A Summer Affair

Information

Claire is asked to chair a benefit, in part, because she is the former high school sweetheart of rock star Max West. But when she begins a "good-hearted" affair with the charity's Executive Director, Lockhart Dixon, emotions are pushed to the limit.

Website: http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/books_9780316018616.htm
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Latest Activity: Feb 9

Discussion Questions

1. Discuss the character of Claire Danner Crispin. What ultimately
leads her to have an affair?
2. How does the author juxtapose Claire’s relationship as a young
girl with Matthew “Max West” Westfi eld with her current relationship
with Lock Dixon? How are the two loves connected,
if at all?
3. Discuss the role of friendship in the novel. Which character
proves to be the greatest friend by the summer’s end? Does the
way Claire values friendship change as a result of the gala?
4. There are several working mothers in A SUMMER AFFAIR, including
Claire and her sister-in-law, Siobhan. Discuss the ways in
which the pressures of being a working mother are portrayed
in the novel. Does the book’s depiction of working mothers
seem accurate and realistic to you?
5. A SUMMER AFFAIR is told from multiple points of view. Who,
aside from Claire, impressed you as the most compelling character?
Did you fi nd that your favorite character changed in the
course of the novel?
6. Discuss the role of glassblowing in Claire’s life and its importance
to her identity. How does resuming her former passion
affect Claire’s life as a wife and mother?
7. How does the island of Nantucket act as a character in A SUMMER AFFAIR? Discuss the tension between the island’s summer
residents and those who live there year-round.
8. What do you think the future holds for Claire, Siobhan, Lock,
and Max? How do you think Claire will come to view the affair,
and the gala, in the years to come?

Discussion Forum

Are you over-committed?

Started by Miriam Parker Apr. 14, 2009.

Comment Wall

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Comment by Michelle on October 3, 2009 at 9:51am: lol,age doesn't matter!! read what you want!

Comment by Denise Kampsen on October 2, 2009 at 9:49pm: I have read this book but want to re-read it. It is very good. As I was reading I took a scrap of paper & wrote down who belonged to who because I was getting so lost. The further I read I didn't have to keep referring back to my cheat sheet.

Comment by Michelle Wendy Locke on October 2, 2009 at 5:35pm: I see. I did not realize your age. They may be a little young for me. I am twice your age. OLD. LOL

Comment by Michelle on October 2, 2009 at 10:29am: a lot of sarah dessen's books revolve around teen, or alittle bit older then teens, struggling with what life throws at them. so,being only 22, i feel like her books remind me of what it was like to be a teen

Comment by Michelle Wendy Locke on October 1, 2009 at 2:25pm: I almost picked "Along for the Ride" up a few times but thought it was for teens.

Comment by Michelle on October 1, 2009 at 1:30pm: i'll try! it'll be the last book of elins that she's written,i almost want to hold out on reading it. i'm also reading atonement this week. the movie was amazing, but the book is obviously more detailed. when i was in NH this past weekend i read "summer people" and sarah dessen's "along for the ride". which was a very nice quick read. i know she usually writes for teens, but i've come to enjoy her detailed novels about life

Comment by Michelle Wendy Locke on October 1, 2009 at 12:25pm: I agree Carrie. Keep going Michelle. I enjoyed it as well.

Comment by Carrie Paternoster on October 1, 2009 at 9:57am: Oh keep going Michelle. It's a great book. You'll get into it! I found it a little hard to follow at first, especially trying to keep track of all of the characters and who they are married to etc.. But it's a great book. Stick with it.

Comment by Michelle on October 1, 2009 at 1:04am: i've just finished reading all but "castaways". i started to read it,but for some reason i just couldn't get into it....

Comment by Joyce Rice on September 30, 2009 at 6:12am: Hey Girls!! I just finished my Debbie Macomber book...so tonight I start Beach Club!! Bring it on!! Can't wait till bed time lol..have a great day!!