Big Summer

March 23, 2020
Weiner’s story of female friendships (after Mrs. Everything) mixes a splash of romance, a dash of humor, and a pinch of mystery to create a deliciously bloody poolside cocktail. Daphne Berg, a young woman struggling with her weight and self-esteem, has become “#fiercefatgirl,” a powerful plus-size media influencer with thousands of followers. Her world is turned upside down when an old high school frenemy comes looking for a favor. Drue Cavanaugh, a high-society darling, was everything Daphne wasn’t in high school: rich, gorgeous, and a mean girl to rival all mean girls. Back then, Daphne did anything she could to simply exist on the fringes of Drue’s world. Now, Drue is planning her splashy Cape Cod wedding to a reality TV star, and she wants Daphne to be her maid of honor amid her family’s infighting and doubts about the groom. Trouble has been brewing under the surface, and Daphne finds herself at Drue’s beck and call—at a grotesquely ill-fated celebration that reveals the dark side of Dru’s seemingly perfect life. Weiner’s surprising tale is hard to put down.

Danielle McDonald's narration keeps listeners' anticipation high for much of this novel. The plot weaves details of Daphne and Drue's tumultuous friendship from the early 2000s through the present day. After meeting in middle school, they remain close through college until an unforgivable act of betrayal pulls them apart. McDonald captures their vulnerability, as well as Daphne's angst and Drue's superiority, with nuanced tones unique to each character. When Drue re-enters Daphne's life a few years later, each has changed, and it is up to the listener to decide if sincerity and forgiveness go hand in hand. A mystery halfway through the audiobook adds another dimension to the story, keeping listeners riveted to the end. B.E.S. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine