barbaradelinsky
Following graduate school, I worked as a researcher with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and as a photographer and reporter for the Belmont Herald. I did the newspaper work after my first son was born. Since I was heavily into taking pictures of him, I worked for the paper to support that habit. Initially, I wrote only in a secondary capacity, to provide copy for the pictures I took. In time, I realized that I was better at writing than photography. I used both skills doing volunteer work for hospital groups, and have served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and on the MGH’s Women’s Cancer Advisory Board.
I became an actual writer by fluke. My twins were four when, by chance, I happened on a newspaper article profiling three female writers. Intrigued, I spent three months researching, plotting, and writing my own book - and it sold.
My niche? I write about the emotional crises that we face in our lives. Readers identify with my characters. They know them. They are them. I'm an everyday woman writing about everyday people facing not-so-everyday challenges.
My novels are character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship, and I’ve been blessed in having readers who buy them eagerly enough to put them on the major bestseller lists. One of my latest, Sweet Salt Air, came out in 2013. Blueprints, my second novel with St. Martin’s Press, became my 22nd New York Times bestselling novel soon after its release in June 2015. Making Up, my work in progress, will be published in 2018.
2018? Yikes. I didn’t think I’d live that long. I thought I’d die of breast cancer back in the 1900's, like my mom. But I didn’t. I was diagnosed nearly twenty years ago, had surgery and treatment, and here I am, stronger than ever and loving having authored yet another book, this one the non-fiction Uplift: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. First published in 2001, Uplift is a handbook of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes that I compiled with the help of 350 breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. These survivors just ... blew me away! They gave me the book that I wish I’d had way back when I was diagnosed. There is no medical information here, nothing frightening, simply practical advice from friends who’ve had breast cancer. The 10th Anniversary Volume of Uplift is now in print. And the money I’ve made on the book? Every cent has gone to my charitable foundation, which funds an ongoing research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/bdelinsky
Look for my photos on Instagram: instagram.com/barbaradelinsky
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 420 reviews
July 7, 2012
This was a typical "disgruntled urban trophy wife who journeys to the coast on her own to discover herself" kind of novel. The plot was totally predictable:
1. Women feels unloved, unappreciated, suspects husbands infidelity
2. Women goes on vacation ALONE to rediscover herself
3. Women falls in love with local
4. Women uncovers truth about husbands affair.
5. Women divorces husband.
6. Women marries local and lives happily ever after.
So why 4 stars if it was so predictable? I normally would have given 3 Because it was exactly what I expected with this story. Nothing impressive, nothing surprising. I gave it 4 stars because it was set in Maine and I LOVE Maine. The town and the setting were perfectly described and all the information about Lobstering was well researched and well presented.
If youre looking for a great summer beach read...this is it. If you looking for intellectual fodder...seek elsewhere!
1. Women feels unloved, unappreciated, suspects husbands infidelity
2. Women goes on vacation ALONE to rediscover herself
3. Women falls in love with local
4. Women uncovers truth about husbands affair.
5. Women divorces husband.
6. Women marries local and lives happily ever after.
So why 4 stars if it was so predictable? I normally would have given 3 Because it was exactly what I expected with this story. Nothing impressive, nothing surprising. I gave it 4 stars because it was set in Maine and I LOVE Maine. The town and the setting were perfectly described and all the information about Lobstering was well researched and well presented.
If youre looking for a great summer beach read...this is it. If you looking for intellectual fodder...seek elsewhere!
February 7, 2017
A boating accident off the coast of Maine claims nine lives. But three people survive. Julia, a forty year old wife and mother, Noah a divorced lobster fisherman and Kim a twenty one year old woman. While Julia and Noah try to deal with losses in family, Kim turns mute after the accident. And is it even an accident that claimed so many lives? Or is it murder? I admit that it was the answer to this question that kept me reading even though the characters didn’t engage me all that much.
For me there was too much information about lobster fishing and angora rabbits. Neither subject was particularly appealing to me, though I usually love books about Maine for some reason. I also found it filled with lists about what clothes people wore and even what Julia bought in the way of practical items. Did I really need to know she bought shampoo and cold cream and myriad other items? As far as I was concerned this book could have been condensed a lot and been better for it. I ended up skimming a lot. Even the big reveal about the boat accident or murder turned out to be a bit of a fizzer in the end. It left me wishing I hadn’t persevered with reading but had obeyed my earlier instinct to give up. It could be too that this book suffered from coming close on the heels of two books that I really loved. I have read and enjoyed other books by this author in the past but for whatever reason this just didn’t do it for me. Maybe others will enjoy it more than I did.
