“It was the kind of summer that felt like it would never end, even as it was slipping away.”
— Reflecting on the general feeling of the summer and its transient nature.
Archivist's Choice
That Summer
Sarah Dessen (1996)
Genre
Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
240 min
Key Themes
See below
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Amidst a summer of growth, a father's remarriage, and a sister's wedding, fifteen-year-old Haven struggles with her changing world, finding clarity and a path forward through an unexpected return.
Synopsis
Fifteen-year-old Haven is facing a summer of overwhelming change. Already self-conscious about her height, she deals with her father's upcoming marriage to a woman she dislikes and her older sister Ashley's careful wedding plans. Haven misses the stability of her family before her parents' divorce. Her world gets more complicated when Sumner Lee, Ashley's ex-boyfriend, returns. As Haven spends time with Sumner, she starts to see her family's past more realistically and confronts the difficult truths that led to their current situation. Through this journey, Haven learns to accept the present, navigate her own challenges, and embrace new possibilities, finding her place in her changing family.
Reading time
240 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Reflective, Sweet, Melancholy, Hopeful
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy coming-of-age stories about navigating family changes, first crushes, and the often-messy reality behind idealized memories.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer high-stakes plots or stories with a clear, dramatic romantic arc between the protagonist and a main love interest.
Plot Summary
A Summer of Discomfort
Fifteen-year-old Haven feels out of place in her world. At nearly six feet tall, she feels awkward, especially next to her best friend, Casey. Her parents are divorced. Her father, a local weatherman, is about to marry Lorna, a woman Haven finds annoyingly cheerful and too focused on healthy eating. Haven's older sister, Ashley, who seems perfect and popular, is carefully planning her wedding to Lewis, a stable but somewhat dull fiancé. Haven misses a simpler time, specifically the summers before her parents' divorce, when her family seemed whole and happy. She often thinks about these memories, looking for comfort in a past that feels further away.
The Return of Sumner Lee
Haven's quiet summer changes with the unexpected return of Sumner Lee, Ashley's ex-boyfriend from a few summers ago. Sumner is known for his charm, his impulsive nature, and his ability to captivate everyone, including Haven, who had a secret crush on him when she was younger. Ashley is initially worried about his return, trying to keep up her perfect image and her engagement to Lewis. However, Sumner's magnetic personality quickly starts to pull Ashley back, causing tension between her and Lewis. Haven watches this with a mix of interest and unease, as Sumner's presence brings a forgotten energy back into their lives.
A Glimpse of the Past
As Sumner spends more time around Ashley and Haven, he starts to share stories and observations about the past. These challenge Haven's carefully built, idealized memories of her family's pre-divorce happiness. Sumner's view, often a bit cynical, hints at underlying problems and tensions that Haven, as a younger child, had either missed or romanticized. He reminds Haven that Ashley and his relationship was volatile, and he subtly suggests that her parents' marriage was not as perfect as she remembers. These revelations make Haven re-think her family's history, leaving her confused and a little betrayed by her own nostalgia.
Growing Pains and New Friendships
Amidst the drama with Ashley and Sumner, Haven continues to deal with her own insecurities. Her height makes her feel noticeable, and she struggles with confidence, especially when comparing herself to Ashley's seemingly easy beauty and poise. However, a new friendship begins with Chloe, Lorna's niece, who is visiting for the summer. Chloe is a lively, artistic girl who sees Haven's height as unique and interesting, not a flaw. Chloe's fresh perspective and genuine acceptance help Haven start to see herself in a more positive way. Their bond gives Haven a much-needed outlet and a sense of belonging outside her family's complicated situation.
The Wedding Dilemma
The closer Ashley's wedding to Lewis gets, the stronger her inner conflict becomes. Sumner's presence reignites the passionate, though chaotic, spark they once shared. Ashley feels torn between the stability and security Lewis offers and the thrilling, unpredictable excitement Sumner represents. Haven watches Ashley's struggle, seeing her sister, for the first time, as vulnerable and unsure rather than perfectly composed. The wedding plans, once a source of Ashley's careful control, now become full of tension and indecision, leaving everyone, especially Lewis, anxious.
A Confrontation and a Revelation
Confused and wanting answers, Haven confronts Sumner. She asks him directly about his past with Ashley and about her parents' divorce. Sumner, surprisingly open, is honest. He explains that his relationship with Ashley was intense but ultimately could not last due to their different paths and his own immaturity. More importantly, he reveals that Haven's parents' marriage had been troubled long before their divorce, with arguments and unhappiness often hidden from Haven and Ashley. This conversation with Sumner breaks Haven's remaining illusions about her childhood, forcing her to accept a more complex and less perfect version of her family's history.
Lewis's Heartbreak
The inevitable happens: Ashley calls off her wedding to Lewis. The decision is painful for everyone, especially Lewis, who is deeply hurt and confused. Ashley, however, feels she can no longer ignore her strong, returning feelings for Sumner, despite the uncertainty he brings. This dramatic event shocks the family and their friends. Haven observes the aftermath, recognizing the raw emotion and the difficult choices her sister is making. While she feels sympathy for Lewis, Haven also understands Ashley's need to follow her heart, even if it leads to a potentially complicated future.
The Ephemeral Nature of Sumner
True to his wandering nature, Sumner does not stay long after Ashley breaks off her engagement. He eventually leaves town, once again disappearing from their lives. His departure, though perhaps expected, confirms the bittersweet reality of Ashley's decision. She chose the unpredictable excitement of Sumner, knowing it might not last, over the stable predictability of Lewis. Haven witnesses this departure, understanding that Sumner was a catalyst for change rather than a permanent part of their lives. His leaving reinforces the idea that some people enter your life to shake things up, but are not meant to stay.
Acceptance and Growth
With the wedding drama over and Sumner gone, Haven finds a new sense of peace and acceptance. She starts to come to terms with her father's marriage to Lorna, realizing that Lorna genuinely cares for her father and adds a positive, though sometimes overwhelming, energy to his life. Haven also begins to embrace her height and her unique qualities, partly because of Chloe's influence. She understands that change is a part of life and that holding onto an idealized past stops her from fully experiencing the present. This summer, though difficult, was a time of important personal growth for Haven.
A New Beginning
As summer ends, Haven feels a quiet confidence she did not have at the beginning. She has navigated family drama, confronted her idealized memories, and begun to accept herself. Her friendship with Chloe has grown strong, giving her a supportive connection. While Ashley's future with Sumner is uncertain, Haven has learned to appreciate the present moment and the people who are truly there for her. She looks forward to the new school year and future adventures, no longer wishing for the past to return, but ready to embrace whatever comes with a more mature and self-assured perspective.
Principal Figures
Haven
The Protagonist
Haven learns to accept the complexities of her family's past and present, embrace her own identity, and look forward to the future with confidence.
Ashley
The Supporting
Ashley confronts her true feelings, breaks off her engagement, and chooses a path that aligns with her heart, even if it's uncertain.
Sumner Lee
The Supporting
Sumner acts as a catalyst for change in the lives of Haven and Ashley, ultimately leaving as he arrived, a force of temporary disruption.
Lewis
The Supporting
Lewis experiences heartbreak and rejection as Ashley chooses a different path, highlighting the pain of unrequited commitment.
Chloe
The Supporting
Chloe helps Haven embrace her individuality and find confidence in herself.
Haven's Father
The Supporting
He moves forward with his new life, eventually gaining Haven's acceptance of his happiness.
Lorna
The Supporting
Lorna, initially a source of annoyance for Haven, is eventually accepted as a loving member of the family.
Casey
The Supporting
Casey remains a steadfast friend, providing support and normalcy for Haven throughout the summer.
Themes & Insights
The Idealized Past vs. The Complex Reality
Haven initially holds onto an idealized version of her family's past before her parents' divorce, believing it was a time of perfect happiness. Sumner Lee's return and his honest observations force her to confront the more complex and imperfect reality of her family's history, including hidden tensions and unhappiness. This theme is central to Haven's growth; she learns that nostalgia can distort reality and that accepting the past, with all its flaws, is essential for moving forward. For example, Sumner reveals details about her parents' arguments that Haven had suppressed or never fully understood.
“Maybe the past, like a cat, had many lives, and I was seeing a new one today.”
Identity and Self-Acceptance
Haven struggles significantly with her physical appearance, especially her height, and her overall self-image. She feels awkward and out of place, often comparing herself negatively to her 'perfect' sister, Ashley. Her journey throughout the summer is about gradually accepting her individuality. Her friendship with Chloe, who sees Haven's height as unique and beautiful, is important in this. Haven learns to accept her body and her personality, understanding that true worth comes from within, not from fitting external ideals. Her initial discomfort at social events due to her height, compared to her later confidence, shows this theme.
“Maybe I was just meant to be tall. Maybe it wasn't a punishment, but just... a fact.”
The Nature of Love and Relationships
The novel explores different kinds of love through Ashley's romantic dilemma. Her choice between Lewis, who offers stability, and Sumner, who embodies passionate but unpredictable love, shows the complexities of romantic relationships. It questions whether comfort or excitement is more important for happiness, and whether love can truly be controlled or planned. Haven observes these dynamics, learning about the messy, unpredictable nature of human connection. The scene where Ashley breaks off her engagement to Lewis clearly shows the difficult choices involved in following one's heart.
