Status
Available
Publication
Riverhead Books (2008), Edition: Reprint, Paperback, 320 pages
Description
Fiction. Literature. HTML:Set against the vivid backdrop of Waterby on Fire Island, THE LAST SUMMER (OF YOU AND ME) is the heartrending story of a beach-community friendship triangle among three young adults for whom summer and this place have meant everything. Sisters Riley and Alice, now in their twenties, have been returning to their parents' modest beach house every summer for their entire lives. Petite, tenacious Riley is a tomboy and a lifeguard, always ready for a midnight swim or a gale-force sail. Beautiful Alice is lithe, gentle, a reader and a thinker, and worshipful of her older sister. And every summer growing up, in the big house that overshadowed their humble one, there was Paul, a friend as important to both girls as the place itself, who has now finally returned to the island after three years away. But his return marks a season of tremendous change, and when a simmering attraction, a serious illness, and a deep secret all collide, the three friends are launched into an unfamiliar adult world, a world from which their summer haven can no longer protect them. With warmth, humor, and wisdom, Brashares makes us feel the excruciating joys and pangs of loveâ??both platonic and romantic. Thoughtful, lyrical, and tremendously moving, THE LAST SUMMER (OF YOU AND ME) is a deeply felt celebration of summer and nostalgia for you… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member wsquared
Ann Brashares of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants fames makes her first dip into adult literature with The Last Summer (Of You and Me). The narration’s point-of-view alternates between older sister Riley, younger sister Alice and the moody boy-next-door Paul. The three grew up together in
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summers spent in a dreamy Fire Island beach town. But now the three are in their 20s and Paul is back on the island for the first time in several years. A long lingering spark between Paul and Alice finally ignites into full passion, a development they keep secret from Riley and their parents. As the story unfolds, more secrets emerge that bring some characters closer together and push others further apart. While it’s a somewhat fun read, the overblown emotions and somewhat pandering dialogue get in the way, especially when dealing with the deeper issues that arise. Show Less
LibraryThing member Ambrosia4
Having read many reviews of this book prior to reading it, I was unsure of what I thought. I agree with many that the beginning was slow, but once you get into the actual meat of the plot it's irresistible. In many ways I found that I connected with the characters and at the same time I found
While the story was fairly predictable you still want it all to turn out differently and some of the character's action even make you believe that maybe it will. But the most obvious (and in my mind, realistic) thing happens. It may be predictable, but it's also so true to life. I could see this story happening.
Paul, Alice and Riley seem younger than their stated ages, but that is purposeful as explained by the author. They made a pact when in their teens not to mature too much. And in their childish way they accomplish that until realizing you cannot survive that way. As a 21-year-old, I know so many people like these characters, people that are holding on to adolescence, trying so hard not to grow up and out of their accustomed roles.
Brashares' illustrations of her characters is complex and requires an in-depth analysis of her language and their actions in order to understand their full-meaning. The beauty of her writing easily overpowers the plot downfalls and allows the reader to enjoy the book despite any lack of story. In my opinion, this book is not about the simple storyline. The plot only serves as a framework for a character study of those people who refuse to grow up and become adults in the cruel world.
Overall worth reading, but if you do try to do so with an open mind and the understanding that this book is more about the people than the story. If you do that you will enjoy it to a greater extent and it becomes more than a mediocre "beach read".
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myself criticizing their actions.While the story was fairly predictable you still want it all to turn out differently and some of the character's action even make you believe that maybe it will. But the most obvious (and in my mind, realistic) thing happens. It may be predictable, but it's also so true to life. I could see this story happening.
Paul, Alice and Riley seem younger than their stated ages, but that is purposeful as explained by the author. They made a pact when in their teens not to mature too much. And in their childish way they accomplish that until realizing you cannot survive that way. As a 21-year-old, I know so many people like these characters, people that are holding on to adolescence, trying so hard not to grow up and out of their accustomed roles.
Brashares' illustrations of her characters is complex and requires an in-depth analysis of her language and their actions in order to understand their full-meaning. The beauty of her writing easily overpowers the plot downfalls and allows the reader to enjoy the book despite any lack of story. In my opinion, this book is not about the simple storyline. The plot only serves as a framework for a character study of those people who refuse to grow up and become adults in the cruel world.