For me there was too much information about lobster fishing and angora rabbits. Neither subject was particularly appealing to me, though I usually love books about Maine for some reason. I also found it filled with lists about what clothes people wore and even what Julia bought in the way of practical items. Did I really need to know she bought shampoo and cold cream and myriad other items? As far as I was concerned this book could have been condensed a lot and been better for it. I ended up skimming a lot. Even the big reveal about the boat accident or murder turned out to be a bit of a fizzer in the end. It left me wishing I hadn’t persevered with reading but had obeyed my earlier instinct to give up. It could be too that this book suffered from coming close on the heels of two books that I really loved. I have read and enjoyed other books by this author in the past but for whatever reason this just didn’t do it for me. Maybe others will enjoy it more than I did.
February 18, 2012
Another "I shouldn't have listened to the abridged version" audio book, though I'm not sure I should have listened to this at all. Delinsky was a favorite author of my mother's and I'm missing her a little, so dared the book. For car "ear reading" it was okay, though I just wanted to shake Julia and make her be a grown up. But when she and Noah finally get around to acting on the quivering liquidity they feel inside whenever they're near, I did shout out, "oh come on! Get real", making the driver next to me think I had road rage. I believe the exact turn of phrase that made me shout was, "cushioned by the mist, they made love against the side of the truck." Bet that produced some pretty bruises on the backside.
September 10, 2009
I loved this book. It had a little of everything. It was a book, again, i could not put down. It is rare for me to find books that I could not put down. I loved all the characters. The mystery could have been a little bit more dramatic, but ifyou get the whole "local law", and have a strong family sense, then a person would welcome it. Good book.
May 9, 2020
The story line and characters in this book did not engage me in any way. Boring characters, repetition, etc. Not a worthwhile reading.
Read
June 24, 2025another good story from Delinsky
Well done. The description s of New England and lobstering were vivid. The characters complex and interesting.
The near death experience that three survivors share was emotional. Second chances are not to be ignored.
Well done. The description s of New England and lobstering were vivid. The characters complex and interesting.
The near death experience that three survivors share was emotional. Second chances are not to be ignored.
December 29, 2013
What happens after the moment when your life is forever changed? This is the question that haunts Julia, Noah, and Kim - the only survivors of a devastating boating accident off the coast of Maine, that claimed the lives of nine other people. What follows is an emotionally intricate story of three lives irrevocably changed by a single tragic accident.
Julia, a forty-year-old wife and mother, has always taken the path of least resistance. Careful to never shake up the status quo, she has always done exactly what others expected of her. Characterized by her controlling family and increasingly distant husband as "loyal" and "obedient"; in the aftermath of her brush with death, Julia suddenly realizes that there is more to her - and to the world around her - than she ever imagined.
Feeling strangely connected to Noah, the brooding, divorced lobsterman who helped save her life, and to Kim, a twenty-one-year-old whose role in the accident and subsequent muteness are a mystery, Julia begins to explore the unique possibilities offered by the quiet island of Big Sawyer, Maine. Suddenly, the things that once seemed so critical lose significance, and things that seemed inconsequential, now take on a whole new meaning and importance. With each passing moment, each fresh discovery, Julia grows ever more sure that - after coming face-to-face with death - she deserves more from life.
Overall, I found this book to be quite good. The story was somewhat predictable - and I may have learned much more than I actually ever wanted to know about certain subjects - but other than that, I liked it. I give this book an A! and hope to read more from Barbara Delinsky in the future.
Julia, a forty-year-old wife and mother, has always taken the path of least resistance. Careful to never shake up the status quo, she has always done exactly what others expected of her. Characterized by her controlling family and increasingly distant husband as "loyal" and "obedient"; in the aftermath of her brush with death, Julia suddenly realizes that there is more to her - and to the world around her - than she ever imagined.
Feeling strangely connected to Noah, the brooding, divorced lobsterman who helped save her life, and to Kim, a twenty-one-year-old whose role in the accident and subsequent muteness are a mystery, Julia begins to explore the unique possibilities offered by the quiet island of Big Sawyer, Maine. Suddenly, the things that once seemed so critical lose significance, and things that seemed inconsequential, now take on a whole new meaning and importance. With each passing moment, each fresh discovery, Julia grows ever more sure that - after coming face-to-face with death - she deserves more from life.
Overall, I found this book to be quite good. The story was somewhat predictable - and I may have learned much more than I actually ever wanted to know about certain subjects - but other than that, I liked it. I give this book an A! and hope to read more from Barbara Delinsky in the future.
July 24, 2008
After choosing to read this book based on the flap, I was disappointed with what I got. I expected a book about a woman taking charge of her life after a boating accident that nearly claimed her life, and instead I got a romance novel. I almost quit halfway through, but I hoped against hope that things would change. Nope, she went straight from a bad marriage to a lobster fisherman on Big Sawyer Island. If you like a romance novel, you'll like this book. I just didn't get what I thought I was getting.
