Big Summer

A Novel

By: Jennifer Weiner

Narrated by: Danielle Macdonald

A deliciously funny, remarkably poignant “beach read to end all beach reads” (Entertainment Weekly) about the power of friendship, the lure of frenemies, and the importance of making peace with yourself through all of life’s ups and downs—from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Good in Bed and Best Friends Forever.

Six years after the fight that ended their friendship, Daphne Berg is shocked when Drue Cavanaugh walks back into her life, looking as lovely and successful as ever, with a massive favor to ask. Daphne hasn’t spoken one word to Drue in all this time—she doesn’t even hate-follow her ex-best friend on social media—so when Drue asks if she will be her maid-of-honor at the society wedding of the summer, Daphne is rightfully speechless.

Drue was always the one who had everything—except the ability to hold onto friends. Meanwhile, Daphne’s no longer the same self-effacing sidekick she was back in high school. She’s built a life that she loves, including a growing career as a plus-size Instagram influencer. Letting glamorous, seductive Drue back into her life is risky, but it comes with an invitation to spend a weekend in a waterfront Cape Cod mansion. When Drue begs and pleads and dangles the prospect of cute single guys, Daphne finds herself powerless as ever to resist her friend’s siren song.

A sparkling, “insightful page-turner” (Real Simple) about the complexities of female relationships, the pitfalls of living out loud and online, and the resilience of the human heart, Big Summer is a witty, moving story about family, friendship, and figuring out what matters most.

Critic reviews

"Danielle McDonald's narration keeps listeners' anticipation high for much of this novel. The plot weaves details of Daphne and Drue's tumultuous friendship from the early 2000s through the present day. After meeting in middle school, they remain close through college until an unforgivable act of betrayal pulls them apart. McDonald captures their vulnerability, as well as Daphne's angst and Drue's superiority, with nuanced tones unique to each character. When Drue re-enters Daphne's life a few years later, each has changed, and it is up to the listener to decide if sincerity and forgiveness go hand in hand. A mystery halfway through the audiobook adds another dimension to the story, keeping listeners riveted to the end."

Decent read

The story was fine but the ending was weak. Do not get why Daphne felt compelled to be around the awful bully Drue. The prologue was so different from the rest of the book & more compelling. It felt like a different book. But the worst part about the audio was the reader. Swallowing the T sound ... Bu-in instead of button. Li-ul instead of little. Could you please pick an adult to read the next one?

Great story but performance was distracting.

Words were mispronounced and it ripped me out of the story every single time. Disappointed

Great summer listen

Enjoyed the book aa a fun kick off to summer, but it did start to drag on a little towards the end.

Entertaining from the beginning to the end

I have always enjoyed Jennifer Weiner's writing style. This book felt fresh. There was such a twist that I hadn't been expecting, but really enjoyed. The details throughout the book were enjoyable as well.

Now that I’ve you will notice it

The story is so wonderful I loved it....but...
The narrator can’t say double ‘t’s correctly. Words like button and gotten don’t sound like they should. Now that I’ve said it...you won’t be able not to unhear it. You’re welcome.