Summer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand

Wow I just really loved this book, I certainly didn't want it to end. I rarely say that about a book as I am usually ready for it to wrap up, but not this one. I found myself completely immersed in their story and it felt so real.

This is my first book I have read by Elin Hilderbrand and I was blown away. I love her style of writing and I truly felt like I wasn't reading, I got swept up and lost in the world of a summer in Nantucket. It probably does help that I love the whole idea of what it would be like to live there and I claim if I could live anywhere that is where it would be. I also think 1969 would have been a fantastic time to be alive.

The Levin family is a family that has been blessed to have a summer home in Nantucket and it is a family tradition to "summer" there and this summer is no different. Except everything is different this year. The summer of 1969 brings upon a huge amount of change in their personal life and the lives of everyone around them. There is the landing on the moon, Vietnam, Woodstock, Ted Kennedy and Chappaquiddick.

The Levin/Nichols family is dealing with Kate's first grandchild being born, her son getting drafted, her daughter taking off to find herself and yet her youngest dealing with all the things that come with turning 13.

This book was so enjoyable to read and I was literally swept up into their lives. I was so invested in each character. The author has created such relatable, well developed characters, I felt I was part of their lives.

 It was enjoyable to be swept into another era where there were no cellphones- you were lucky to have a phone in your home and a television. It was bizarre to hear of expectant mothers drinking and smoking to help them relax. Oh my you have come a long way baby! Only people of a certain age will get that reference! I was born in the 1970's so I can vaguely remember some of this. All the fine details really caught my attention- like the mention of Dr. Scholl's shoes, my how I loved clomping along in my mother's Dr. Scholls. I am sure this book will trigger a lot of fond memories for many people.

Hands down a fabulous 5 stars for this book! Now I am going to just continue on my way while humming Summer of 69...as you all probably will find yourself doing too!