The book also used a lot of mundane details that really didn't add to the story. The author spent a lot of time telling the reader what people ordered for dinner, what color makeup people wore, etc. that had nothing to do with anything. This, combined with the fact that it was a romance novel, caused me to muddle through the book.
The book also used a lot of mundane details that really didn't add to the story. The author spent a lot of time telling the reader what people ordered for dinner, what color makeup people wore, etc. that had nothing to do with anything. This, combined with the fact that it was a romance novel, caused me to muddle through the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2011
I like Barbara Delinsky books and this was a very good summer read. Her characters are strong and you want to see what will happen next. I would definitely recommend.
July 7, 2018
I love Barbara Delinsky, but this was definitely not one of her best.
This is a story about the 3 survivors of a boat crash off the coast of Maine. It was a small commuter boat going from the mainland to Big Sawyer Island- a small island community of tight knit people. Noah is a lobsterman who lives on the island, Kim is another island resident who goes mute after the crash, and Julia is a woman from NYC who’s not happy in her marriage so she’s going to the island to stay with her aunt for 2 weeks to clear her head. The boat crashes when another boat collides with it. The driver of the other boat had a heart attack and lost control of his “beast”. Everyone is dead, except these 3.
We find out that the driver of the other boat was shot and then had the heart attack so there’s a little mystery as to who shot him and what’s going on. You find out it was Kim. She was actually on his boat, not the commuter. She shot him because she had been unknowingly working with him to smuggle in people and drugs from other countries and when she didn’t want to do it anymore he was threatening her life. She goes mute after due to shame and guilt. However she eventually opens up to Noah and Julia and tells the whole story.
Noah is a lonely lobsterman who lost his father in the crash. He is immediately taken with Julia and he saves her life. They become good friends and bond over their shared experience.
Julia is leaving the city to get a break from her husband Monte. He’s a workaholic and Julia is a doormat who does everything for him. She is an incredibly passive people pleaser and she annoyed me. She grew a lot throughout the story, but still remained very passive in most situations. After hearing about the crash, her husband does nothing, her daughter abandons her crappy Parisian internship to come to the island, and her parents (Mom is not talking to her because she hates her sister - the aunt Julia’s staying with- for having an affair with her husband) also do nothing until her dad shows up one day, needing a reprieve from the mother. Now Julia’s quiet alone time vacation has her dad and daughter staying there too.
You’ll be shocked to know that Julia and Noah fall in love. Julia leaves her husband and takes up permanent residence on the island.
Annoying things: the main character could not get over her daughters short hair. She mentions it like 20 times. She can’t get used to it and doesn’t like it then in the end it’s chic and she likes it when she’s standing next to Noah’s son.
I felt like this was supposed to be a story of huge character growth and change and it was, to an extent. However, she only left her husband when she had the security net of another man (even tho she said he had nothing to do with it and they didn’t officially get together for a year after- I’m sure she still received plenty of his attention throughout that year). She’s also still a doormat when it comes to her parents and really only stands up for herself in random outbursts. I thought Julia was an annoying character.
The quirky aunt was a very underdeveloped character in my opinion. I wish we would’ve seen a little more from her.
The epilogue was way longer than I think an epilogue should be. I think of those as quick snip bits into present day but this one was longer.
Overall I enjoyed it and would recommend it, but definitely don’t start here if you’re new to Barbara Delinsky.
This is a story about the 3 survivors of a boat crash off the coast of Maine. It was a small commuter boat going from the mainland to Big Sawyer Island- a small island community of tight knit people. Noah is a lobsterman who lives on the island, Kim is another island resident who goes mute after the crash, and Julia is a woman from NYC who’s not happy in her marriage so she’s going to the island to stay with her aunt for 2 weeks to clear her head. The boat crashes when another boat collides with it. The driver of the other boat had a heart attack and lost control of his “beast”. Everyone is dead, except these 3.
We find out that the driver of the other boat was shot and then had the heart attack so there’s a little mystery as to who shot him and what’s going on. You find out it was Kim. She was actually on his boat, not the commuter. She shot him because she had been unknowingly working with him to smuggle in people and drugs from other countries and when she didn’t want to do it anymore he was threatening her life. She goes mute after due to shame and guilt. However she eventually opens up to Noah and Julia and tells the whole story.
Noah is a lonely lobsterman who lost his father in the crash. He is immediately taken with Julia and he saves her life. They become good friends and bond over their shared experience.