Overall worth reading, but if you do try to do so with an open mind and the understanding that this book is more about the people than the story. If you do that you will enjoy it to a greater extent and it becomes more than a mediocre "beach read".
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LibraryThing member mandabrewer
I, too had I expectations of the this book because I had genuinely enjoyed the Sisterhood novels. Although I won't say I felt this was a good book, it wasn't as energized as I had hoped. Plus, for her, it was more about the characters than the story. Slow in some parts, predictable in others, but
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we have to admit, we as readers are addicted to a specific type of formula for the books we read. Kudos to Brashares for writing the story! Show Less
LibraryThing member alanna1122
I have a pet peeve that was triggered pretty hard by this novel. I can't stand it when characters make themselves miserable.
I had no idea what this book was about when I started reading it. I didn't read the flap - I hadn't heard anything about it. I enjoyed the first third of it or so - but when
Otherwise an okay read.
I had no idea what this book was about when I started reading it. I didn't read the flap - I hadn't heard anything about it. I enjoyed the first third of it or so - but when
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the focus changed in the middle of the book - that's where I got annoyed. I just don't have patience for people who create their own misery. Yes. Alice was honoring her sister's wishes. But couldn't they have talked a bit about it? It's just hard for me to feel bad about a situation when a person doesn't take any steps to resolve it.Otherwise an okay read.
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LibraryThing member groovygal506
Nice quick, light summer read.
LibraryThing member MissElliot
This book reminded me a lot about the period in my life when I was working at summer camps in the summers during college. Despite the fact that the basic plot has nothing to do with my life, it reminded me of that moment in your life when things are changing. When a time and a place you love is
The plot here was rather predictable, and the characters' behavior sometimes defied logic to a degree that you can't ignore, but I liked the book because it made me think back on my own summer experiences.
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changing, and you are changing, and you can't stop the changes, even if you wanted to. This book made me nostalgic for a time in my life that I loved. While I lament the change, I can be happy about where the changes have taken me.The plot here was rather predictable, and the characters' behavior sometimes defied logic to a degree that you can't ignore, but I liked the book because it made me think back on my own summer experiences.
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LibraryThing member bookstar
Having loved the Sisterhood series I had high expectations for this first adult book by Brashares, and have to admit wasn't impressed by the first quarter. It felt like I had jumped into a story that wasn't being explained to me, and more importantly I wasn't interested in knowing about. Not
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wanting to give up I kept reading and was happy I did. By half way through the book I was intrigued by Paul and Anne's passion and love, and could almost feel the power it had. The Riley story was predictable and I was a bit annoyed at both Paul and Anne's response at first, but it ends strongly. Overall a fast and entertaining read. Show Less
LibraryThing member csme
I "read" this as a book on tape. I am not sure if that made it more boring, I couldn't skip ahead, skim through, I was forced to wait for each word to be read. It was a good story. A little too harlequin for my tastes. I liked the characters. It was a little slow. Characters seemed to act too
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slowly, I didn't buy thier reactions all the time. Beach read. Show Less
LibraryThing member lrobe190
For years, Paul, Riley and Alice were best of friends, growing up in the summers on Fire Island in New York. Riley, the tomboy and Alice, petite and gentle, are sisters. Paul, the rich boy next door, always found love and comfort at Riley and Alice's home. Now, as adults, Paul has come back to the
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Island after 3 years away. In some ways, it feels just the same, but now Paul and Alice finally acknowledge the love they have always felt for each other...until tragedy strikes. This is Brasheres' first adult novel, after her popular YA series about the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. It's a story of relationships..between man and woman, between sisters, and wiithin families. It's sometimes hard to understand the motivations behind the decisions the characters make, but Brasheres makes the reader care about the characters and what happens to them. A touching, entertaining read. Show Less
LibraryThing member punxsygal
Now as young adults, sisters Riley and Alice, with their lifelong friend, Paul, begin their final summer together on Fire Island. They've grown up, the relationships change and the bonds are tested. A poignant tale, yet one that left me feeling the observer rather than a participant.
