Grab a glass of lemonade, settle into your beach chair, and get ready for the lovely summer read that is The Summer Club.
What’s The Summer Club about?
The Summer Club by Hannah McKinnon takes place at a generations-old beach club in Massachusetts named Mayhaven. Everything at Mayhaven – along with its members and staff – is going through a summer of change, whether it’s ready for it or not.
This contemporary novel has an ensemble cast, but the focus is really on three main characters. There’s Ned, the president of Mayhaven who’s desperately trying to hang on to his beloved club’s legacy. Then, there’s Ned’s teenage daughter, Darcy, whose desire to have a happy, carefree summer wars with the fact that she’s holding a life-altering secret. And, there’s Flick, who moves to the swanky New England town from Queens, NY, and shakes up the status quo when he gets a job at Mayhaven and falls for Darcy, the literal girl-next-door.
The Summer Club is enjoyably predictable
When you first start reading, The Summer Club seems like it’s going to be your classic “Rich People in New England” summer story. And, in many ways, it is. There are the “Haves,” who are members of the Mayhaven country club, facing off in various ways against the “Have Nots,” who are working at Mayhaven for the summer. With that familiar social dynamic comes the usual problems: tensions around class, race, social standing, money, and the desire to fit in. Author McKinnon tackles all these issues head-on but in a digestible way.
It’s pretty obvious who the bad guys (read: entitled country club douchebags) and the good guys (read: everyone else) are in this novel. While there are lots of characters to keep up with in The Summer Club, most of them are simple and stereotypical, and their storylines are more or less predictable. That said, I really enjoyed spending time with them.
My favorite parts of The Summer Club
Darcy and Flick were probably my favorite parts of The Summer Club. Each character has his/her own important story to tell, though their narratives start to intertwine as the chemistry between them grows.
I was drawn to Flick because of his easy-going, honest nature; his interest in working in the Mayhaven kitchen; and his patient understanding of, well, everyone. He humors his mom, he puts up with his obnoxious stepdad (who I did end up cheering for at the end, actually), and he’s exactly the type of person Darcy needs in her life. In short, Flick’s a damn good kid.
Then, there’s Darcy. Darcy really just needs a hug throughout most of this novel. It was pretty obvious to me what was going on with her; McKinnon drops some obvious clues to the reader. What’s interesting is that everyone in Darcy’s life is completely in the dark about her struggles. McKinnon employs some solid dramatic irony as we wait for the bombshell to be dropped on the rest of the cast. When Darcy’s truth finally does come out, it makes for the most powerful and best scene in The Summer Club.
This book helped me appreciate golf. Kinda.
Golf plays a huge part in The Summer Club. Golfing led to how Ned fell in love with Mayhaven, and golfing led to the bond between Darcy and Ned. Golfing is also what Darcy inexplicably gives up at the start of the summer.
I think golf is the most boring sport in the universe. But, the reverence with which Darcy and her father talk about it made me appreciate it in a new way. McKinnon helps you visualize a nice, quiet summer morning, before the heat of the day seeps into the earth and warms everything up to the point where all you want to do is jump in the pool. The ultimate in summer decadence.
Should you read The Summer Club?
If you’re looking for a breezy summer read that escalates into something more, pick up The Summer Club. I zipped through this story that brings you lots of beachy vibes and summer fun but explores unexpected depths as the story goes beyond the cliché “haves” vs “have nots” storyline. If you’re a fan of summer fiction from Jamie Brenner or Elin Hilderbrand, you’re going to enjoy The Summer Club.
What’s the book-inspired recipe for The Summer Club?
Check back in for the book-inspired recipe: Lobster Tortellini Salad.
Although I received a complimentary advance copy of The Summer Club from Atria Books/Emily Bestler Books, all opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I was not compensated in any way for this review or for any other promotion/publicity I’ve done related to this book.
On the list. Currently on my deck chair enjoying The Cliffs by J Courtney Sullivan. Must read!
Hi, Amie! omg, I looooove J Courtney Sullivan’s books. Commencement is still my favorite of hers, but I’m excited to read The Cliffs since it will have a spooky aspect to it, and that’s right up my alley! Glad to know you’re enjoying it already.