Review & Giveaway: The Summer We Read Gatsby by Danielle Ganek

  The Summer We Read Gatsby by Danielle Ganek, 304 pages.

The good news - you do NOT need to have read The Great Gatsby to enjoy this book (although you should read it anyhow).  Half-sisters Cassie and Peck share few things, having grown up on opposite sides of the Atlantic, but a summer spent at their Aunt Lydia's cottage in the Hamptons reading Gatsby formed an early, albeit loose, bond. Years later, having inherited Fool's House, they are spending a summer together in order to make some big decisions and follow their aunt's instructions to "seek a thing of utmost value" - but will they ever be able to agree?

An excellent read for the approaching summer months - Ganek has a gift for writing light stories that are still smart without falling into the trap of snarky, cutesy, or saccharine sweet. Add to the mix a quirky cast of characters, a bit of mystery and a dash of romance. This combination of elements may not be rare, but it is rare to find them done well. The sisters are opposites in the mold of a modern Felix and Oscar - Peck is overly dramatic, spontaneous, and frivolous while Cassie is practical, thoughtful and sensible - yet both are likable (with the possible exception of Peck's overuse of the word "literally") and you can't help but root for them. I found it to be a particularly welcome balm to the irritating house selling process and a quick read. Having enjoyed the author's first book Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him, I had a pretty good idea of what to expect and was not disappointed.

In order to jump start your summer reading library, I have the pleasure of giving a copy of The Summer We Read Gatsby to a lucky commenter. Just tell me what you are looking forward to this summer by Friday at noon. I'll announce the winner and post another giveaway Friday afternoon.

http://www.danielleganek.com

The End.