Big Summer

By Jennifer Weiner

Genre

Contemporary Fiction - Light Romance, Murder Mystery

Book Summary

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner is a delightful blend of friendship, romance, and mystery. The story follows Daphne Berg, a plus-size Instagram influencer, who unexpectedly reconnects with her estranged high school friend, Drue Cavanaugh. Drue, who once humiliated Daphne, now asks her to be the maid of honor at her lavish wedding. As Daphne navigates the whirlwind of glamorous parties and social media scrutiny, things take a dark turn when a shocking murder occurs. What starts as a lighthearted tale of second chances and self-empowerment quickly evolves into a page-turning mystery, filled with twists, drama, and plenty of laughs. Big Summer explores themes of body positivity, the complexities of female friendships, and the impact of social media on our lives. It's a juicy, entertaining read that will keep your book club buzzing!

I’m not brave all the time. No one is. We’ve all been disappointed; we’ve all had our hearts broken, and we’re all just doing our best. Make sure you have people who love you, the real you, not the Instagram you. If you can’t be brave, pretend to be brave, and if you can’t do that yet, know that you aren’t alone. Everyone you see is struggling - Daphne

Book Club Questions

1. How does Daphne's journey toward self-acceptance and body positivity reflect broader societal issues with body image?

2. What does Drue's request for Daphne to be her maid of honor say about forgiveness and the complexities of female friendships?

3. How does social media influence the characters' perceptions of themselves and others throughout the story?

4. In what ways does the novel explore the theme of second chances? Do you think everyone deserves one?

5. How does the mystery element add depth to the story's themes of trust and betrayal?

The trick of the internet, I had learned, was not being unapologetically yourself or completely unfiltered; it was mastering the trick of appearing that way. It was spiking your posts with just the right amount of real... which meant, of course, that you were never being real at all. -Daphne

And here’s the good news: even if things don’t get better, you can always make them look good on the internet.

My Opinion (Spoiler Alert)

I really enjoyed Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner because of it's quick, light-hearted read that touched on relatable themes. Themes like second chances and the toxicity of social media. The book does a great job showing how wealth, entitlement, and a lack of compassion can negatively impact well-being. I was genuinely surprised to discover who the murderer was; the book cleverly kept me guessing, making it seem like Drue's parents, her fiancé, or even Daphne’s one-night stand could be guilty. Speaking of Daphne’s fling, his weird story about hiding in the house made him less attractive and believable. Daphne’s relationship with her roommate was also intriguing; I didn’t find her to be a great friend and she came across as somewhat suspicious throughout the story.

When you’re a hammer, everything looks like a nail. When you’re angry, everything looks like a target. There are a lot of angry people in the world. And these days, they’re all online.

Themes Found in The Idea of You

• Social Media and Identity: Social media plays a significant role in the characters' lives, particularly for Daphne, a plus-size influencer. The novel delves into how social media shapes identity and self-worth. Daphne's online presence gives her confidence but also leaves her vulnerable to scrutiny and comparison.

  • Example: Daphne’s Instagram success allows her to embrace her body, yet she struggles with the pressures of maintaining a perfect online persona.

• Body Positivity: Daphne’s journey towards self-acceptance and body positivity is central to the story. The novel highlights the challenges of loving oneself in a society that often promotes unrealistic beauty standards.

  • Example: Daphne’s confrontation with Drue reflects her growth, as she no longer allows herself to be shamed for her body.

• Friendship and Forgiveness: The complex relationship between Daphne and Drue explores themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and the evolving nature of friendships.

  • Example: Daphne's decision to give Drue another chance demonstrates her willingness to forgive but also her need for closure.

  • 
    

Impact of Social Media in 2024:

Social media has become increasingly detrimental to mental health, particularly by exacerbating issues like anxiety, depression, and loneliness. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Mental Health found that excessive social media use is linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression, especially among young adults. The constant comparison to others and the pressure to curate a perfect life online contribute to these negative effects.

Managing Healthy Boundaries:

1. Limit Screen Time: Set daily limits on social media use to prevent overexposure.

2. Curate Your Feed: Follow accounts that promote positivity and unfollow those that trigger negative feelings.

3. Practice Digital Detox: Regularly disconnect from social media to focus on real-life connections and personal well-being.

These strategies can help mitigate the harmful effects of social media and promote a healthier, more balanced relationship with the digital world.

Everyone tries to put the best versions of themselves across. To fake it. And when they’re not doing that, they’re sitting behind their screens, passing judgment and feeling superior to whoever they think’s being sexist or racist that day.