I love Judy Blume. I have fond memories of reading Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing, Superfudge, Blubber, and Are You There God? It’s me, Margaret, when I was a kid. This was the first adult book of hers that I’d read, and I was happy to find that she can write a compelling and immersive adult book as easily as she can a children’s book. Is there anything she can’t do?

Summer Sisters is a captivating and nostalgic tale that takes readers on a journey of friendship, love, and the complexities of growing up. With her signature storytelling ability, Blume weaves together a narrative that effortlessly captures the essence of summers spent on Martha’s Vineyard and the profound impact that relationships have on shaping our lives.

The story opens in 1977, a time when I was just beginning my own journey into the world. While I was several years younger than our main characters, I remember a lot of the world events that are mentioned in the book. As the story unfolds, the setting moves from the late 1970s all the way to the 2000s. Blume expertly captures the essence of each time period, making it easy to envision the fashion, music, and cultural references that defined those years. It was like taking a stroll down memory lane, evoking a sense of nostalgia that only enhanced the reading experience for me.

The book focuses on Victoria Leonard, a young girl whose life is forever altered when the enigmatic Caitlin Somers chooses her as her friend. From that moment on, Victoria is thrust into the heart of the Somers family, experiencing a world of luxury and privilege that she had never imagined before.

The book begins with an adult Caitlin asking Victoria (who used to go by Vix) to be her maid of honor at her wedding. We get the feeling that Victoria and Caitlin aren’t that close anymore, but we’re unsure why. We’re then thrust back to when Caitlin first chose Victoria as her friend, and then ride the wave through the various summers watching their friendship build, strengthen and then erode over time. Blume masterfully explores the complexities of their friendship, painting a vivid picture of love, loss, and the unbreakable bond that forms between two souls.

Blume’s character development is outstanding. Victoria, the quiet and introspective protagonist, serves as the anchor for the story. Through her relationships with Caitlin, her family, and the people she meets along the way, we witness her growth and transformation. The ebb and flow of Victoria and Caitlin’s friendship are both beautifully portrayed and heartbreakingly real.

The story is told mostly from Victoria’s perspective, with occasional insights from other characters. What struck me as particularly interesting was the absence of Caitlin’s own thoughts and feelings. By withholding this perspective, Blume builds suspense, leaving the reader to wonder what could possibly be driving Caitlin’s erratic behavior and some of her choices. As Victoria does, I kept wondering why she chose her as a friend – the two were so extremely different. This narrative choice effectively added depth to the character of Caitlin and kept me even more engaged.

Even if you didn’t grow up as a part of generation x, Summer Sisters is a book that will resonate with readers of all ages. The cast of characters is compelling, and their relationships are rich and complex. Summer Sisters is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartfelt and immersive journey.