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  • A Summer to Die

  • Written by: Lois Lowry
  • Narrated by: Andi Arndt
  • Length: 3 hrs and 26 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (8 ratings)

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A Summer to Die cover art

A Summer to Die

Written by: Lois Lowry
Narrated by: Andi Arndt
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Publisher's Summary

Acclaimed author Lois Lowry's first novel, A Summer to Die is a poignant and perceptive tale of love and tragedy.

Meg isn't thrilled when she gets stuck sharing a bedroom with her older sister Molly. The two of them couldn't be more different, and it's hard for Meg to hide her resentment of Molly's beauty and easy popularity. But now that the family has moved to a small house in the country, Meg has a lot to accept.

Just as the sisters begin to adjust to their new home, Meg feels that Molly is starting up again by being a real nuisance. But Molly's constant grouchiness, changing appearance, and other complaints are not just part of a new mood. And the day Molly is rushed to the hospital, Meg has to accept that there is something terribly wrong with her sister. That's the day Meg's world changes forever. Is it too late for Meg to show her true feelings?

©1977 Lois Lowry (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

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Captivating short story

it should go without saying that this is a tear-jerker but manages to beautifully capture the humbling realization of our mortal existence.

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spoilers in review!!

SPOILERS BELOW!!


I knew she would die. It was in the title. That didn't stop the tears, the dreadful anticipation and the knowledge that Molly's superficial, childish dreams would be gone with her. I loved how the speaker viewed Molly as a little unserious and not having proper priorities. I thought it was a very effective way to reinforce individualism and how important what some may view as frivolous or unimportant are valuable to others.

I'm glad that Molly's death was avoided by Meg because I honestly didn't want to see much of it; I wanted to remember and see Molly as Meg did: smiling and running through flowers and forever living in summer.

I don't think I can be impartial about books where characters die young or suddenly. It's, unfortunately, a little too close to home. My own life and losses influence my experiences to a point where my own biases blur and I cannot separate the work from myself. It makes it difficult to judge and recommend a book. Because, while everyone experiences books and art differently, my objectivity is compromised. I don't even know if I enjoyed it, but I'm at a point where reading about death and crying about loss feels cathartic. Sometimes. Sometimes, I run back to my erotic fantasy novels that I know won't rummage through my mind and feelings as much. Today, I felt like confronting death, mortality, and grief. I'm glad I did. This book helps me sigh, helps me cry, helps me feel some of those painful things and not feel so alone as I do. The book was an understanding hand to hold. Books are wonderful. A Summer to Die was wonderful, in a strange and heartbreaking way.

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