“Love wasn't a thing that was measured, or weighed. It was a thing that just was.”
Embracing Change
Change is a constant force throughout the novel, from Haven's physical growth to her father's remarriage and Ashley's changing wedding plans. Initially, Haven resists change, longing for the stability of the past. However, as the summer progresses, she learns that change is inevitable and often necessary for growth. She comes to accept her new stepmother, Lorna, and understands that her family is evolving. This theme is about letting go of the past and opening oneself up to the future, finding strength and hope in new beginnings rather than fearing them. Her eventual acceptance of Lorna and her father's new life demonstrates this.
“Sometimes you just had to let things go, and see what happened next.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
First-Person Narration
The story is told entirely from Haven's perspective.
This device allows the reader to deeply connect with Haven's internal struggles, her observations, and her emotional journey. By experiencing events through her eyes, the reader gains insight into her insecurities about her height, her longing for the past, and her evolving understanding of her family. It also filters the perceptions of other characters, making them appear as Haven sees them, which is crucial for understanding her initial biases against Lorna and her idealized view of Ashley and the past.
The Catalyst Character (Sumner Lee)
A character whose arrival precipitates significant change and revelation.
Sumner Lee's unexpected return serves as a major catalyst. His presence directly triggers Ashley's internal conflict regarding her wedding and her feelings, forcing her to make a difficult decision. More importantly for Haven, Sumner acts as a catalyst for truth. Through his candid conversations and observations, he shatters Haven's idealized memories of her family, forcing her to confront the more complex reality of her parents' divorce and Ashley's past relationships. He doesn't necessarily drive the plot through his own goals but through his disruptive influence on others.
Symbolism of Height
Haven's physical height symbolizes her feelings of awkwardness, visibility, and later, her unique identity.
Haven's height is a recurring symbol throughout the novel. Initially, it symbolizes her profound discomfort with herself, making her feel conspicuous, awkward, and out of place. It represents her inability to 'fit in' physically, mirroring her emotional struggles to adapt to her changing family. As the story progresses and Haven gains confidence, her height transforms into a symbol of her unique identity and strength. It becomes a physical manifestation of her personal growth and self-acceptance, no longer a flaw but a distinguishing characteristic she learns to embrace.
The Impending Wedding
Ashley's wedding serves as a ticking clock and a focal point for family tension.
Ashley's meticulously planned wedding to Lewis functions as a narrative device that creates a sense of urgency and expectation. It acts as a 'ticking clock,' building tension as the date approaches and Ashley's feelings for Sumner resurface. The wedding preparations also provide a setting for many family interactions and confrontations, highlighting the various characters' perspectives on love, commitment, and tradition. Its eventual cancellation marks a significant turning point, symbolizing the disruption of perceived perfection and the embrace of a more uncertain, but authentic, path.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
— Whitney offering advice to Haven about moving forward from past events.
“Sometimes you have to let go to see if there was anything worth holding on to.”
— Haven contemplating her relationship with her father and the changes in her life.
“It's funny how you can live your whole life in a place and not really see it until something changes.”
— Haven observing her familiar surroundings with new eyes after her sister's engagement.
“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”
— Haven reflecting on her solitary memories of her father and her past.
“Maybe it was good to have something to look forward to, even if it was just a day, or a week.”
— Haven finding small comforts and future hopes amidst her current confusion.
“Some things, once broken, can never be fixed. But that doesn't mean they're not worth keeping.”
— Haven considering the complexity of her family relationships and her feelings for her father.
“There are some people you meet, and you just know you're going to be friends forever.”
— Haven's initial impression of meeting a new friend during the summer.
“It’s hard to remember what it was like before, when everything was just normal.”
— Haven grappling with the significant changes in her family and daily life.
“The best way to get over one thing is to get under something else.”
— A somewhat cynical piece of advice given to Haven about dealing with romantic heartbreak.
“Sometimes you just have to take a leap and build your wings on the way down.”
— Haven contemplating taking a risk or making a big decision about her future.
“You can't choose your family, but you can choose how you deal with them.”
— Haven realizing she has agency over her reactions to her family's dynamics.
“It's amazing how much a person can change, and how much they can stay the same, all at once.”
— Haven observing the transformations in herself and others over the summer.
“That's the thing about summer. It's like a blank canvas, and you get to paint whatever you want on it.”
— Haven reflecting on the possibilities and freedom that summer brings.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
At the start of the novel, Haven, a towering fifteen-year-old, grapples with a profound sense of displacement and loss as her family undergoes significant changes. Her father is remarrying to Lorna, and her seemingly perfect older sister, Ashley, is planning her own wedding to Lewis, leaving Haven feeling overlooked and yearning for a simpler, idealized past.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
