Every year, ‍I look forward to the Beaver Area Library book sale. Over the years, I have found some gems. Since I moved, for the past two book sales, I drive to Beaver so my mom and I can walk to the book sale. This year was a successful year. Just ask my mom, she went back and got even more books. 

Book Read: Invincible Summer
Author: Alice Adams
Number of Books Read, 2019 Edition: 22

Invincible Summer is the story of four friends, spanning over 20 years. Following graduation, each embarks on a different journey, overlapping as their adult lives press on.

Eva heads to work at a big bank. Benedict, who has been crushing on Eva for years, is staying to earn his PhD in physics. Lucien and Slyvie, the brother and sister pair, are headed wherever life takes them.

Throughout the years, they drift apart, just to drift back together when life throws a curve ball. Slyvie finds herself in a situation that ends up changing her for the better. After a struggling marriage, Benedict is looking for a second chance. Lucien, after cleaning himself up, sees a newer outlook on life. 

Eva, the main protagonist, finds herself in a number of situations, being there for her friends when they need someone the most. But also finding herself and her dreams along the way. 

I was intrigued by not only the cover of this one, but the brief description of the story on the back of the cover. That’s how books get me.

Alice Adams has a great debut novel on her hands with Invincible Summer. I wasn’t able to put it down, and when I had to, I was looking forward to picking it back up. While yes, some of the characters annoyed me at times, because that’s what they are there for, each had growth. Each overcame something, whether it was something small or huge, each had depth and a story. You’ll be rooting for each one with every page. 

I noticed when I finished this book that it wasn’t the final edition that was published elsewhere. On the first page, it says it’s a proof, made from the author’s manuscript. I’d be interested to know if the versions differ. But really, I felt special that I had a “proof”, “set and bound for [my] reviewing convenience.”

Either way, a debut novel worth the read at the beginning of these heated summer months. I mean seriously, how is it 85 degrees out already?! Stay inside with a good book. 

Next Read: This Will Only Hurt a Little by Busy Philipps