Julia Bechtel believes a trip away from her home in New York City will give her time to determine where her marriage to her husband Monte truly stands. Knowing things haven't been good between them for quite a long while, now that their daughter, Molly, is in her twenties, Julia feels the possibilities of her finally going her own way are much more real. Thus, she sets out to visit her aunt Zoe in Penobscot Bay, Maine, a place that has always been Julia's sanctuary. This time, however, trying to get there almost ends her life.The boat Julia takes to get across to Big Sawyer Island is carrying 18 of the locals, all returning home at the end of the day. As Julia and one of the locals, Noah, find themselves outside, on-deck, they soon hear the uncontrolled noise that identifies a boat belonging to Artie Jones, a wealthy summer visitor to the island. Before they know what hits them, Artie's boat slams into the Amelia Celeste at full speed, decimating both vehicles and killing all but 3 people. Somehow, probably because they were outside, Julia and Noah make it into the water before their boat explodes. Thus begins their friendship, born out of the commonality of their tragedy.This near-death experience has a profound effect on both Julia and Noah, cementing their friendship with a bond that neither can clearly explain. While Julia has always been the complacent and subservient daughter, wife and mother, Noah, has always kept everything to himself, so much so that his silence broke up his marriage and caused his estrangement from his 17-year old son, Ian. As Julia and Noah each begin to discover who they truly are as individuals, they begin to build a relationship with one another, as well. Additionally, their interactions with their friends and loved ones take on a whole new dynamic. This is a lovely story of personal growth, love and meaningful relationships. A very enjoyable read.
While clearing out my bookshelf, I found this book that my husband had given me a few years ago. Although, I know that I read the book back then, as I skimmed the pages, I realized that I did not remember as much as I thought. With the word Summer in the title, you know that it had to be a so called "beach read" and it was. It takes place on an island in Maine, and since I had just returned from my first visit to Maine, that was the hook that drew me to it. Add some additional goings on in one of my favorite cities, NYC and I decided to read it once again.The book is about a woman who is not fulfilled neither in her marriage nor in her life in general. Tragedy occurs as she sets off for a summer visit to her aunt who lives on an island in Maine. Her aunt raises Angora rabbits and lives a solitary life. We have a pet rabbit albeit not an Angora but I related to the parts about the care of the animals.Julia, the main character has one child, a daughter who is studying to be a chef. She is close to her and the mother/daughter relationship is also a part of this book. I also have one child, a daughter, so that was a connection for me. The book also addresses the interaction between families, be it husband/wife, parent/child, siblings. I found that interesting.There is closure for all of the characters in the end which is makes for a happy read for me.
What do You think about The Summer I Dared (2007)?
This was a very good book. I really liked the way that Barbara Delinsky wrote, and the lessons she embedded into this book. Julia is stuck in a marriage that is no longer worth calling a marriage. She goes to the island of Big Sawyer in Maine for a two week vacation. On the ferry over, another boat collides with the ferry, and it sinks. 9 people died, and 3 survived, one being Julia. Julia is saved by a man named Noah, whom is a local lobsterman on Big Sawyer. The other woman who survived is a young girl named Kim. After the accident, Kim stays silent for weeks without saying a word. Will they find out why the boats collided? Who was at fault? What'll happen between Julia and Noah?
—Janelle Jansson
Well written (grammar-wise). When I read, I read. Period. Even if I hate a book, if I start it I finish it. I had trouble reading this book; if I were the type to quit reading a book, I would have quit reading this book. I was well over half way through it before I became interested in it. I do not think the author has experienced near-death trauma, accident, or tragedy . . . she sure did not know how to write about it. Did not catch nor hold my interest. Although, it did cause me to hunger for a Maine lobster meal.
—Anna Schilke
What happens after the moment when your life is forever changed? This is the question that haunts Julia, Noah, and Kim - the only survivors of a devastating boating accident off the coast of Maine, that claimed the lives of nine other people. What follows is an emotionally intricate story of three lives irrevocably changed by a single tragic accident.Julia, a forty-year-old wife and mother, has always taken the path of least resistance. Careful to never shake up the status quo, she has always done exactly what others expected of her. Characterized by her controlling family and increasingly distant husband as "loyal" and "obedient"; in the aftermath of her brush with death, Julia suddenly realizes that there is more to her - and to the world around her - than she ever imagined.Feeling strangely connected to Noah, the brooding, divorced lobsterman who helped save her life, and to Kim, a twenty-one-year-old whose role in the accident and subsequent muteness are a mystery, Julia begins to explore the unique possibilities offered by the quiet island of Big Sawyer, Maine. Suddenly, the things that once seemed so critical lose significance, and things that seemed inconsequential, now take on a whole new meaning and importance. With each passing moment, each fresh discovery, Julia grows ever more sure that - after coming face-to-face with death - she deserves more from life.Overall, I found this book to be quite good. The story was somewhat predictable - and I may have learned much more than I actually ever wanted to know about certain subjects - but other than that, I liked it. I give this book an A! and hope to read more from Barbara Delinsky in the future.
—Mary