Julia is leaving the city to get a break from her husband Monte. He’s a workaholic and Julia is a doormat who does everything for him. She is an incredibly passive people pleaser and she annoyed me. She grew a lot throughout the story, but still remained very passive in most situations. After hearing about the crash, her husband does nothing, her daughter abandons her crappy Parisian internship to come to the island, and her parents (Mom is not talking to her because she hates her sister - the aunt Julia’s staying with- for having an affair with her husband) also do nothing until her dad shows up one day, needing a reprieve from the mother. Now Julia’s quiet alone time vacation has her dad and daughter staying there too.
You’ll be shocked to know that Julia and Noah fall in love. Julia leaves her husband and takes up permanent residence on the island.
Annoying things: the main character could not get over her daughters short hair. She mentions it like 20 times. She can’t get used to it and doesn’t like it then in the end it’s chic and she likes it when she’s standing next to Noah’s son.
I felt like this was supposed to be a story of huge character growth and change and it was, to an extent. However, she only left her husband when she had the security net of another man (even tho she said he had nothing to do with it and they didn’t officially get together for a year after- I’m sure she still received plenty of his attention throughout that year). She’s also still a doormat when it comes to her parents and really only stands up for herself in random outbursts. I thought Julia was an annoying character.
The quirky aunt was a very underdeveloped character in my opinion. I wish we would’ve seen a little more from her.
The epilogue was way longer than I think an epilogue should be. I think of those as quick snip bits into present day but this one was longer.
Overall I enjoyed it and would recommend it, but definitely don’t start here if you’re new to Barbara Delinsky.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2019
So, I thought I would never finish this book. I know, so why did I give it 5 stars? It's long. I stalled in the middle of the book thinking it was just going nowhere and read about 4 books before picking it back up. The second part flew by from that point. I loved the relationship growth on so many different fronts. Fathers and Sons. Mothers and Daughters. Sisters. Friends. And I learned along the way about bunnies and lobsters. I think the stall for me was that I didn't get there fast enough. Maybe because there were so many storylines being addressed? What can I say? The middle portion was like slogging through a bog for me but after I took a break and came back I loved the book.
April 21, 2022
I have read a couple Barbara Delinsky books that were decent, so when I saw this available on audio (free) I took it. Unfortunately, it did not live up to the others. This was pure women's fiction, chick-lit, fantasy romance. Just what I deride. Give me a break!
July 22, 2018
This is a good book about how expectations change from generation to generation. Julia who has never felt evolved or important in her own life takes a summer to figure out what she really wants out of life.
February 14, 2019
Shamelessly pleasant summer beach read set in New England! I highly enjoyed and would recommend.
June 17, 2019
Perfect for the beach!
February 16, 2018
Loved the description of the lobster men and how they handled day to day life. However the story was so predictable that it could have been a movie. Just a nice read.
May 30, 2020
This book took me by surprise. I had no idea, when I picked it up at a library sale, that it was a romance novel. The back of the book did talk about how Julia and Noah both survived a major accident, and that Julia found herself at the age of 40, but I didn't expect the classification to be Romance.
Luckily (since I don't like romance), that really did take a backseat to the mending of familial relationships and the thrilling discovery of criminals who had a part in the major accident to begin with.
I also read several reviews complaining about the amount of talk about lobstering. I didn't think that the author talked about it too much. I know more than I used to, and I found it to be interesting.
While I won't be searching out more books by Delinsky, I did enjoy this book, and would recommend it to anyone in mid-life who may be questioning who they are outside of being a partner/child/parent.
Luckily (since I don't like romance), that really did take a backseat to the mending of familial relationships and the thrilling discovery of criminals who had a part in the major accident to begin with.
I also read several reviews complaining about the amount of talk about lobstering. I didn't think that the author talked about it too much. I know more than I used to, and I found it to be interesting.
While I won't be searching out more books by Delinsky, I did enjoy this book, and would recommend it to anyone in mid-life who may be questioning who they are outside of being a partner/child/parent.
August 18, 2011
I hate writing this review, because Barbara is one of my favorite authors. I shouldn't say I read this book, because I struggled through to page 178 of the 491 pages and finally said enough is enough. It was a very slow boring book to read. (That is just my opinion only.) I noticed quite a few who have read this book, loved it, liked it, and thought it was and okay read. However, I am not one of them.
That being said; this will not keep me from reading other Barbara Delinsky books, like I said before she is one of my favorite authors. I have read quite a few of her books and I have loved, liked or thought they were okay reads. This just happen to be one I don't care for. I felt it had way to many details about the rabbits, the food, the menu, the fog, the weather etc, I could go on and on, but I won't.
