About This Book
Since Last Summer is a young adult contemporary novel following two eighteen-year-old friends, Rory McShane and Isabel Rule, through a transformative summer in East Hampton. Rory, from a different social class, grapples with feelings of belonging in her boyfriend Connor's affluent world as they face college. Isabel, Connor's sister, is trying to heal from a past heartbreak while a new romance blossoms. The book explores themes of friendship, first love, social class differences, and self-identity, making it a relatable read for teens navigating similar life transitions and emotional challenges. It's a companion to 'Rules of Summer' but can be read independently.
Eighteen-year-olds Rory McShane and Isabel Rule are back for another summer in East Hampton, but their friendship is put to the test as each girl deals with boyfriends, summer jobs, and family issues.
Concepts
Romantic Content
mental_health_themes
Discussion Prompts
1
How do Rory's feelings about belonging in Connor's world change throughout the summer? What advice would you give her?
2
Isabel struggles to move on from Mike. What are some healthy ways to cope with heartbreak?
3
How does social class influence the characters' relationships and decisions in the book?
4
What challenges do Rory and Isabel's friendship face, and how do they overcome them?
5
The characters are on the cusp of college. How do their anxieties and hopes about the future reflect your own?
6
What does 'belonging' mean to different characters in the story?
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