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Summer of '69 Paperback – February 11, 2020


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Four siblings experience the drama, intrigue, and upheaval of the '60s summer when everything changed in Elin Hilderbrand's #1 New York Times bestselling historical novel.




Welcome to the most tumultuous summer of the twentieth century. It's 1969, and for the Levin family, the times they are a-changing. Every year the children have looked forward to spending the summer at their grandmother's historic home in downtown Nantucket. But like so much else in America, nothing is the same: Blair, the oldest sister, is marooned in Boston, pregnant with twins and unable to travel. Middle sister Kirby, caught up in the thrilling vortex of civil rights protests and determined to be independent, takes a summer job on Martha's Vineyard. Only-son Tiger is an infantry soldier, recently deployed to Vietnam. And thirteen-year-old Jessie suddenly feels like an only child, marooned in the house with her out-of-touch grandmother and her worried mother, while each of them hides a troubling secret.




As the summer heats up, Ted Kennedy sinks a car in Chappaquiddick, man flies to the moon, and Jessie and her family experience their own dramatic upheavals along with the rest of the country. In her first historical novel, rich with the details of an era that shaped both a nation and an island thirty miles out to sea, Elin Hilderbrand once again earns her title as queen of the summer novel.

"Layla" by Colleen Hoover for $7.19
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a novel that explores life after tragedy and the enduring spirit of love. | Learn more

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The grande dame of beach reads...Hilderbrand shifts among characters with her usual ease, weaving a saga that will make you forget the dynamics of your own dysfunctional people as you crowd into a too-small vacation rental."―Liz Egan, New York Times Book Review

"An engrossing tale of an iconic American summer"―
People Magazine

"Overall this novel is an entertaining bagatelle . . . There won't be a single transistor radio this summer on Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea, nor on Madaket Beach in Nantucket. But there almost certainly will be multiple copies of
Summer of '69. It's this year's beach-reading cure for . . . the summertime blues."―The Boston Globe

"Superb...Hilderbrand hits all the right notes about life in a tightly knit family, and this crowd-pleaser is sure to satisfy both her fans and newcomers alike."―
Publishers Weekly, starred review

"HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Hilderbrand's first foray into historical fiction will rouse curiosity in new readers as well as devotees of her annual summer smashes."―
Susan Maguire, Booklist

"Hilderbrand's characters are utterly convincing and immediately draw us into their problems, from petty to grave...To use the parlance of the period, a highly relevant retrospective."
Kirkus

"Misunderstandings, secrets, and wrong choices are revealed in this completely satisfying novel that is the beach read of the summer, sure to appeal to Hilderbrand's fans while earning her new readers. A must buy."―
The Library Journal

"She presents another breezy yet gritty novel with
Summer of '69... Simple, sassy, and continuously engaging, Summer of '69 fits neatly into the nostalgic reader's beach bag."―NPR

"Hilderbrand's books keep getting better and better."―
Bookreporter

"With vivid descriptions of the songs, fashions and other details of the era woven throughout, it's a true nostalgia trip."―
AARP

About the Author

Elin Hilderbrand was born on July 17, 1969 in Boston, Massachusetts. She has used her fifty years to write twenty-three novels and raise three children on Nantucket Island.


Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Back Bay Books; Reprint edition (February 11, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 448 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 031642000X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316420006
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.13 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:

About the author

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Elin Hilderbrand
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Elin Hilderbrand first discovered the magic of Nantucket in July 1993. Her recipe for a happy island life includes running, writing at the beach, picnics at Eel Point with her three children, and singing "Home, Sweet Home" at the Club Car piano bar. Here's to Us is her seventeenth novel.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
23,486 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the family saga captivating and entertaining. They also say the content is difficult to put down and enjoyable. Readers describe the historical accuracy as true to the time period and evokes a feeling of old style. They find the characters relatable and interesting. Customers praise the writing quality as well-written and accurate. They mention the historical references as fascinating and great moments in history. However, some customers feel the storyline is not terrific and not great.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

610 customers mention "Readability"596 positive14 negative

Customers find the book wonderful, enjoyable, and accurate. They also describe the author as an excellent writer and gifted storyteller. Customers also mention that the attempt is notable and commendable.

"This book is undoubtedly a good beach read. But it’s full of good history and a look back at cultural shifts in the late 1960’s...." Read more

"I really enjoyed the storylines as they crossed each other and how this book ended. Very well written and entertaining to read." Read more

"...Love beachy feel of all of Hildebrand's books. Am a fan. Difficult to put down. Love the music references." Read more

"...How did I find this book?The attempt is notable and commendable...." Read more

180 customers mention "Characterization"151 positive29 negative

Customers find the characters relatable and interesting. They also appreciate the backdrop of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.

"I loved the different viewpoints of the characters of all different ages experiencing the same things for that last summer of the 1960s." Read more

"...and how things had changed in the subsequent 50 years. We liked the character development and how the author devoted an entire chapter at a time to..." Read more

"What I did like was the great differences in all the characters...." Read more

"...The characters are relatable and interesting and the backdrop of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard is appealing to imagine...." Read more

173 customers mention "Writing quality"164 positive9 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book well-written, believable, and clean. They also say the book is a quick, interesting read that goes on fluently. Customers also mention that the book has vivid, accurate descriptions, and joyful moments that are easy to identify with.

