Summer Sisters

Rating:
Summary: Don't be fooled! This book is not for teenagers!
Review: I'm sorry, call me a prude, but the situations these girls get themselves into are inappropriate for teenagers. Can't we just let teens have a chance to grow up on their own without exposing them to the horrors of the adult world through their literature, too?

Rating:
Summary: Shallow reading, easy to tread.
Review: Buy this book for a quick easy read. This book does not deal with any issues at depth. I would recommend this book to lazy readers who don't like or want to think, and adolescent girls. It's a book I would have thoroughly enjoyed at the age of 12 or 13. It is the typical "teen trash" novel.

Rating:
Summary: Reads like a trashy romance novel
Review: I loved Judy Blume books as a teenager and this book read like a teenage romance novel. I can't say it was a horrible book, but definitely not too interesting. It seems like the main characters' friendship was not too realistic and the events that occur were pretty dull.

Rating:
Summary: Such a disappointment...
Review: Like many people I loved Judy Blume's books as a pre-teen/teenager. That's why I was so surprised by how poorly "Summer Sisters" was written, I guess my standards for "a good read" have changed with age. The character development of Caitlin was minimal with little to explain her self-destructive tendencies. I found the sections where Blume flipped between the main narrative and the "insights" of other characters annoying, and again, without depth. The fact that Vix ends up with one of the original group of childhood friends seemed highly unlikely and without much character development to support the possibility. All the adults in the book and their relationships were treated equally superficially, adding little overall. I had a very hard time figuring out why Caitlin and Vix remained friends -- if indeed, they can really be described that way. I am lucky to have a "best friend" and I certainly can't imagine not seeing or hearing from her for long periods of time, and then not going to her when she repeatedly (and obviously) needed me. The canned ending was seemed a very neat plot device to avoid actually having to write a thoughtful conclusion. Overall, the book's characters simply weren't developed enough to be credible.

Rating:
Summary: absolutely wonderful
Review: This is probably one of the best books I have read. I enjoyed the reference to Stephens College in Columbia, MO, my daughter is an alum, and the fact that it is only 30 miles away. But the entire story line was just wonderful, another book that was hard to put down, and I didn't.

Rating:
Summary: entertaining read but left some uncertainties
Review: This is the first time in 9 years I've read a Judy Blume book, and I found her adult novel Summer Sisters just as enjoyable as I found her pre-teen classics years ago. The story may not have changed my life, but it did its job: it entertained me and kept me wanting to read more. When I wasn't reading the book, all I could think about was reading more of it, so I highly recommend this as a "single sitting book". However, I wish some of the characters were developed more. I know 400 pages is too short to develop everyone, but I wouldn't mind. Also, I found one or two more of the mature scenes unecessary to the plot and character development. Blume could have retained these trivial scenes and developed certain characters by adding more circumstantial descriptions (character thoughts, motivation [ie. what was behind this character's behavior], etc, etc) instead of merely describing motions and piddly thoughts. Some of the transitions were a little awkward (huge gaps in time) that made it seem like the fast forward button was being pressed throughout the last few chapters. The ending left me hanging and thinking "is this it?!" but uncertainties leave more for the imagination. I read previous sour reviews to this book, but I guess each person has a right to his or her own opinion. I will comment on this book as the 19 year old college female I am. I personally recommend this to anyone looking for an entertaining book that doesn't require intense analyzation. So maybe this book doesn't constitute "great literature" for hard core book readers. I don't have the intellect or patience to intensely pour over and dissect entries and how they relate to social attitudes of the time, how the book reflects the author's view of life, or inner meanings. I just want to read something for the sake of being entertained. The book left me thinking without forcing me to. Basically I thought it was one of the best books I've read so far. I may not read as often as I did before, but I don't see too many books beating this one out for me personally in ease of reading and entertainment value. I recommend this for ages 16+. The actual reading itself is not difficult, but I think the material is much more geared towards older readers. I am glad I read this at the age I did as I do not think I would have appreciated it as much if I even read it when I was 16 or 17.

Rating:
Summary: I couldn't put it down either!
Review: I have long been of fan of Judy's. I grew up with her heart warming stories. I was hesitant, at first about Summer Sisters. By my fears were put to rest after the first chapter. I could relate to the characters and their feelings and choices. I loved it. Thanks, once again, Judy

Rating:
Summary: GREAT BOOK!!!
Review: This is my first time reading Judy Blume as an adult, but I thought the book was great! I usually have a hard time getting into books. I bought this one actually to read on the plane to Florida but I started to read it at home and finished in two days. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone who has ever had a friend that they loved but could almost hate but instead you loved them more!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: A quick-read about friendship and family
Review: "Summer Sisters" is a fast-moving, simply written novel that won't take a summer to read. Unlike other novels, I didn't have to wait to be pulled into the plot-- in fact, the three-page first chapter was convincing enough. Although the characters are somewhat typical, bordering on shallow, I was always intrigued. A good novel for a college student taking a break from textbooks and John Locke. At the conclusion, I felt that there is still more to be told-- if Ms. Blume writes a sequel in the future, I'd love to read it.

Rating:
Summary: Reminds me of when I was young--
Review: I loved this book--I saw it in the bookstore and I read ALL of Judy Blume's books as a child and I remember that when I was reading one of her books--I never put it down until I was finished.....I bought it and instantly became connected tot he characters and what they were going through. I couldn't put it down and once I was finished--I was sad there wasn't more book to read. I highly reccomend it--it won't take you long to read it. For this book--YOU WILL MAKE TIME!!!!