All the Summer Girls

De: Meg Donohue

Narrado por: Heather Henderson

All the Summer Girls by Meg Donohue is a riveting coming-of-age tale set on the New Jersey shore. Donohue, the author of the bestselling novel How to Eat a Cupcake, is a master of literary fiction; her skill is demonstrated in this charming and moving second novel.

Set among the sunsets and dunes, All the Summer Girls is the story of how three former best friends, their lives rapidly unraveling, are reunited at the beach town of their past—where the ambience of summer encourages them to explore new experiences they would never otherwise attempt.

When dark secrets threaten to surface, Kate, Vanessa, and Dani begin to realize just how much their lives—and friendships—have been shaped by the choices they made one fateful summer night years ago. In the hope of finally moving forward, the women turn to one another for forgiveness—but how can they forgive each other when they can’t forgive themselves?

Meg Donohue is a phenomenal talent, and fans of Sarah Pekkanen, Susan Mallery, and Catherine McKenzie, will be enthralled by this rich and detailed novel about women, relationships, and forgiveness.

Summer read of three girls and relationships

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I would have liked to have more of a storyline; it felt sluggish to me.

If you’ve listened to books by Meg Donohue before, how does this one compare?

This was my first Meg Donohue book. Seeing reviews it's not her best and definitely a no brainer easy listen/read.

Have you listened to any of Heather Henderson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not that I remember. She is very good in this audio.

Was All the Summer Girls worth the listening time?

Not really for me; it was draggy in my opinion of what I enjoy. Doesn't mean I won't select another book of hers.

Any additional comments?

I wish she would have had more of "something" in this book. Descriptive scenery perhaps.

Long and Drawn Out

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Narrator did a good job however the story was long and drawn out (see below)

What do you think your next listen will be?

The Longest Ride

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Narrator did a good job

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment

Any additional comments?

The narrator (Heather Henderson) did a good job. A beach read about three gals --friends since childhood and have all gone separate ways. Pretty long and drawn out ---

Kate (Phili), successful lawyer, pregnant, and boyfriend has just broken off their upcoming marriage; Vanessa (NY) is a mom with 2 yr old daughter and her husband has kissed another woman (she talks about this the entire book); Dani (San Fran), is an addict (drugs and drinking) throughout the book. Cannot get her act together and has just been fired from a book store (author). But she is always drunk or drugged, so cannot write. Pretty sad and depressed bunch!

After the bachelorette party is called off they all plan to meet in Avalon, NJ (this spot was never great, in my opinion). The book is centered on Colin (Katie’s twin brother) everyone thinking they caused his death years ago ---guilt, regrets, and secrets. Goes back and forth from years ago until present tense. There is some humor to the story which will get you through.