LibraryThing member bookbutterfly
This was a quick read. I didn't like the style of the writing in the beginning, but it grew on me. I really enjoyed the characters. I could relate to them and began to care what happened to them.
LibraryThing member tipsister
I really loved this book. I wasn't so sure in the middle if I even liked it anymore but I kept going and ended up enjoying it. Ann Brashares is the author of the Traveling Pants books of which I am a fan. This is her first "adult" book. The only difference is that the characters were a bit older
The story takes place on Fire Island, New York. I don't know much about the island but it seems idyllic to spend the summer there. It revolves around two sisters who are both adults and are spending their summer at their family home on the island. Their parents come for weekends, but they stay during the week. Alice babysits and works at the yacht club, while Riley works as a lifeguard.
The third character that is central to the story is Paul. His family home is next door and he grew up with the girls. His relationship with Riley was of best friend. With Alice it was different. This is the crux of the book. He loves Alice and Alice loves him but they both love Riley. It is difficult for Alice and Paul to be together because neither wants to hurt Riley.
Things happen and circumstances change, tearing Paul and Alice apart very abruptly. This is where I got mad. I was mad at Alice for abandoning Paul, I was mad at Paul for not fighting, and I was mad at Riley for being stubborn. By the end I forgave them all and wasn't ready for the story to end.
It's a fairly quick story, it didn't take me long and I couldn't put it down when I got started. I'd love to know what you think!
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and the love scenes are a bit more graphic than you'd find in a typical young adult novel. They were quite tame compared to some of the bodice rippers I used to read. The story takes place on Fire Island, New York. I don't know much about the island but it seems idyllic to spend the summer there. It revolves around two sisters who are both adults and are spending their summer at their family home on the island. Their parents come for weekends, but they stay during the week. Alice babysits and works at the yacht club, while Riley works as a lifeguard.
The third character that is central to the story is Paul. His family home is next door and he grew up with the girls. His relationship with Riley was of best friend. With Alice it was different. This is the crux of the book. He loves Alice and Alice loves him but they both love Riley. It is difficult for Alice and Paul to be together because neither wants to hurt Riley.
Things happen and circumstances change, tearing Paul and Alice apart very abruptly. This is where I got mad. I was mad at Alice for abandoning Paul, I was mad at Paul for not fighting, and I was mad at Riley for being stubborn. By the end I forgave them all and wasn't ready for the story to end.
It's a fairly quick story, it didn't take me long and I couldn't put it down when I got started. I'd love to know what you think!
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LibraryThing member krissa
Although it is very different from The Sister’s of the Travelling Pants I still really enjoyed this book. It was a nice light, easy read. And despite the fact I predicted where the story was going; I still really enjoyed the ride. I found Alice (who I always want to call Annie?) really easy to
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relate to. Paul’s motivations were a bit harder to follow, but as long as you could hold on for the ride, it was fine. A nice beach read to take me out of the yucky snowy, cold weather. Show Less
LibraryThing member kimbee
I loved the book but something was missing. Nothing really exciting happened. I loved the characters and the setting.
LibraryThing member fourgirls2014
Loved this book! My sister recommended it to me as a good vacation read, and I am so glad she did, because I thoroughly enjoyed it. The relationships between the trio (Riley and Alice--sisters--and their childhood friend, Paul) are so real and Ann Brashares develops them so completely. It's a
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satisfying read with the right amount of humor, romance, sadness, and underlying wisdom. Show Less
LibraryThing member stephxsu
Can't compare to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, of course, but it’s not that bad of a beach read for the days when you have nothing else to read. The place descriptions are lyrical, the characters appealing but lacking a certain something—oomph and memorability, perhaps?
LibraryThing member mariag12
Brashares's novel is perfect to sit outside on a hot summer day and relax. Her story is inviting and will make you want to drop everything and just keep reaidng. He storyline of love, lies, and passion will make you not want to put down the book. Her writing can get you lost and be able to relate
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too. Sit, relax, and enjoy. Show Less
LibraryThing member irishwasherwoman
An adult effort for Brashares. I liked it well enough and will probably read more if they appear, but I'm in no hurry.
LibraryThing member gardentoad
Some annoying parts, but overall a good book.
