This week, we’re traveling back to 1969 with Elin Hilderbrand’s Summer of ’69. It’s the summer of moon landings, Woodstock, Chappaquiddick—and one unforgettable Nantucket family. Between family secrets, complicated marriages, and sisters coming of age in a turbulent time, the Levin family proves that no summer is ever simple.
✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:
A quick historical refresher on 1969 (moon landing, Civil Rights, Vietnam protests, Chappaquiddick, and Woodstock).
Kate’s tangled past, Wilder’s betrayals, and the shadow they cast over her marriage to David.
Blair, Kirby, and Jessie’s unique journeys through love, rebellion, and self-discovery.
How Elin ties family drama to real history, making this book more than a breezy beach read.
Shelf Therapy takeaway: Every family has secrets and messy moments—it’s okay not to be perfect all the time.
📚 My rating: 4.5 stars – A perfect blend of Nantucket nostalgia, historical detail, and multi-layered family drama.
🎧 Next week: We’re leaving summer reads behind and diving into cozy fall lighthearted romcoms.
💛 Come hang out with me on Instagram @thebookishcure. Do you love a beach read with historical layers, or do you prefer to keep your summer stories light and frothy? Let’s chat!