That being said; this will not keep me from reading other Barbara Delinsky books, like I said before she is one of my favorite authors. I have read quite a few of her books and I have loved, liked or thought they were okay reads. This just happen to be one I don't care for. I felt it had way to many details about the rabbits, the food, the menu, the fog, the weather etc, I could go on and on, but I won't.
January 5, 2010
I am a big Barbara Delinsky fan. I have read some good ones, some great ones, and some bad ones from this author. This one was a good one, not up to par with her "Looking for Peyton's Place" but well written just the same.
I do, however commend her desire to go out of her comfort zone to speak and write about something completely foriegn to her. At the back of the book there is an interview with Barbara and they asked what inspired this book. She was thinking of several tragedies that had occured around the time of the writing of this book, one being the 9-11 attacks on the world trade center and she wanted to feel what survivors of a tragic accident felt, and try to portray that. I believe she did a great job of just this in "The Summer I Dared".
I do, however commend her desire to go out of her comfort zone to speak and write about something completely foriegn to her. At the back of the book there is an interview with Barbara and they asked what inspired this book. She was thinking of several tragedies that had occured around the time of the writing of this book, one being the 9-11 attacks on the world trade center and she wanted to feel what survivors of a tragic accident felt, and try to portray that. I believe she did a great job of just this in "The Summer I Dared".
December 24, 2008
I really enjoyed Barbara's style of writing and this won't be the only book by her that I will read.
Julia, an unhappy housewife from manhattan visits her aunt who lives on an island off of the coast of Maine. While on the ferry over to the island, a terrible accident occurs and she and one other person are the sole survivors. This other person "Noah" (perfect name for a handsome lobsterer living on the east coast) are drawn to each other and their story is fun to follow.... I loved reading about the care taking of the angora rabbits as well as the art of catching a lobster! I look forward to reading other books by her....
Julia, an unhappy housewife from manhattan visits her aunt who lives on an island off of the coast of Maine. While on the ferry over to the island, a terrible accident occurs and she and one other person are the sole survivors. This other person "Noah" (perfect name for a handsome lobsterer living on the east coast) are drawn to each other and their story is fun to follow.... I loved reading about the care taking of the angora rabbits as well as the art of catching a lobster! I look forward to reading other books by her....
December 25, 2014
Many years ago I read Three Wishes - a book of hope and a story that has stayed with me for many years. I have not read any of her books since. I am now wondering why - this story that I read during the Christmas season is about courage and rebirth. We spend part of year on an island off Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Delinsky has truly captured life on the coast of Maine - the people and the struggles.
November 7, 2011
This was a pretty good book. It's an old-fashion good story. I've never read any of her books before, but I liked this one I had to read for my church book club.
On pg. 155 Julia asks:
Where do you draw the line between the obligation you have to your family and the one you have to yourself?
I like that quote.
On pg. 155 Julia asks:
Where do you draw the line between the obligation you have to your family and the one you have to yourself?
I like that quote.
November 27, 2011
I love books that take me to places very different from my own, along with things I've never experienced. This book explores a lot of new ideas for me, survivor guilt, lobster fisheries, and angora rabbits. My favorite part is when father and son are lost at sea in a storm and the bonding that takes place.
July 22, 2014
This is one of only a couple of books that I will not part with and have read more than once. The story is the perfect blend of mystery, tragedy, family and romance with very likable Island-folk characters. Though I've never heard of Sawyer Island, in my mind this takes place on Long Island, in Casco Bay, the very place we visit every year.
November 24, 2015
I really enjoyed this book set in Maine. The characters and the relationships, the mystery, the angora rabbits and the lobster men. Great read. How come it sat on my TBR shelf so long!
February 4, 2020
Me ha llegado al alma.......
July 4, 2023
I wrote a very long review that I accidentally deleted so this will be nowhere as good as my initial one, neither as detailed or long.
I just want to say that I absolutely adored this book. It's one of my favorite reads ever.
It had everything I was looking for - an amazing plot, incredible characters, interesting relationship and captivating story that was different and individual for each character, even those who weren't the main focus.
The plot gave something different, interesting and intriguing. There wasn't a single moment where I felt bored reading this book. The pacing was well done, there were some unexpected plot twists that had my jaw drop, the writing was enjoyable. It was a true journey of self reflection, discovery and realization as well as a path to redemption to many characters.
Speaking of the characters, I loved nearly all of them, except for Monti - a manipulative douchebag who's a cheater, Janet - who didn't seem to care that her daughter suffered a near death experience, and George - who could've stood up for his daughter more instead of making her feel uncared about. Other characters, such as Molly, were in the grey zone - I didn't hate her but I can't say I loved her either. Her actions were immature for her age, the lack of support towards her mother and the way she blamed her for her father cheating on her never sat right with me although she became more accepting by the end. Other characters, secondary ones, I liked so much that I would have loved to have seen their own books deciphering their own journeys - such as Zoey's, Matthew's or Kim's.
