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Summer of '77
Twelve year old Albert Weiss' life is crashing down. Six months after the death of his mom, his dad decides to move them from Manhattan to York, Maine for a fresh start. With his grief still very raw, Albert becomes more determined to hate his new home, constantly putting him at odds with his father. Albert's dad avoids every opportunity to mention his mom, making Albert feel like he has no one to turn to.
Enter Robin Harper, Albert's eleven year old next door neighbor who blows into his life like a tornado. She is eccentric as she is compassionate–and someone who just may be the key to Albert and his dad healing.
Enter Robin Harper, Albert's eleven year old next door neighbor who blows into his life like a tornado. She is eccentric as she is compassionate–and someone who just may be the key to Albert and his dad healing.
124 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2021
24 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Amiss
9 books28 followersRebecca Amiss has always enjoyed reading and telling stories. She was born and raised in Massachusetts where she grew up making up characters and missing her school bus because she was too busy reading Junie B. Jones. When not writing or reading, Rebecca is an avid movie buff and is either watching The Office and Schitt's Creek on repeat, or taking countless pictures of her chaotic but adorable cat, Elphaba.
You can connect with Rebecca on her social media below:
Instagram: @rebeccaamissauthor
TikTok:@rebeccaamissauthor
Threads:@rebeccaamissauthor
You can connect with Rebecca on her social media below:
Instagram: @rebeccaamissauthor
TikTok:@rebeccaamissauthor
Threads:@rebeccaamissauthor
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 23, 2022
Robin Harper is the annoying kid you can't seem to get rid of, but she's also the kid who will end up being your best friend. The kid with carefree abandon, lust for life and the biggest heart. This is a sweet story of two pre-teens who meet under stressful circumstances after Albert is forced to move from the only home he's ever known after his mother's death. Albert is angry and grieving, and doesn't want anything to do with Robin, who forces herself in his path every chance she gets. It's Robin, however, who helps Albert work through the grief and reconnect with his distant father, who is grieving the loss of his wife.
Some things that caused me wonder -- I don't remember having microwavable tv dinners in the 70s, and I thought the term "That's bogus!" didn't become a thing until the 80s. Tense seemed to change throughout the book as well, going from third person to seemingly first person at times, with Albert's father being referred to as Dad, as if the story is being told by the son. While dialogue punctuation and expression throughout the book needs work (example: "'What are you doing?' He asked.") it was a heartwarming story that makes for a quick, lighthearted read.
Some of my favorite lines from the book:
"The temple in his jaw thumped, and his cheeks puffed out slightly as if he were trying to gobble the words back into his mouth."
"The smell of salt water clashed with Albert's Rocky Road ice cream."
"They stumbled off the ride, knocking into each other like human bumper cars..."
Some things that caused me wonder -- I don't remember having microwavable tv dinners in the 70s, and I thought the term "That's bogus!" didn't become a thing until the 80s. Tense seemed to change throughout the book as well, going from third person to seemingly first person at times, with Albert's father being referred to as Dad, as if the story is being told by the son. While dialogue punctuation and expression throughout the book needs work (example: "'What are you doing?' He asked.") it was a heartwarming story that makes for a quick, lighthearted read.
Some of my favorite lines from the book:
"The temple in his jaw thumped, and his cheeks puffed out slightly as if he were trying to gobble the words back into his mouth."
"The smell of salt water clashed with Albert's Rocky Road ice cream."
"They stumbled off the ride, knocking into each other like human bumper cars..."
January 4, 2022
Oh, my. We all need a Robin in our lives. Amiss builds the relationship between Albert, a boy finding it difficult to find any joy in his life, and Robin, who bubbles with optimism. The book restores hope for humanity. Lovely.
