Summer's Eve, Jake, Donny and Dibs (Hardcover)

Reviews

"A Nostalgic Tale" by Judith G. - 23 February 2021

Has the title Summer’s Eve garnered your attention?? No......it is not a study of hygiene products marketed to women. Summer’s Eve by Michael W. Dymond is, instead, a charming coming of age story set in the small city of Chatham in 1963. It follows the day to day experiences of our protagonist, fourteen year old Jake Barnes during a summer of personal growth and changes related to friendships, family, girls and school. If you grew up in a small town, you will enjoy being transported back to the not so distant past where young adolescents found ways to entertain themselves including trips to the local parks, playing catch and enjoying the odd Monopoly game! It definitely makes one wistful for those carefree, technology free days where young people found their own ways to while away summer hours. Part of the charm of Summer’s Eve involves Jake’s attempts to deal with issues including a growing attraction to the opposite sex, his evolving relationship with his sister, his friendships and his desire to become more independent. We follow Jake as he searches for what everyone is searching for.....the universal desire for acceptance. There are a couple of very memorable scenes in the book related to Jake’s interactions with members of the opposite sex. I will leave those for the next reader to discover! If you are looking for a delightful nostalgic read, that will transport you back to a simpler time where young people struggle with age old adolescent issues without the assistance of a Google search or a Kids Help Line, this may be a book for you!! The real question that this reader had..... “Is Michael W. Dymond really Jake??””