Our main characters, I was absolutely in love with them. Julia was introduced as this insecure, lost, full of doubt, "tamed" woman. After the crash though she began a journey of self reflection and realization. She started to look for answers such as who was she, what was her purpose, why couldn't she be more than the good wife, mother and daughter? Her journey to finding those answers was realistic which I really liked. By the end of the book, she grew to be more confident, started to stand up for herself, protected her beliefs and learnt to prioritize herself. I could relate to her, I could sympathize with her and I seriously loved her character.
Noah was also flawed - he had been neglecting his son for too long. After the crash though, he started trying to make it up. He also got to understand there was more to life than what he's seen so far, he understood the importance of showing his loved ones his love and support and learnt that he needs to communicate better. I appreciated his growth and I loved him during the entire book.
The relationships between all the characters were very different and intriguing. In my previous review I wrote a very detailed explanation on exactly what I felt about each relationship but now I am going to mention it briefly. Zoey and Julia's relationship was very sweet, I love how they never judged each other. Julia and Molly's relationship had its sweet and sour moments mainly because of Molly's lack of understanding and support. Julia and Matthew's relationship was very pure, I liked how she didn't leave him alone and in response he took good care of her. Noah and Julia's relationship with Kim was fascinating as well. They were like her parents, the type of people she badly needed in her life. If it wasn't for them, she might have still been alone and depressed, filled with guilt by those cliffs. Noah and Ian's relationship seemed damaged but they managed to fix things, although I would have loved to see more about how they patch it up but I'll take what we have because in the end they seemed on really good terms.
Julia and Noah's relationship was extremely beautiful. It started off as them leaning on each other after the crash as 2 of the only 3 survivors. What was a simple need for someone to understand them evolved into something incredible. They fit each other like the last missing piece of puzzle that helps them feel completed. They have the chemistry, the maturity in their relationship, the amazing dynamics, just everything. I loved them as a pair.
The epilogue of the book was the best it could have been. I am happy it ended the way it did, it felt just right for that kind of book - with following each month of the year to see how our fmc is doing. The proposal in the end was the perfect ending.
Bottom line, that was an incredible read that I would recommend to everyone. LOVED that book.
I just want to say that I absolutely adored this book. It's one of my favorite reads ever.
It had everything I was looking for - an amazing plot, incredible characters, interesting relationship and captivating story that was different and individual for each character, even those who weren't the main focus.
The plot gave something different, interesting and intriguing. There wasn't a single moment where I felt bored reading this book. The pacing was well done, there were some unexpected plot twists that had my jaw drop, the writing was enjoyable. It was a true journey of self reflection, discovery and realization as well as a path to redemption to many characters.
Speaking of the characters, I loved nearly all of them, except for Monti - a manipulative douchebag who's a cheater, Janet - who didn't seem to care that her daughter suffered a near death experience, and George - who could've stood up for his daughter more instead of making her feel uncared about. Other characters, such as Molly, were in the grey zone - I didn't hate her but I can't say I loved her either. Her actions were immature for her age, the lack of support towards her mother and the way she blamed her for her father cheating on her never sat right with me although she became more accepting by the end. Other characters, secondary ones, I liked so much that I would have loved to have seen their own books deciphering their own journeys - such as Zoey's, Matthew's or Kim's.
Our main characters, I was absolutely in love with them. Julia was introduced as this insecure, lost, full of doubt, "tamed" woman. After the crash though she began a journey of self reflection and realization. She started to look for answers such as who was she, what was her purpose, why couldn't she be more than the good wife, mother and daughter? Her journey to finding those answers was realistic which I really liked. By the end of the book, she grew to be more confident, started to stand up for herself, protected her beliefs and learnt to prioritize herself. I could relate to her, I could sympathize with her and I seriously loved her character.
Noah was also flawed - he had been neglecting his son for too long. After the crash though, he started trying to make it up. He also got to understand there was more to life than what he's seen so far, he understood the importance of showing his loved ones his love and support and learnt that he needs to communicate better. I appreciated his growth and I loved him during the entire book.
The relationships between all the characters were very different and intriguing. In my previous review I wrote a very detailed explanation on exactly what I felt about each relationship but now I am going to mention it briefly. Zoey and Julia's relationship was very sweet, I love how they never judged each other. Julia and Molly's relationship had its sweet and sour moments mainly because of Molly's lack of understanding and support. Julia and Matthew's relationship was very pure, I liked how she didn't leave him alone and in response he took good care of her. Noah and Julia's relationship with Kim was fascinating as well. They were like her parents, the type of people she badly needed in her life. If it wasn't for them, she might have still been alone and depressed, filled with guilt by those cliffs. Noah and Ian's relationship seemed damaged but they managed to fix things, although I would have loved to see more about how they patch it up but I'll take what we have because in the end they seemed on really good terms.