July 1, 2021
Summer of '77 is a lovely story about a 12-year-old boy's struggle to find a sense of belonging in his new surroundings, while trying to process loss and grief. The descriptions of the coast, sideside town, and rundown arcade are vivid and nostalgic, dredging up memories of adolescence. The author captures the emotions of the characters perfectly. overall a wonderful read
October 24, 2021
From the Streets of Manhattan to the Shores of Maine
The Summer of ‘77 by Rebecca Amiss is a delightful coming-of-age novel about 12-year old Albert who has recently lost his mother. I was immediately immersed in the time and setting of this story when references to such anachronisms as 8-track tapes were introduced in the first chapter, eliciting fond memories of my own childhood experience of that year. The main character moves with his father to a small fishing town in Maine, leaving behind their Manhattan townhouse and memories of the mother and wife who would no longer inhabit the space in the city where she once lived and danced and loved.
The author deftly portrays Albert’s tense relationship with his father who is afraid to speak of his late wife as the pain of her loss is too immediate and unbearable. While the subject of a boy whose mother has died is inherently sad, and I did cry at several points while reading, the writing is uplifting while remaining authentic to the voice of a kid. Albert is swiftly befriended by Robin, his neighbor with an infectious zest for life. Albert is the kind of boy who enjoys his own company and he needs this space to focus on drawing comic books. Robin wants to always be doing something, finding adventure, and she craves constant human connection. She is just the breath of life that Albert needs, although he doesn’t recognize this and so he resists. The odyssey of their friendship is beautiful, at times hurtful, and always believable.
I appreciate stories that feature imperfect families, that don’t always know how best to love one another. I love being dropped into the seventies with payphones and kids out riding bikes in the street, and friends “watching” Saturday Night Live together each in their own house while talking about the shared experience over their phone (a landline, because that’s all that existed). Kids who write notes to each other, almost like an early form of texting.
Although this is a quick read and is truly a page-turner, it has a great deal of depth thanks to the richly drawn, fully formed characters. If they were real they would be all grown up now, like me reading books about the seventies with nostalgic glee. I am so pleased to have stumbled upon this novel and this author who has additional titles I look forward to reading.
The Summer of ‘77 by Rebecca Amiss is a delightful coming-of-age novel about 12-year old Albert who has recently lost his mother. I was immediately immersed in the time and setting of this story when references to such anachronisms as 8-track tapes were introduced in the first chapter, eliciting fond memories of my own childhood experience of that year. The main character moves with his father to a small fishing town in Maine, leaving behind their Manhattan townhouse and memories of the mother and wife who would no longer inhabit the space in the city where she once lived and danced and loved.
The author deftly portrays Albert’s tense relationship with his father who is afraid to speak of his late wife as the pain of her loss is too immediate and unbearable. While the subject of a boy whose mother has died is inherently sad, and I did cry at several points while reading, the writing is uplifting while remaining authentic to the voice of a kid. Albert is swiftly befriended by Robin, his neighbor with an infectious zest for life. Albert is the kind of boy who enjoys his own company and he needs this space to focus on drawing comic books. Robin wants to always be doing something, finding adventure, and she craves constant human connection. She is just the breath of life that Albert needs, although he doesn’t recognize this and so he resists. The odyssey of their friendship is beautiful, at times hurtful, and always believable.
I appreciate stories that feature imperfect families, that don’t always know how best to love one another. I love being dropped into the seventies with payphones and kids out riding bikes in the street, and friends “watching” Saturday Night Live together each in their own house while talking about the shared experience over their phone (a landline, because that’s all that existed). Kids who write notes to each other, almost like an early form of texting.
Although this is a quick read and is truly a page-turner, it has a great deal of depth thanks to the richly drawn, fully formed characters. If they were real they would be all grown up now, like me reading books about the seventies with nostalgic glee. I am so pleased to have stumbled upon this novel and this author who has additional titles I look forward to reading.
March 8, 2022
An easy-to-read heart-warming story of friendship and nostalgia...
Summer of ’77 is a wonderful feel-good tale about childhood, friendship and life that readers of all ages will enjoy. Rebecca Amiss has succeeded in delivering a page-turner that takes you back in time while also reminding older readers about what it is like to be a kid.