"...Very well written and entertaining to read." Read more

"...Otherwise, this is a clean book suitable for all audiences.BOTTOM LINEI'm between three stars and four...." Read more

"One of the most intelligent authors. Allusions, humor, a stunning plot system...." Read more

"...In the fact, the whole book was so well-written that I would get upset every time I had to stop reading for a while...." Read more

109 customers mention "Historical references"109 positive0 negative

Customers find the historical references fascinating, transporting them back to a wonderful time in the country. They also describe the story as real and vivid, with memories of a scary time. Readers also mention that the book is a tender coming of age story set on the affluent islands.

"This book is undoubtedly a good beach read. But it’s full of good history and a look back at cultural shifts in the late 1960’s...." Read more

"...Some awe-inspiring moments but also some terrible tragedies occurred during this time.Summer of '69 had relatable characters...." Read more

"Loved reliving the 60”s. Felt like I traveled to Nantucket" Read more

"...I give this 4.5 stars and if you want a beach read and historical fiction. This book is for you." Read more

61 customers mention "Family story"58 positive3 negative

Customers find the family saga captivating, beautifully woven, and enjoyable. They also say the relationships are well thought out and enjoyable, with a happy ending. Readers also mention the plot has lots of twists and turns and is perfect for their age. They describe the characters as masterfully depicted and nostalgic for beautiful summer days.

"...It's a well-paced emotional family drama that's probably not what her readers expect, but was a refreshing change...." Read more

"...The picture of the Vineyard is perfect, including actual places. Placing Kirby there was a plus for me...." Read more

"...and the backdrop of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard is appealing to imagine...." Read more

"...of 69, itself, is a larger than life character, as well, and masterfully depicted...." Read more

57 customers mention "Content"57 positive0 negative

Customers find the content captivated, entertaining, informative, and funny. They also appreciate the characters' development and engagement.

"One of the most intelligent authors. Allusions, humor, a stunning plot system...." Read more

"...Way to go on sucking me right in! I found the prose engaging and with certain plot lines, found myself reading faster and faster...." Read more

"...Her stories are strong and engaging and her characters are always interesting...." Read more

"...This is definitely an entertaining and intriguing story worth reading. Thanks Elin for your special author's note...." Read more

49 customers mention "Historical accuracy"42 positive7 negative

Customers find the book true to the time period, with pertinent historical references. They also say it evokes a feeling of old style, almost southern charm, and is still relevant.

"One of the most intelligent authors. Allusions, humor, a stunning plot system...." Read more

"...It is a book that is a great step back in time and take it for just that. Enjoy!" Read more

"I adored this novel, especially the historical references and setting descriptions for the Northeast...." Read more

"...the summer of 49, I can say without hesitation that this book feels true to its time, a time of social, political , personal, family scientific and..." Read more

100 customers mention "Storyline"6 positive94 negative

Customers find the storyline weak, unrealistic, and cheesy. They also say the events are upsetting and unlikable. Readers also mention that the book is slow to set up the story and things get stagnant.

"...Then after all the turmoil, all suddenly is right again. The ending was too pat, too tied up in sappy "happy families."..." Read more

"...She said this was too slow and boring to finish...." Read more

"...Not acceptable." Read more

"...did not like Kate at all either, and the ending, ugh ugh ugh, just very upsetting...." Read more

Get a new book in near perfect condition.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2024
This book is undoubtedly a good beach read. But it’s full of good history and a look back at cultural shifts in the late 1960’s. I was only 4 years old in 1969, but the hallmark moments of that year were discussed again and again throughout my growing up years, so this was a nice look back for me. If you’re younger, it will be a fun history lesson in the form of an entertaining novel.
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2024
I loved the different viewpoints of the characters of all different ages experiencing the same things for that last summer of the 1960s.
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2024
I really enjoyed the storylines as they crossed each other and how this book ended. Very well written and entertaining to read.
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2024
Am reading this novel right now. Love beachy feel of all of Hildebrand's books. Am a fan. Difficult to put down. Love the music references.
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2019
EDITED TO CORRECT A MAJOR ERROR: Somehow I got the impression that this was a debut novel. Put simply, I WAS WRONG and apologize profusely. Funny thing is, when I saw the author’s photograph, I remember thinking, “I seem to remember her.” Since I now know she is an experienced and highly successful writer, I am holding fast to my rating of three stars. Glad I didn’t decide to round up to four stars based on my erroneous belief. I do hasten to add that, I am confident, fans of this writer will be more pleased than was I. That is why I love Amazon reviews — different people share differing opinions so customers can make the best decision that works for them.

Meanwhile, I shall wander off into some secluded nook and cranny so I can humbly munch my crow...

