THAT SUMMER

Dessen’s first novel is full of the quirky characters and dialogue the acclaimed YA novelist is now known for--all played to the fullest by Mia Barron. School is over for 15-year-old Haven. Her summer plans, working at a shoe store and being a bridesmaid in sister Ashley’s wedding, do not thrill her. She wishes she could return to that summer, when Ashley was dating Sumner, Mom and Dad were still together, and everyone was happy. Now Ashley is marrying boring Lewis Warsher, Dad is married to the Weather Pet--a woman not much older than Sis--and Mom is thinking of moving out of the house they’ve always lived in. The only thing keeping Haven sane is the return of Sumner, who carries the truth about that summer. Equal parts comedy and drama, this coming-of-age novel is made unforgettable by Mia Barron’s touching portrayal of Haven. M.M.O. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 04]