Four siblings experience the drama, intrigue, and upheaval of the ’60s summer when everything changed in Elin Hilderbrand’s #1 New York Times bestselling historical novel. Welcome to the most tumultuous summer of the twentieth century. It’s 1969, and for the Levin family, the times they are a-changing. Every year the children have looked forward to spending the summer at their grandmother’s … to spending the summer at their grandmother’s historic home in downtown Nantucket. But like so much else in America, nothing is the same: Blair, the oldest sister, is marooned in Boston, pregnant with twins and unable to travel. Middle sister Kirby, caught up in the thrilling vortex of civil rights protests and determined to be independent, takes a summer job on Martha’s Vineyard. Only-son Tiger is an infantry soldier, recently deployed to Vietnam. And thirteen-year-old Jessie suddenly feels like an only child, marooned in the house with her out-of-touch grandmother and her worried mother, while each of them hides a troubling secret.
Summer Of ‘69
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The author attempts to capture one of the most pivotal times of recent history. I was rather disappointed that the characters and events were two dimensional and lacked passion and depth. Having experienced the summer of ‘69, I expected more. It was a disappointment, yet it superficially covered the memorable events of those months.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book told from four different perspectives and a time I remember well. My first by this author but not my last!
Not my favorite Hilderbrand, not like her other books.
A beach read with all the events I remember from summer or of ’69. Interesting characters with different points of view.
This was an excellent read! Did not want to put the book down. I became so engrossed in the characters and what was going on in their lives. Elin Hiderbrand does a very good job of bringing the page to life. If you haven’t read it yet NOW is the time.
As i was reading the book I recalled the things that were happening at the time.
Great read. Fun to remember the past, since it was 50 years ago.
There was a lot going on in the Summer of ’69 (the year and the novel). I think it might be easier to list what the author didn’t cover in her novel as there were so many things thrown at the reader – the draft, shoplifting, racism, infidelity, favoritism, anti-Semitism, the Vietnam War, drugs, the first moonwalk, the Chappaquiddick incident, mental health, menstruation, Woodstock, protests, affairs, marching with MLK, alcoholism, heartbreak, women’s rights, abusive relationships, communes, social snobbery, music… you get the point. The book kept my interest but my goodness, it was like the 1960s had vomited all over the pages – it was kind of a hot mess.
Love anything by Hildebrand, but this was not my favorite.
Not her best. Unlivable characters
REVIEW OF SUMMER OF 69′
The author brought to life some colorful characters, especially Jessie. She came across as kind of a Holden Caulfield from Catcher in the Rye. I have never been to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard, but after reading this wonderful and fun book, I feel like I spent the summer there.
The story took me back to maybe the most eventful year of the century. Many of these historical events were brought to life and cleverly tied to this entertaining family back in the days of “sex, drugs, and rock and roll”.
This book gave me just what I look for in a historical fiction novel. To be entertained while learning some history.
Best Regards
James Earl
Even if you don’t remember the year that changed EVERYTHING, Summer of ’69 will capture your interest and captivate you with this family saga. The plot interweaves the turbulent events of that summer with the day-to-day lives of each member of the extended family. Anti-war protests, Woodstock, the moon landing, Chappaquiddick, the assassinations of MLK and RFK provide a realistic backdrop to a family in turmoil.
Summer of ’69 keeps the reader flipping pages, but also dreading that the book will end. My nomination for Best Book for the Summer 2019—would love to follow the family as they enter the 1970’s.
Beach reading at its best – no one writes summer books like Elin Hilderbrand!
This novel was an easy, breezy beach read but with more substance than the typical beach read. I enjoyed the way the novel was written, from the perspectives of various protagonists. There were some moments when I laughed out loud and other moments when I actually said aloud, “Oh, exactly!” You will enjoy this novel, especially if you recall any days from the 1960s.
I enjoyed the characters and general story but it is not my favorite Elin book. It is worth reading.
This is a good beach read. If you are a baby boomer it will take you back to all the things that happened that summer, including the moon landing, civil rights, and Viet Nam draft and all that went with it. The chapter headings are songs from that summer. The famy I volved in the story is aittle richer than most of us wer, but it shows how everyone was affected by the politics of the day.
Baby boomers would love to go back in time reading this!
Relevant, vivid, and absorbing!
Summer of ’69 is a nostalgic, domestic tale that takes us back to the idyllic island of Nantucket during a year when Vietnam was still raging, and Apollo 11 was finally going to put men on the moon, and into the lives of the blended Foley-Levin family as they navigate a summer of revelations, change, and new additions.
The writing is expressive and polished. The characters are genuine, troubled, and sympathetic. And the spirited plot is a delightful mix of summer fun, heartbreak, coming-of-age, secrets, wartime worries, adultery, racial segregation, women’s rights, and fresh starts.
Overall, Summer of ’69 is once again a beguiling, heartfelt, must-read summer tale by Hilderbrand that highlights the power of family and reminds us that even though we’ve come so far, in some respects we still have a long way to go.
I think those of us who lived through that time can really appreciate this story !!
Loved reading about the time period because I lived through it, but wish it hadn’t stopped without resolving all the characters’ issues. Seems like there should be a sequel .