The Summer Pact: A Novel

4 4 out of 5 stars | 3,337 ratings

Price: 19.69

Last update: 08-14-2024


About this item

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER In the wake of tragedy, a group of friends makes a pact that will cause them to reunite a decade later and embark upon a life-changing adventure together—from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Meant to Be.

Four freshmen arrive at college from completely different worlds: Lainey, a California party girl with a flair for drama; Tyson, a brilliant scholar and aspiring lawyer from Washington, D.C.; Summer, an ambitious, recruited athlete from the Midwest; and Hannah, a mild-mannered southerner who is content to quietly round out the circle of big personalities. Soon after arriving on campus, they strike up a conversation in their shared dorm, and the seeds of friendship are planted.

As their college years fly by, their bond intensifies and the four become inseparable. But as graduation nears, their lives are forever changed after a desperate act leads to tragic consequences. Stunned and heartbroken, they make a pact, promising to always be there for one another, no matter how separated they may become by circumstances or distance.

Ten years later, Hannah is anticipating what should be one of the happiest moments of her life when everything is suddenly turned upside down. Calling on her closest friends, it soon becomes clear that they are all facing their own crossroads. True to their promise, they agree to take a time out from lives headed in wrong directions and embark on a shared journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and acceptance.

In this tender portrayal of grief, love, and hope, Emily Giffin asks: When things fall apart, who will be at our sides, helping us pick up the pieces?


Top reviews from the United States

Christine
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful novel about friendships
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2024
The summer Pact
By: Emily Griffin
5????????????????????

Friends are such a lifeline for so many, me included. It is important to have friends you can count on during good times and bad.
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This novel has four friends whom met in college and became inseparable. Sadly, one of them dies tragically, and the rest of the group creates a pact to be there for each other in life, NO MATTER what.
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As the years go by, one of them is going through a difficult time and the other two get together to help their friend through a difficult time. They hold onto their pact and friendship which will lead to healing, self-discover, and more.
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I love that Griffin gets raw and real in this novel with real-life situations.
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Living in Texas I loved the parts about Texas and Griffin also gives a nod to the royal family.

#thesummerpact, #emilygriffin, #ballantinebooks, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #stamperlady50
C
4.0 out of 5 stars Found Family
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2024
Wow. This was a beautiful book. It was almost like a grownup version of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I loved that the friends remained close for a decade, kept their promises, and showed up when truly needed. I didn’t love that the characters were stereotypical and only mildly likeable. One other con - I applaud the attempt at addressing sexism, racism, and homophobia but she didn’t quite hit the mark. Despite all of this, it was a beautiful story of found family.
Melissa
3.0 out of 5 stars Not my favorite
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2024
I have read all of Emily Giffins books and almost every one I have loved. And maybe its because I just read an Emily Henry book before this one, but this book definitely couldn't compare to emily henrys book. Like others stated, I thought this book was about the summer, but the summer pact is really about a girl named summer that commits suicide. Even though the title is misleading, I was okay with this idea. The beginning of the book was actually really good. But then the book just rushes through at times. They never fully realize why summer killed herself or resolve the issues with Laineys dad or other sister. They also doesn't resolve the relationship with Hannah's mom. In addition, the relationships were extremely predictable and kinda odd. They felt forced and it didn't feel like there was real passion at all. This book was a nice light read, but definitely didn't leave any lasting impressions.

Things that really bothered me: Spoiler ahead:
1. Lainey may have been raped at the end and they just gloss over this. She also chooses not to mention it to her friends and ignore that it may have happened.
2. Random political comments and randomly trying to bring in sexism, politics, fluid sexuality and racism.
3. As a fellow teacher, I can tell you that Tyson can't just get a teaching job in a public school in NY without being certified. It actually irks me quite a bit that Emily just makes it seem like you can get a teaching job on the fly. Also teaching AP lit....that's Maybe 1 or 2 sections in a school. That wouldn't take up his entire day. It would have been better if he took a lawyer job in NY. Definitely an easier pill to swallow.
4. The last chapter (1 year later) was so rushed and kinda cheesy. 2 of the vacation spots.... Texas and Paris literally got no time in this story.
YG
5.0 out of 5 stars Relatable Stories of Friendships and Life
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2024
There were so many times during the reading of this book that I could identify with a character, a relatable situation, a similar conversation, or a familiar setting. Giffin is a brilliant writer who can capture everyday life and everyday stories and retell them with such depth and clarity that you cannot put the book down. You get to know each friend and root for their happiness as they navigate life after college and after the sudden death of a dear friend. I absolutely enjoyed delving into each character's lives and backgrounds and loved witnessing that through the darkest times, true friends do make a difference and rainbows do come after rain. Plus I loved exploring the island of Capri, Italy along the way! The Summer Pact is just the book I needed to read - it has inspired me to plan a girls trip asap! Highly recommend!
Cara F
4.0 out of 5 stars A fun summer read
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2024
Not as deep as some of Emily Giffin‘s previous books, but a light, fun summer read that goes pretty quickly. I loved how the story unfolded across the country and then in parts of Europe. I agree with some of the other comments that the ending did feel very rushed. The storyline was good I just wish there was more of a substantial ending that did not feel thrown together.
Liesl522
2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2024
I always look forward to EG's books but this was disappointing. I've been trying to put my finger on why.... here's what I've got:

1. I couldn't stand Lainey and didn't buy that the other two would be friends with her. We got the "everyone can't help but be charmed by her" cop-out explanation and nothing else. Her actions at the end of the book, considering what the group had already been through, were especially appalling.

2. Two romances develop. One you can see coming a mile away, the other one seems like an afterthought, like "pair the spares."

3. The history of Capri is interesting, but it's not why you buy an Emily Giffin book.

4. The tragic event at the beginning of the book also didn't earn its place- it just seemed like there should be more context, warning signs, narration by the affected character, or something. Also, I thought it would come back at the end- like they would learn more about it, have revealing conversations with other people affected by it- but no.

Beyond these items, I felt like it just didn't have the mood/tone of her usual books. I don't like the rotating character narration- I'd rather stick to one and really get to know them. Her other books are usually set in the character's everyday life, which I like- this book is mostly about a vacation so maybe that's the difference. Just didnt feel like an EG book.

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