4 out of 4 stars
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Some of our fondest childhood memories were made during the summer break with the neighborhood kids. Those carefree days were spent riding bikes, playing ball, and swimming. Author Don Gutteridge tells the story of Billy and his neighborhood buddies in Summer's Idyll.
Billy, also known as Junior, and affectionately, Nubbins by his mother and grandmother, anxiously awaits the end of the school year. He and his good friends, including Wiz, Joey, and Hutch, plan and perform a circus for the neighborhood every summer. When the boys aren’t rehearsing, building props, or putting costumes together, they play ball, Red Rover, and many other childhood favorites.
Life isn’t completely carefree for these kids. It is the summer of 1944 and the horrors of World War II are never far from anyone’s thoughts. Also, someone is causing major mischief in the neighborhood. Clothes on a line and cabbage from a garden go missing, and everyone is confused. However, when the mischief becomes missing children and fires, the neighbors are forced to take the actions of the “Stranger” more seriously.
If you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a great romance, this is not the book for you. This is a slow, relaxing read. Unfortunately, I found it to be boring at times, but the story continued at an even flow. I lost interest when the details of the children’s games were thoroughly explained. Still, the story of kids playing in the summertime evoked warm memories and brought a smile to my face as I read. This would be an enjoyable book for families to read together. With children as main characters and an element of mystery, this book will delight readers of all ages.
This book is skillfully written, organized, and edited. Each character is beautifully developed and experiences relatable growth. The author was able to accurately convey events through the eyes of a child. Furthermore, the author’s expert use of descriptive language creates a pleasurable reading experience. My favorite stories are those of true or fictional narratives of lives lived during World War I and II.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. This is a well-written and relaxing read. The story is rich with relatable characters and events. With grandma baking in the kitchen, and the gossips sharing the latest news, reading Summer's Idyll will remind you of a simpler time in your life, especially if you grew up in a small town as I did.
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Summer's Idyll
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