The Summer We Changed is a coming-of-age novel by the American author Sarah Dessen, published in 2004. The story follows the protagonist, Andie, as she spends the summer with her estranged father and his new family in Colby, North Carolina.
Andie is a 17-year-old girl who has lived with her mother in Baltimore her entire life. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she has not seen her father since. This summer, her mother is sending her to Colby to spend time with him and his new wife, Haley, and their two children, Chloe and Drew.
Andie is apprehensive about the trip. She is not sure what to expect from her father, and she is worried about not fitting in with his new family. However, she is also determined to make the best of the situation.
When Andie arrives in Colby, she is immediately struck by the difference between her life in Baltimore and her father’s new life in North Carolina. Colby is a small town, and everyone seems to know each other. Andie’s father is a respected businessman, and Haley is a popular socialite. Chloe and Drew are well-adjusted and well-liked.
Andie feels like an outsider at first. She is not used to the slow pace of life in Colby, and she does not fit in with the other teenagers. However, she gradually begins to open up to her new family and friends.
One of the first people Andie meets in Colby is Mason, a boy her age who is also new to town. Mason is from a different background than Andie, but they quickly bond over their shared outsider status.
As the summer goes on, Andie begins to change. She becomes more confident and outgoing. She also starts to develop feelings for Mason. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that Mason is from the wrong side of the tracks.
One night, Andie and Mason are caught kissing by Haley. Haley is furious, and she forbids Andie from seeing Mason again. Andie is devastated, but she eventually realizes that Haley is only trying to protect her.
Andie’s summer in Colby is a time of great change for her. She learns to let go of the past and embrace the future. She also learns that love is more than just physical attraction.
In the end, Andie returns to Baltimore a changed person. She is more confident and independent. She has also learned to appreciate the importance of family and friends.
Here is a more detailed summary of the novel’s key events:
- Andie arrives in Colby and meets her new family.
- She feels like an outsider at first, but she gradually starts to open up to her new family and friends.
- She meets Mason and they develop feelings for each other.
- Their relationship is complicated by the fact that Mason is from the wrong side of the tracks.
- Andie is caught kissing Mason by Haley and is forbidden from seeing him again.
- Andie realizes that Haley is only trying to protect her.
- Andie learns to let go of the past and embrace the future.
- She also learns that love is more than just physical attraction.
- Andie returns to Baltimore a changed person.
Conclusion
The Summer We Changed is a heartwarming story about coming of age and learning to let go of the past. It is a story that will resonate with readers of all ages.
