That Summer

That Summer by Jennifer Weiner is a wonderful modern fiction that has it all: well-crafted and complex characters, relationships, friendships, suspense, mystery, and kept me interested from beginning to end.

Emails that were supposed to go to one person, end up by accident are received by another woman due to their addresses being very similar. A friendship is developed between the two, Diana and Daisy, and then we see the multi-layered plot unfold. What we first thought was a story two seemingly different women with different lives and goals and experiences whom should have no connections whatsoever, is far more complicated and unpredictable as things unfold.

This book is far more then a "light beach read" or a "women's fiction". This book deals with some much-needed, however heavy, material. Subject matter such as rape, abuse, and the emotional and physical fallouts from these acts is part of this story. This book is about relationships: between men and women, women and fellow women, mother and daughter, and the relationship that we have with ourselves. It deals with guilt, forgiveness, happiness, darkness, and rays of light and hope that can emerge from said obstacles and challenges in life.

I won't discuss too much more in hopes that I keep as much of the surprising plot a mystery for fellow readers, but let me just say that the unraveling of the complex ball of thread that is the initially-presented plot is something that is surprising, refreshing, and a thoroughly engaging read that reminds me of why I have enjoyed so many Weiner's books in the past.