Albert Weiss and his father relocate from the big city to a small sea-side town in Maine to start again. With the grief of loss that is still very fresh its a struggle for them both in their own unique ways, Albert has left friends behind and his father needs to find a job. While the stress of leaving their old home plays on Albert’s mind he becomes distracted by the appearance of a girl called Robin. To begin with he takes her friendly persistence as a nuisance but eventually learns that she is a kind and good force in his life. Their friendship although a struggle at first becomes a mechanism for Albert to move on. Both of these characters have a depth and dynamic that works incredibly well for this story and they are better for knowing each other.
‘It was funny to think that even though Albert had only known Robin for a month, it felt as if he’d known her his whole life, and yet she still found ways to surprise him.‘
There are a host of fun nostalgic references littered throughout the story that took me back to a more innocent time where the stresses of adult life don’t exist but as a kid sometimes life can be hard and having good friends or family really helps. This is a rare gem of a story that any reader will certainly enjoy while having an important message and feel good vibes.
Summer of ’77 is a wonderful feel-good tale about childhood, friendship and life that readers of all ages will enjoy. Rebecca Amiss has succeeded in delivering a page-turner that takes you back in time while also reminding older readers about what it is like to be a kid.
Albert Weiss and his father relocate from the big city to a small sea-side town in Maine to start again. With the grief of loss that is still very fresh its a struggle for them both in their own unique ways, Albert has left friends behind and his father needs to find a job. While the stress of leaving their old home plays on Albert’s mind he becomes distracted by the appearance of a girl called Robin. To begin with he takes her friendly persistence as a nuisance but eventually learns that she is a kind and good force in his life. Their friendship although a struggle at first becomes a mechanism for Albert to move on. Both of these characters have a depth and dynamic that works incredibly well for this story and they are better for knowing each other.
‘It was funny to think that even though Albert had only known Robin for a month, it felt as if he’d known her his whole life, and yet she still found ways to surprise him.‘
There are a host of fun nostalgic references littered throughout the story that took me back to a more innocent time where the stresses of adult life don’t exist but as a kid sometimes life can be hard and having good friends or family really helps. This is a rare gem of a story that any reader will certainly enjoy while having an important message and feel good vibes.
June 29, 2021
“Summer of ‘77” by Rebecca Amiss is both heartfelt and whimsical. Her wholesome, family drama pulls us into a time right before adolescence when the world of adults has impacted us, but hasn’t faded the joy and wonder that is childhood’s gift. Dealing with deep themes, like the loss of a parent and a sibling, while managing to be upbeat and hopeful, Amiss straddles grief and joy expertly.
Albert is an eleven-year-old boy who just lost his mom and is now losing his home as well. Packed up like so much luggage by a grief-stricken father, he finds himself far from the comforting hustle and bustle of NYC in York, Maine. Emotionally shut down and angry at the world, Albert quickly meets his new neighbor, Robin. Her open, friendly personality begins to wear down his walls and unlock the cold, lonely world he and his father have existed in since his mother’s death.
I’m a science fiction fantasy gal, so it takes quite a bit for a book based completely in reality to pull me in. But Summer of ‘77 held onto my interest the whole way through. Traveling back to the time before cell phones and desktops holds a nostalgic appeal even for children of the ‘80’s like me. Add to that Amiss’ ability to pull heartfelt emotion out of even a simple scene and I was reaching for a tissue every other chapter!
Despite being unflinching about the emotional impact of loss, Amiss still manages to make you feel good by the end. If you enjoy a good cry and want to fall in love with some sweet kids in their last summer of innocence, this is the book for you!
Albert is an eleven-year-old boy who just lost his mom and is now losing his home as well. Packed up like so much luggage by a grief-stricken father, he finds himself far from the comforting hustle and bustle of NYC in York, Maine. Emotionally shut down and angry at the world, Albert quickly meets his new neighbor, Robin. Her open, friendly personality begins to wear down his walls and unlock the cold, lonely world he and his father have existed in since his mother’s death.
I’m a science fiction fantasy gal, so it takes quite a bit for a book based completely in reality to pull me in. But Summer of ‘77 held onto my interest the whole way through. Traveling back to the time before cell phones and desktops holds a nostalgic appeal even for children of the ‘80’s like me. Add to that Amiss’ ability to pull heartfelt emotion out of even a simple scene and I was reaching for a tissue every other chapter!