I graduated high school in 1970 and went in the Navy to beat the draft. I was your typical, patriotic, conservative kid. Military service and the politics of the time shifted me strongly leftward. So, I wanted to love, "Summer of '69." How did I find this book?

The attempt is notable and commendable. The difficulty, though, is that the language and thoughts of the kids is so poliished that it feels, well, disconnected from reality. At least, when compared to more average members of the generation for which this is a mirror.

I read the first letter by Tiger to his little sister and almost wanted to laugh at how unrealistic the letter was.

Then, a little later on, I read the dialogue of between parents and daughter. The tone would have been great, but the language used was, well, pollyanna.

Mind you, I love the attempt to shine the light on the time of my coming of age. I just feel let down by the pictures presented to us.

BLUSH FACTOR: No swearing. Only the word rhyming with dam appears. However, there is some, uh, romantic overtures, if you will, so use discretion before sharing with any youngsters. Otherwise, this is a clean book suitable for all audiences.

BOTTOM LINE

I'm between three stars and four. Don't want to be too harsh on a new writer, but, well, four stars might give too much credit.

Three stars out of five. Actually, 3.25. Just can't round up to four.
219 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2022
Summer of '69 was a good way to forget what is going on around the world.

The story centers in one family: The Levins/Nichols (Although, Kate was a Foley at some point. She was married to Wilder Foley).

Kate Levin is the mother. Kate is devastated that her only son, Tiger has been drafted to Vietnam. She's terrified he is going to die during this terrible war. She believes this is life paying her back for a secret she has been carrying for a long time. Kate knows she's drinking too much while her marriage and her relationship with her daughters are deteriorating.

The oldest daughter, Blair is married and pregnant. She is unhappy with her husband, Angus who's a physicist who doesn't want her to pursue her career. Instead, he wants her to stay at home barefoot and pregnant which is terribly lonely since he doesn't get home until very late every day. Furthermore, her husband also has some spells where he doesn't want to go out of the house at all and wants to seclude himself instead.

Kirby is the middle sister. She is all about fighting for civil rights, love not war, getting high and living free. Although, recently after she got in trouble with a man, she wants to heal and spend the summer at Martha's Vineyard. She's offered a job working the graveyard shift which she takes. She wants to prove she can be self-sufficient. In regards to her heart, She's not ready to date again until she meets Darren.

Lastly, there is Jessie, the half-sister. She just turned thirteen and the last thing she wants to do is to stay with her mother Kate and her grandmother, Exalta in Nantucket for the summer. It's implicit that she would need to start taking tennis lessons even though it is not a sport she wants to learn. It doesn't help that her first class in nothing but a nightmare.

***

Going back to Nantucket through Elin Hilderbrand's vision is always fun. But this time, it was not only Nantucket that was relevant but instead she decided to transport us to 1969. A year which was important for America and the world for so many reasons. Some awe-inspiring moments but also some terrible tragedies occurred during this time.

Summer of '69 had relatable characters. I liked them all except maybe I never really warm up to the Exalta.

I can't wait for Mrs. Hilderbrand's next Nantucket beach read.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs
8 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2024
Loved reliving the 60”s. Felt like I traveled to Nantucket

Top reviews from other countries

Carol
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in Canada on May 16, 2021
Just about a quarter way through!! I’m loving it so far!!
One person found this helpful
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Biglittle2709
5.0 out of 5 stars Bon livre
Reviewed in France on November 14, 2021
Si vous voulez passer un agréable moment sans vous prendre le chou, ce livre vous conviendra. Si vous attendez des faits historiques détaillés sur l'année 69, passez votre chemin. Ce livre n'est pas un récit historique mais juste un bon livre qui vous parle d'une famille américaine pendant cette année si particulière. Ce que j'attendais. Pas trop de rebondissements. Ecriture agréable et roman facile à lire pour ceux qui veulent lire en VO.
Lidia Budzinska
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 21, 2020
I had a great opportunity to visit Martha’s Vineyard On many occasions years ago when I was an au pair in Boston this is why I reached out for this book to read about the place where I’ve been and it was a great pleasure to read I got involved with all the characters I love the descriptions and how each character struggled with different aspects of their lives and how they Related to each other I didn’t want to believe that Angus had an affair I had a feeling straight away that he was going for therapy and I was right so it wasn’t a surprise for me to have read about that outcome. funny book to read as well made me laugh a few times interesting to read about America in 1969
One person found this helpful
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Luis
5.0 out of 5 stars Tu hogar lo construye con tus seres queridos y tus sueños pero sobre todo con el corazón
Reviewed in Spain on August 1, 2019
Es una historia conmovedora, expone los echos más impactantes del siglo XX durante la década de los 60, Vietnam, las manifestaciones por la lucha racial en los Estados Unidos o la llegada del hombre a la luna. Todo narrado a través del punto de vista de una familia media acomodada, con sus valores y sus secretos, y como vive estos echos históricos. A veces divertida y a veces entrañable. No te dejará indiferente.
Gill Brown
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable
Reviewed in Australia on July 7, 2019
As always a good easy read by Elin Hilderbrand. I really enjoyed this, a perfect summer read. ☀️