LibraryThing member alexandraboxer
The Last Summer is the perfect, light by the beach read. If you are looking for something deep this is not for you. If you are looking for something to casually read for enjoyment, it is. It is not well written, but the story is interesting enough to keep reader reading. It is about sisters Alice
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and Riley growing up and figuring out what to do with their lives. It is their "last summer" in fire island before they have to go into the real world. They have both graduated college and Alice plans to go to law school. Riley doesn't want to do anything but swim and be a lifeguard. The book is a roller coaster of emotions and it is a book about growing up and first loves. I would definitely recommend this book to a teenage girl. Show Less
LibraryThing member laVermeer
Don't bother. The Last Summer tells the story of Alice and Riley, sisters in their early twenties, and their best boy pal, Paul. After several years apart, the trio reunite at their summer homes on Fire Island. Preposterousness then ensues: a secret romance, a fast-moving tragedy, a protracted
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misunderstanding, and a final tearful resolution. Despite more than 300 pages of plot and exposition, real characters never arrive to flesh out Brashares' sketches. Her prose is bloated and occasionally pedantic — there is no doubt readers will understand the deeper philosophy the writer means to communicate, if only because the writer underlines it in triplicate. Brashares' technique alternates between stilted, extremely formal constructions and vapid, throwaway sentences. When the copyediting started to fall apart, about 100 pages into the novel, I was convinced the editor was having as much trouble taking the book seriously as I was. Not only could I predict the plot from chapter one; at no point did the writer make me care about the story or the characters. Even the sex scenes are coy and cool, as they would be in one of Brashares' YA books, and the serious problems of young adults living in an increasingly complex world are waved away, deferred for contemplation some vague time after Labour Day. I'd been hoping that Brashares had more promise than her Travelling Pants premise permitted her to express — I was looking forward to a breakout book. Sadly, this is no breakout; it isn't even good summer reading. Clichéd, trite, underdeveloped and overwritten, The Last Summer (of You and Me) is a book to avoid. Show Less
LibraryThing member tina_thebookworm
This was a different novel by Ann Brashares. It took a while to get really into but after I got into the story I couldn't put it down and it brought tears to my eyes. Great story.
LibraryThing member dannalora
I put off reading this book for a long time, thinking that it was going to be a love triangle between 2 sisters and man. I was very pleasantly surprised when I realized it wasn't that. It took me a little bit into the book before I got used to the author's way of writing...it seemed like a lot of
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disjointed thoughts, but once I got used to that, I thoroughly enjoyed it! There was a part where I actually had tears pooling up and when that happens, I know that I've totally been sucked in. I definately recommend reading this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member collsers
I honestly cannot decide how I feel about this book, or Brashares's works in general. Overall, I found the plot to be slightly predictable, and I had a very difficult time connecting with the characters. As the book went along, the ending felt more and more inevitable. And yet, I didn't cast the
"Let me love you, but don't love me back. Do love me and let me hate you for a while. Let me feel like I have some control, because I know I never do."
Passages like this just jump out at me, and capture moments and emotions in my own life so aptly that it takes my breath away. Perhaps other readers won't feel this way, but I found these occasional moments of brilliance to outweigh the tediousness of the plot and characters.
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book aside. The author has a definite talent, and for every one of this book's faults, there was a line so beautiful I had to reread it, and write it down to save: "Let me love you, but don't love me back. Do love me and let me hate you for a while. Let me feel like I have some control, because I know I never do."
Passages like this just jump out at me, and capture moments and emotions in my own life so aptly that it takes my breath away. Perhaps other readers won't feel this way, but I found these occasional moments of brilliance to outweigh the tediousness of the plot and characters.
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LibraryThing member burnit99
Two sisters have been returning to their parents' beach house every summer. This summer, a longtime friend realizes a long-held attraction for one of them, and this sudden shift in their relationships, along with a serious health problem and a deep secret, wreaks a seismic change in all their
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lives. Well-written and heartfelt, but not the equal of most of Brashares' "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" books. Show Less
Subjects
Language
Physical description
320 p.; 5.5 inches
ISBN
1594483086 / 9781594483080
Local notes
Fiction