Despite being unflinching about the emotional impact of loss, Amiss still manages to make you feel good by the end. If you enjoy a good cry and want to fall in love with some sweet kids in their last summer of innocence, this is the book for you!
June 16, 2021
This is my first book by this author. It was a great short quick read!
This story takes place in 1977. Albert and her Father move from Manhattan to Maine. Talk about a complete change of scenery! They moved because Albert's mom passed away and it was hard on his Father. Albert is young and has a hard time when it comes to speaking about his mom he knows it hurts his dad and his dad shuts down when it comes to his mom.
When they move to their new house Albert meets Robin an eccentric and beyond caring girl. Though she tends to annoy him he still hangs out with her and struggles to find balance with his father. They're both struggling in their own way.
Albert and Robin become closer throughout the story but it wouldn't be a story without turmoil.
I thought that the book was a sweet read, It was a good break away from 2021, and seeing how little things like playing outside was such a fun thing when we were younger and how nice it was to make new friends.
I can't wait to read more by this author.
This story takes place in 1977. Albert and her Father move from Manhattan to Maine. Talk about a complete change of scenery! They moved because Albert's mom passed away and it was hard on his Father. Albert is young and has a hard time when it comes to speaking about his mom he knows it hurts his dad and his dad shuts down when it comes to his mom.
When they move to their new house Albert meets Robin an eccentric and beyond caring girl. Though she tends to annoy him he still hangs out with her and struggles to find balance with his father. They're both struggling in their own way.
Albert and Robin become closer throughout the story but it wouldn't be a story without turmoil.
I thought that the book was a sweet read, It was a good break away from 2021, and seeing how little things like playing outside was such a fun thing when we were younger and how nice it was to make new friends.
I can't wait to read more by this author.
August 25, 2022
SUMMER OF 77 was a delightful coming of age novella set in a small town on the coast on Maine. I absolutely love books that immerse you in a setting so that it’s like taking a mini vacation there, and I loved the way SUMMER OF 77 so intricately described seaside York, Maine!
Twelve-year-old Albert is freshly grieving the death of his mother when his dad announces that they’ll be moving from New York to York, Maine, a small town with lobster boats, a diner, and a whole lot of change in store. Albert just wants to go home, but this isn’t an option. When they get there, he meets Robin, a local girl who befriends him, and tries to help him acclimate to life in a new town. This book is a great summer read that would be enjoyable for teens or adults, with a nostalgic feel. There’s warm blueberry pie and lobster rolls at The Hungry Blueberry diner, skee ball at the arcade in town, days at the beach, ice cream floats, trying to win a lava lamp… it’s just a feel-good story that also touches on some more serious issues like grief. Highly recommended for a quick 1-2 hour read!
Twelve-year-old Albert is freshly grieving the death of his mother when his dad announces that they’ll be moving from New York to York, Maine, a small town with lobster boats, a diner, and a whole lot of change in store. Albert just wants to go home, but this isn’t an option. When they get there, he meets Robin, a local girl who befriends him, and tries to help him acclimate to life in a new town. This book is a great summer read that would be enjoyable for teens or adults, with a nostalgic feel. There’s warm blueberry pie and lobster rolls at The Hungry Blueberry diner, skee ball at the arcade in town, days at the beach, ice cream floats, trying to win a lava lamp… it’s just a feel-good story that also touches on some more serious issues like grief. Highly recommended for a quick 1-2 hour read!
July 10, 2023
Summer of '77 is a lovely story that will have you laughing one moment and reaching for your tissues the next.
A heart-warming emotional short read. This is the second book I've read from this author and having loved the first, I was very excited to read Summer of '77. Immediately the description pulls you into 1977's Maine. I could smell the salty sea air and taste the blueberry pancakes. Albert is a character you can't help but immediately connect with. He's a twelve-year-old boy who has recently lost his mother, his father is struggling to come to terms with her loss, and he's now been dragged from his home to live somewhere new. His friendship with Robin is heart-warming and at times entertaining. There's an innocence of childhood which adds to the nostalgic feeling, despite the book tackling some heavy emotions.
