The Book of Summer

A Novel

By: Michelle Gable

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Physician Bess Codman has returned to her family's Nantucket compound, Cliff House, for the first time in four years. Her great-grandparents built Cliff House almost a century before, but due to erosion, the once-grand home will soon fall into the sea. Though she's purposefully avoided the island, Bess must now pack up the house and deal with her mother, a notorious town rabble-rouser, who refuses to leave.

The Book of Summer unravels the power and secrets of Cliff House as told through the voices of Ruby Packard, a bright-eyed and idealistic newlywed on the eve of WWII, the home's definitive guestbook, and Bess herself. Bess's grandmother always said it was a house of women, and by the very last day of the very last summer at Cliff House, Bess will understand the truth of her grandmother's words in ways she never contemplated.

©2017 Michelle Gable (P)2017 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Slow start good ending

I almost returned this book. I found the first half and maybe more slow and the dialogue just drug on and on. In the end, the last few hours I did begin to enjoy the story and wanted to see it through to the end. I'm still not sure if the story was worth my credit and it won't be one of my books on my 'listen to again list', but it was pleasant enough. One of the reviews said something about bad language. Now that I've made it through the book I can't recall any bad language. Maybe there was but not enough for me to remember. I am tolerant but if there are to many f-bombs, I remember and generally will be turned off by the story. This one was didn't even have enough for me to remember their existence.

I'm surprised it's good

I had read a bunch of reviews on this book, all bad ones. Boring story, a lot of rambling, etc, etc. But if you keep to it, it changes for the better. Takes a real good turn torward the end. A true love story, love for a place, love for a house, love for a lifestyle, and romance. If you do like romance you will like this book.

I like that it's based on the real life erosion of the Sankaty Bluff in Siasconset, the easternmost spot on Nantucket Island. Part of the authors note.

So yes I totally recommend it!

The Book of Summer

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would if the friend enjoys family dramas and a Nantucket setting.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the strong female characters and how they faced their challenges head on.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene at the wedding near the end of the novel - when Bess is serenaded.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were some mildly humorous times and some very sad moments but I don't think I laughed out loud or cried.

A pleasure

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, because Nancy Thayer writes interesting stories, interesting people, plots and dialog. She is one that will make you "see" it. I really enjoyed this book very much.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Book of Summer?

When she discovers who her summer neighbors are.

What about Cassandra Campbell’s performance did you like?

Ms. Campbell was very good. Their were a couple of times I wasn't sure who was talking, it I figured it out. I believe she was certainly the right narrator for this story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and I did.

Any additional comments?

This book is interesting , engrossing and very entertaining. Thank you!

Offensive language

I do not care for the offensive language in this book. I wish to return it.

Disappointing

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

A different narrator and less unnecessary foul language would have helped. Narrator even pronounced Nantucket names wrong - but was unable to portray the characters with any kind of enthusiasm

What was most disappointing about Michelle Gable’s story?

Boring foul language not necessary, poorly developed characters. If I did not go to Nantucket, the described scenes would have meant nothing so I can't imagine who would enjoy it

What didn’t you like about Cassandra Campbell’s performance?

Could not develop characters - monotonous, insipid voice. Will never listen to another book she reads

What character would you cut from The Book of Summer?

Sissy

Any additional comments?

If I did not go to Nantucket, this book would mean nothing - the descriptions were way to obscure and undeveloped. It gave a very poor impression of Nantucket and Sconset - language way too dated and foul language not necessary

boring

I did not like this at all. The narration annoyed me and the story was so boring.

Hard to follow

The characters and story was hard to follow. I had to restart it a few times to connect the characters and to understand the storyline. Comes together a little better the last few hours. Some characters have a couple names and you have to figure out who she is talking about.