A reader who would enjoy That Summer by Sarah Dessen is typically a young adult or teenager who appreciates contemporary fiction that explores themes of family dynamics, adolescence, and personal growth. Think fans of Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak or Ann Brashares' The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

Sarah Dessen’s That Summer explores themes of change and self-discovery through the eyes of a teenage protagonist. Critics praise Dessen's relatable characters and evocative prose. However, some find the plot predictable and the pacing slow. Despite this, the novel's emotional depth and authenticity resonate well with young adult readers.

- That Summer was Sarah Dessen's debut novel, published when she was just 25 years old.
- The book has gained enduring popularity, being included in many summer reading lists for young adults.
- That Summer was adapted into a movie titled How to Deal in 2003, which combined it with another of Dessen's novels, Someone Like You.

That Summer by Sarah Dessen follows fifteen-year-old Haven as she navigates the challenges of adolescence and family changes during one transformative summer. She reflects on her past, her sister's wedding, and encounters an old friend, learning to cope with change and finding her own identity.

Contemplative / Emotional / Bittersweet / Heartwarming / Nostalgic

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About That Summer

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That Summer

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