Summer Fridays: A Novel

by Suzanne Rindell, Elizabeth Romanski (narrator)

“Absolute gut-wrenching, heart-swooning storytelling perfection.”
—ANNABEL MONAGHAN,
bestselling author of Same Time Next Summer

You've Got Mail for a new generation, set in the days of AOL and instant messenger banter, about a freshly engaged editorial assistant who winds up spending her "summer Fridays" with the person she least expects

Summer 1999: Twentysomething Sawyer is striving to make it in New York. Between her assistant job in publishing, her secret dreams of becoming a writer, and her upcoming wedding to her college boyfriend, her is plate full. Only one She is facing an incredibly lonely summer as her fiancé has been spending longer and longer hours at work . . . with an all-too-close female colleague, Kendra.

When Kendra's boyfriend, Nick, invites Sawyer to meet up and compare notes about their suspicions, the meeting goes awry. She finds Nick cocky and cynical, and he finds her stuck in her own head. But then Nick seeks out Sawyer online to apologize, and a friendship develops.

Soon, Sawyer's lonely summer takes an unexpected turn. She and Nick begin an unofficial ritual—exploring New York City together every summer Friday. From hot dogs on the Staten Island Ferry and Sea Breezes in a muggy East Village bar to swimming at Coney Island, Sawyer feels seen by Nick in a way that surprises her. He pushes her to be braver. To ask for what she wants. Meanwhile, Sawyer draws Nick out of his hard shell, revealing a surprisingly vulnerable side. They both begin living for their Friday afternoons together.

But what happens when the summer is over?

Summer Fridays is a witty and emotional love letter to New York City that also captures the feeling of being young and starting out, uncertain what to do on your summer Friday. It’s also perfect for readers who remember when “going online” meant tying up the phone line, and the timeless thrill of seeing a certain someone’s name in your inbox.

Genres: Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published May 28, 2024

About the author

Upcoming novel:

SUMMER FRIDAYS
***May 28, 2024!!!***

Suzanne Rindell is the author of four previous novels: The Other Typist, which has been translated into 20 languages, Three-Martini Lunch, Eagle & Crane, and The Two Mrs. Carlyles.

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About my reviews/activity on Goodreads: I only rate and review books I *like.* If I'm not into it, I simply don't rate it/review it. So you'll only see four or five stars ratings from me, and maybe a few notes about who I think might best enjoy the book in question.

Reviews

[Michelle Wagoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every part of
This book. Perfect summer read

[Antonia Morris · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great big cheater fest, gross

[Samira Traore · Rating 5 out of 5]

[ab]

Predictable and corny in all the right ways!!

[Fernanda Difilippo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok maybe 5 starts it's extra generous, if I'm being objective (but stories do evoke emotion so it counts :) I picked up this book as my palate cleanser & I didn't expect much of it, but was quickly won over, what a delight! The book gave me a chance to reminisce about NYC in the 90s/2000s, the story takes place when we were still using AOL for email and cell phones were a new gadget (when I also first moved to NYC :) I loved the author's historical description of places, the vibe.. I loved the main characters and their banter & falling in love... it's the best kind!! I really enjoyed it

[Danielle Ahearn · Rating 2 out of 5]

So we're romanticizing affairs now? No thanks. Just because your partner is cheating on you, doesn't mean it's ok for you to do it. I only finished this because it was a book club pick, otherwise I would've put it down. If you must read it, I highly recommend the physical book over the audiobook. I was not a fan of the narrator - there is zero emotion in her tone throughout dialogue, so I couldn't even begin to feel the chemistry between Sawyer and Nick. All I have to say is thank God I'm done and never have to hear the usernames "adventuresoftom" and "nikolai70" ever again!

[Frankie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐️

[Hailey Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book full of summer romance, betrayal, new beginnings that keeps your heart fluttering the whole read. THIS is one they should turn into a rom-com film!

[Amanda King · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only reason I finished the book is bc I was listening to it and bored driving.

[Alisia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Hana Goodrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute and real novel about life, love, family and NYC in the summer.

[Brooke Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Rebecca Ditchek-Scarola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to @madameskittle for this excellent recommendation. If you read my reviews consistently, you know I’m not a huge rom com reader. I have to really love a rom com to rate it as highly as “Summer Fridays.” I thought the premise was unique and different. It was not predictable. I liked all the characters and thought they were well developed. This book appropriately has been dubbed the modern “You’ve Got Mail.” My only critism is a red herring placed in the novel. I thought that 9/11 plot line did not serve the plot at all and thst the story would have been just as strong without it.