Julia and Noah's relationship was extremely beautiful. It started off as them leaning on each other after the crash as 2 of the only 3 survivors. What was a simple need for someone to understand them evolved into something incredible. They fit each other like the last missing piece of puzzle that helps them feel completed. They have the chemistry, the maturity in their relationship, the amazing dynamics, just everything. I loved them as a pair.
The epilogue of the book was the best it could have been. I am happy it ended the way it did, it felt just right for that kind of book - with following each month of the year to see how our fmc is doing. The proposal in the end was the perfect ending.
Bottom line, that was an incredible read that I would recommend to everyone. LOVED that book.
November 21, 2019
I learned a lot from reading the book "The Summer I Dared". Unfortunately, it took Julia Bechtel being one of the only survivors of when the explosion of the lobstering boat the Amelia Celeste to for her to open her eyes that she had to start living a life she wanted. Not live by the demands of what the other people wanted out of her. When she went to the Island of Big Sawyer she first never dreamed that first the explosion, then meeting a gentleman named Noah Strine that was also one of only 3 survivors of the Amelia Celeste.
Julia's husband Monte never really worried or cared that she was on the island and that she was on the Island comforting the families who have lost loved ones that died in the explosion. Julia has always suspected her husband Monte of cheating, but when she finally left the island, and came home and found Monte red-handedly with a woman in their bed that showed her right then and there that their marriage was over.
Their daughter Molly unexpectedly flies home from France because she didn't like it over in France at the Culinary school her dad thought would look better on her resume then going to a school over here in the states. Well she catches her dad red-handedly also when she walks into their home, and there was a woman in their bathtub. She surprisingly goes over to Big Sawyer, and tells her mother about what she walked in on. Molly still thinks though that her mom and dad can work things out. Julia makes it quite clear to Molly that she is going to live the life she wants to live.
Well as Julia goes on her excursions through the island she and Noah Strine start to get to become friends. They start having dinner together, and finding out how the Amelia Celeste exploded. Well Kim Colella was the last of the three survivors on the boat, and Julia didn't even remember her being on the boat. You shall wait and see what Kim is all about throughout the story.
As time goes on Julia and Noah start to get close, to the point where it was hard for both of them when Julia went home to try, and make her marriage work with Monte. I guess in the end you will see that Julia ending up divorcing Monte will be a good thing for both her and Noah in the long run. I hope you enjoy the happiness, but also the mysteries of what come about the story.
Julia's husband Monte never really worried or cared that she was on the island and that she was on the Island comforting the families who have lost loved ones that died in the explosion. Julia has always suspected her husband Monte of cheating, but when she finally left the island, and came home and found Monte red-handedly with a woman in their bed that showed her right then and there that their marriage was over.
Their daughter Molly unexpectedly flies home from France because she didn't like it over in France at the Culinary school her dad thought would look better on her resume then going to a school over here in the states. Well she catches her dad red-handedly also when she walks into their home, and there was a woman in their bathtub. She surprisingly goes over to Big Sawyer, and tells her mother about what she walked in on. Molly still thinks though that her mom and dad can work things out. Julia makes it quite clear to Molly that she is going to live the life she wants to live.
Well as Julia goes on her excursions through the island she and Noah Strine start to get to become friends. They start having dinner together, and finding out how the Amelia Celeste exploded. Well Kim Colella was the last of the three survivors on the boat, and Julia didn't even remember her being on the boat. You shall wait and see what Kim is all about throughout the story.
As time goes on Julia and Noah start to get close, to the point where it was hard for both of them when Julia went home to try, and make her marriage work with Monte. I guess in the end you will see that Julia ending up divorcing Monte will be a good thing for both her and Noah in the long run. I hope you enjoy the happiness, but also the mysteries of what come about the story.
December 30, 2020
Julia (40 ) is a homemaker ,never went to college.She is married to Monte ,a businessman ,and is mother to Molly (Margaret Marie, 20 ).Molly studies to be a chef.
Julia's parents are Janet and George.Janet hasn't spoken to her much younger sister Zoe (52 ) for more than 20 years. Zoe never married .She lives on Big Sawyer island in Maine.
Julia decides to take a two-week vacation for a photography course.She is on the ferry to Big Sawyer ,when another boar rams and sinks them.The ferry burns.Only 3 people are found alive : Julia, Kim and Noah.Kim is 21.She stops speaking after the accident.She lives with her mother and grandmother.
Noah (42), is a divorced lobsterman. He was a NY banker once, but after the divorce he returned to his home island, to his father.Noah has lost his father on the ferry.He has a 17 yo son,Ian. .
Then Molly, George and Ian all come to Big Sawyer. Molly can't understand why her parents and grandparents are suddenly in different places one from another.She accuses Julia of having an affair with Noah (not true ). Ian is distant ,but he is obedient .Ian lives with his mother in D.C. and is practically a stranger to Noah.
George is tired of his too successful wife.He and Zoe had something going years ago, hence the rift between the sisters.
Other characters in tne story: old Matthbew,a lobsterman,with his stories. Two little girls (5 and 3 ), whose parents and baby sister were on the ferry. Julia tries to confort them.The girls are to live with their aunt in a different state."Fruit guys". who violate unwritten laws of fishermen and lobstermen.
The question is , what is the connectioin between Kim and Artie, the owner of the boat that rammed the ferry ? Why has she gone mute ? Who fired the shots that killed him ?
The story takes place during June , with the epilogue telling what happened to mnain characters till next June.
It has parents/children/siblings problems, everydasy life of a loibsterman, raiosing Angora rabbits (Zoe ), feel of community.It is also about finding yoiur vocation and identity, bridging the gaps.
Julia's parents are Janet and George.Janet hasn't spoken to her much younger sister Zoe (52 ) for more than 20 years. Zoe never married .She lives on Big Sawyer island in Maine.
Julia decides to take a two-week vacation for a photography course.She is on the ferry to Big Sawyer ,when another boar rams and sinks them.The ferry burns.Only 3 people are found alive : Julia, Kim and Noah.Kim is 21.She stops speaking after the accident.She lives with her mother and grandmother.
Noah (42), is a divorced lobsterman. He was a NY banker once, but after the divorce he returned to his home island, to his father.Noah has lost his father on the ferry.He has a 17 yo son,Ian. .
Then Molly, George and Ian all come to Big Sawyer. Molly can't understand why her parents and grandparents are suddenly in different places one from another.She accuses Julia of having an affair with Noah (not true ). Ian is distant ,but he is obedient .Ian lives with his mother in D.C. and is practically a stranger to Noah.
George is tired of his too successful wife.He and Zoe had something going years ago, hence the rift between the sisters.
Other characters in tne story: old Matthbew,a lobsterman,with his stories. Two little girls (5 and 3 ), whose parents and baby sister were on the ferry. Julia tries to confort them.The girls are to live with their aunt in a different state."Fruit guys". who violate unwritten laws of fishermen and lobstermen.
The question is , what is the connectioin between Kim and Artie, the owner of the boat that rammed the ferry ? Why has she gone mute ? Who fired the shots that killed him ?
The story takes place during June , with the epilogue telling what happened to mnain characters till next June.
It has parents/children/siblings problems, everydasy life of a loibsterman, raiosing Angora rabbits (Zoe ), feel of community.It is also about finding yoiur vocation and identity, bridging the gaps.
July 15, 2018
What a winner. Only a very experienced author could handle this many plot lines and characters, and have them all remain distinct, and resolve well. (There was one minor story line that wasn't resolved, but it wasn't necessary...although I remain curious!) Anyway, this is the story of a doormat wife/mother/daughter trying to understand her own potential for change, to live life the way she wants and not solely in service to her family. Julia and Noah, the mains, were well-drawn, as were the young adult children, the parents, and the other residents of the town. The dramatic tension kept me up past my bedtime. The setting was lovely and interesting. This book had it all.
I do think Julia could have been older. A 50 yo would have had more time to build resentment at how she'd lived her life, more than the 40 yo Julia. But there were other issues that tied in that required youthfulness, so sometimes an author has to sit on the suitcase of her story to get it zipped.
In the Acknowledgements, Delinsky reveals that in preparation for writing this book, she immersed herself in learning (exhaustively!) about two things she knew nothing about: the raising of Angora rabbits for commercial use, and the lobstering culture and business. She could have taken the easy route and written about something she knew, but in service to her art, she embarked on a path of learning. What a professional. She's an icon.
I do think Julia could have been older. A 50 yo would have had more time to build resentment at how she'd lived her life, more than the 40 yo Julia. But there were other issues that tied in that required youthfulness, so sometimes an author has to sit on the suitcase of her story to get it zipped.
In the Acknowledgements, Delinsky reveals that in preparation for writing this book, she immersed herself in learning (exhaustively!) about two things she knew nothing about: the raising of Angora rabbits for commercial use, and the lobstering culture and business. She could have taken the easy route and written about something she knew, but in service to her art, she embarked on a path of learning. What a professional. She's an icon.
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