Summer of '77 is a lovely story that will have you laughing one moment and reaching for your tissues the next.
A heart-warming emotional short read. This is the second book I've read from this author and having loved the first, I was very excited to read Summer of '77. Immediately the description pulls you into 1977's Maine. I could smell the salty sea air and taste the blueberry pancakes. Albert is a character you can't help but immediately connect with. He's a twelve-year-old boy who has recently lost his mother, his father is struggling to come to terms with her loss, and he's now been dragged from his home to live somewhere new. His friendship with Robin is heart-warming and at times entertaining. There's an innocence of childhood which adds to the nostalgic feeling, despite the book tackling some heavy emotions.
Summer of '77 is a lovely story that will have you laughing one moment and reaching for your tissues the next.
July 23, 2021
Summer of '77 is a sweet coming of age story.
Following his mother's death, 12 year old Albert and his father leave New York City for the quieter life of York Maine. He hates it, but with the help of a girl in his new neighborhood, he may come to accept it and come to terms with his mother's death.
Following his mother's death, 12 year old Albert and his father leave New York City for the quieter life of York Maine. He hates it, but with the help of a girl in his new neighborhood, he may come to accept it and come to terms with his mother's death.
July 17, 2022
This was a sweet and touching story of how a friendship can help with grief. I love how Robin drew Albert into her world.
The story was perfectly paced and held my attention. With that said, I feel the author should have researched Jewish customs a little better. Though she made a great effort to represent the religion, I did spot some flaws. All in all, it was a really good story.
The story was perfectly paced and held my attention. With that said, I feel the author should have researched Jewish customs a little better. Though she made a great effort to represent the religion, I did spot some flaws. All in all, it was a really good story.
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July 24, 2021Albert and his dad move to Maine after his mom dies. There he makes many discoveries about himself and the sadness he and his dad feel. This book is a very good read that gives a lot of insight into the grief of a teenager and how they deal with it. I highly recommend it.
June 22, 2021
A disarmingly wonderful story that leaves you knowing Albert and Robin. And almost smelling the salty Atlantic air on the southern coast of Maine.
December 27, 2021
Cute coming of age story
Robin and Albert are adorable. I love the lava lamp and barrettes in the story. It definitely is a great take on the time era. Wonderfully written.
Robin and Albert are adorable. I love the lava lamp and barrettes in the story. It definitely is a great take on the time era. Wonderfully written.
January 27, 2022
𝔼𝕞𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝
A great story about a 12-year-old boy's struggle to find his place in his new surroundings, while dealing with loss and grief. The description is vivid. The author captures the emotions of the characters perfectly. overall a wonderful read.
A great story about a 12-year-old boy's struggle to find his place in his new surroundings, while dealing with loss and grief. The description is vivid. The author captures the emotions of the characters perfectly. overall a wonderful read.
June 30, 2022
I've seen Amiss's book pop up frequently on Twitter and I'm really glad that I finally decided to pick this up and read it. Amiss writes coming of age and middle grade with a clear respect for both her characters and readers of that same age. She accurately captures what it is to be twelve years old, grieving, and trying to adjust after a big move.
Her descriptions, also, have that ability to make the setting come to life and put the reader in the shoes of the character. It brought back memories of the shore and the boardwalk for me.
It was also cool to see the inclusion of a character who is deaf and sign language. I’ve only read one other MG coming of age book that included something like that.
This is the kind of book that would really help both younger and older readers who can relate to either Albert or his dad.
It had the feel of movies like Now & Then or My Girl. I’d also recommend for fans of Evangeline Duran Fuentes books.
Her descriptions, also, have that ability to make the setting come to life and put the reader in the shoes of the character. It brought back memories of the shore and the boardwalk for me.
It was also cool to see the inclusion of a character who is deaf and sign language. I’ve only read one other MG coming of age book that included something like that.
This is the kind of book that would really help both younger and older readers who can relate to either Albert or his dad.
It had the feel of movies like Now & Then or My Girl. I’d also recommend for fans of Evangeline Duran Fuentes books.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews