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One Summer Audiobook
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(3.00) - 7,409 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
From #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci comes a moving family drama about learning to love again after heartbreak and loss.
ONE SUMMER
It's almost Christmas, but there is no joy in the house of terminally ill Jack and his family. With only a short time left to live, he spends his last days preparing to say goodbye to his devoted wife, Lizzie, and their three children. Then, unthinkably, tragedy strikes again: Lizzie is killed in a car accident. With no one able to care for them, the children are separated from each other and sent to live with family members around the country. Just when all seems lost, Jack begins to recover in a miraculous turn of events. He rises from what should have been his deathbed, determined to bring his fractured family back together. Struggling to rebuild their lives after Lizzie's death, he reunites everyone at Lizzie's childhood home on the oceanfront in South Carolina. And there, over one unforgettable summer, Jack will begin to learn to love again, and he and his children will learn how to become a family once more.
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"A totally different style for Baldacci...a man who is dying of terminal illness becomes miraculously well while in hospice after losing his wife to a car accident on December 24 and his children to relatives. Fighting back against the odds, he takes his children to his wife's childhood home on the Carolina coast to become a family again. His struggles, while also dealing with the loss of the wife who was supposed to outlive him, to become a real father to his three children is at the heart of this novel."
— Nancy (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“If you know David Baldacci only as a thriller writer, you need to read more of David Baldacci. In One Summer, he writes as beautifully and insightfully about the pathways of the human heart as he does about the corridors of power. The twists and turns in this hughly emotional and unforgettable novel come from the resilience of one father’s spirit and the revelation of the love that binds a family.”
— Lisa Scottoline, New York Times bestselling author -
“One Summer is a beautifully written story about family, redemption, and hope. Baldacci demonstrates why, regardless of genre, he’s one of the world’s foremost storytellers.”
— Richard Paul Evans, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Walk and The Christmas Box -
“One Summer has it all—humor, grace, and redemption, delivered with humanity and wisdom in the capable and sure hands of America’s great storyteller.”
— Adriana Trigiani, author of Very Valentine and Lucia, Lucia -
“Thriller novelist David Baldacci shifts gears smoothly in this warm family drama…A soul-lifting change-of-pace novel that works.”
— Barnes & Noble, editorial review -
“Well performed by Ron McLarty and Orlagh Cassidy, Baldacci’s latest is…engaging.”
— Library Journal -
“Baldacci’s muscle-bound style doesn’t do subtle: He is best at choreographing fight scenes, rescues, and dire brushes with severe weather, all of which, thankfully, are here in abundance.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
If you know David Baldacci only as a thriller writer, you need to read more of David Baldacci. In One Summer, he writes as beautifully and insightfully about the pathways of the human heart as he does about the corridors of power. The twists and turns in this hugely emotional and unforgettable novel come from the resilience of one father's spirit and the revelation of the love that binds a family, in this world and even beyond. If you read one book this summer, make it One Summer.
— Lisa Scottoline, author of Save Me -
Just when you think David Baldacci has a permanent bird's eye view of the Pentagon from Air Force One, he surprises us all with a beautifully told story of the fate of a family devastated by loss and healed by love. One Summer has it all, humor, grace and redemption, delivered with humanity and wisdom in the capable and sure hands of America's great storyteller.
— Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of Very Valentine and Lucia, Lucia -
One Summer is a beautifully written story about family, redemption and hope. Baldacci demonstrates why, regardless of genre, he's one of the world's foremost storytellers.
— Richard Paul Evans, #1 bestselling author of The Walk and The Christmas Box -
[A] touching family story.
— USA Today -
[Fans] will find in these pages a good message and a big heart.
— Washington Post -
Readers better have their hankies ready.
— RT Book Reviews
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
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A USA Today bestseller
One Summer Listener Reviews
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GG, 11/19/2022
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" The story line was a little too soap-opera like for me. I didn't care for the narration either. The music inserted for dramatic effect was way too distracting. Definitely not my favorite book. I finished it only because I bought it. "
— Sharon, 10/23/2017 -
" this one will bring tears to your eyes. I loved the story. different for Baldacci but very enjoyable "
— craig, 5/21/2017 -
" Quick read; chick fic...maybe i expected more from the author. "
— Patty, 2/8/2014 -
" Sometimes one just has to read a story about life and death, about joy and grief, about relationships, present and past. I just didn't think I would read Baldacchi to do so. But I did. Sat down, needing a real break and actually read all afternoon. I didn't wrap one Christmas present or address one Christmas card. Instead, I escaped. "
— Mary, 2/5/2014 -
" Somewhat unlikely, but I enjoyed the story. "
— Jennifer, 1/24/2014 -
" Similar to a Nicholas Sparks novel, a quick easy read. Story about a man who loses his wife and has to take care of his 3 children. A bit cheesy and far fetched, but a nice ending. "
— Michele, 1/16/2014 -
" Good story. Liked the characters. "
— Kelly, 1/3/2014 -
" I LOVED this book ! The first book I have read from this author and I'm addicted he fits my book type very well. Such a touching story its AMAZING. Just ordered zero day on amazon and I'm sooo excited! Every one should try to read this book. Though it has no sequel i still loved it. DYING to get the kindle I want to read The Innocent soo bad but you have to either pre order it for september or you can get it on kindle NOW! "
— Chloe, 12/31/2013 -
" a fun beach read. wish I were on a beach!!! "
— Elizabeth, 12/11/2013 -
" Not terribly impressed. Another "feel-good" type novel on the same field as Nicholas Sparks. "
— Mbauer, 12/6/2013 -
" Initially thought this was going to be very depressing, but it takes a significant turn and was enjoyable. "
— Paula, 11/10/2013 -
" It was a quick easy read that had some elements of romance and irony. It was my first Baldalcci and I was indifferent, it wasn't horrible , I did enjoy some elements of the story, but I didn't go out and run to get another one of his books. "
— Melissa, 8/27/2013 -
" Nice change of pace for David Baldacci. Reminded me of "The Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks. "
— Dave, 8/8/2013 -
" The author moves away from his typical mystery and intrigue genre, into a story about family and love. A pleasant day's read. "
— Sarah, 7/14/2013 -
" Ive always loved this writer, thriller books are one of the genres I read. David has gone over to the family/romance style easily and the story sucked me in and had me in tears in more than one place. "
— Ann, 7/8/2013 -
" it was ok.A little too smaltzy for my taste. "
— Erin, 7/5/2013 -
" Way too predictable and too many tears! "
— Amy, 4/20/2013 -
" Make sure you have plenty of kleenex while reading this! "
— Debbie, 10/7/2012 -
" it was a little sappy but an ok read "
— Joanna, 9/6/2012 -
" I can't believe this is not all 5 stars. David is a versatile writer and this was a lot different than other books of his I have read. No political thriller here-just a heartwarming well written story! "
— Kristine, 8/8/2012 -
" Nice story of redemption and rebuilding relationships "
— Christine, 7/26/2012 -
" Kind of cliche book, predictable, "
— Carroll, 4/3/2012 -
" What a great book...all I'm going to say :) "
— Laura, 3/11/2012 -
" Loved this book, one of his best! "
— Jayme, 11/26/2011 -
" We love Baldaccci around here but most of us agreed that this novel lacked depth. "
— Homewood, 11/23/2011 -
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Mike Bachmann, 9/3/2011
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" This book just flowed and was one of the easiest books I have ever read. Very enjoyable read...good story, interesting characters... "
— kathi, 8/26/2011 -
" Fabululous summer read!! Another favorite! Who would have guess David Baldacci would write such a wonderful story? Kind of like James Patterson's Suzanne's Diary For Nicholas. "
— Dawn, 7/28/2011 -
" I really like this book it was very touching to see how father was dying and instead the wife dies. It touching to see how a father from his own death comes back to regain his family with the lose of his wife. This book I could not put it down wanting to know how a everyone turns out at the end. "
— Billy-jean, 7/16/2011 -
" Beautiful story and totally different side of David Baldacci. I would recommend it highly. "
— Karen, 6/29/2011 -
" Good read for summer. A little sad but worth reading. About a widower and his children and a lighthouse. "
— Karla, 6/28/2011 -
" This book if very different from Baldacci's other books. It reminds me of a Nicholas Sparks tear jeaker. Although the story started out depressing and slow, it grabbed me about a third of the way through. Good story about family relationships and redemption. "
— Melanie, 6/27/2011 -
" Wonderful story about a family and its struggles with illness and death. David Baldacci usually writes mystery books, but a great job with this novel. "
— Alice, 6/27/2011 -
" really sappy - a totally brainless Summer book - not even brain-candy - don't even know why I'm listening to this - maybe it's like a "rest" in music, a kind of place-holder "
— Candace, 6/26/2011 -
" I kept looking at the cover. . .who wrote this book? Nicholas Sparks, right? No David Baldacci! Well, it's an ok beach read. I think I prefer Baldacci thrillers set in old town Alexandria, but this one will take you painlessly through a few hours of summer relaxation. "
— Jane, 6/26/2011 -
" If you read "The Last Song" by Nicholas Sparks you will see similarities with the basic plot: a fractured family spends the summer at a beach house dealing with grief. However, there are quite a few hair pin turns and twists in this particular story I certainly did not expect. "
— Anna, 6/26/2011 -
" Wow! May be one of my new all time favorites. Fantastic change Mr. Baldacci! "
— Tara, 6/25/2011 -
" Nice, easy to listen to audiobook about a family dealing with death, loss and going on with life. A love story without sex scenes, no bad language, a different kind of storyline by David Baldacci. "
— Deanna, 6/22/2011 -
" This book is making me cry already! But it is good so far. <br/>I REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK EVEN THOUGH IT WAS SAD. IT MADE YOU APPRECIATE YOUR LIFE A LITTLE MORE AS IT GOES ON AND IT MAKES YOU APPRECIATE THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU. IT WILL MAKE YOU CRY THOUGH. "
— Kari, 6/22/2011 -
" This is unusual for Mr Baldacci. It is a love story and well worth <br/>reading. The story is really good and it is well written. <br/>Put this on your list for the summer but beware this is a real <br/>tear jerker "
— Tom, 6/21/2011
About David Baldacci
David Baldacci is one of the world’s favorite storytellers and a global bestselling author, with twenty-one of his novels making the #1 spot on the New York Times bestsellers list. In 2011 he was inducted into the International Crime Writing Hall of Fame. His books are published in over forty-five languages and in more than eighty countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television. He is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America.
About the Narrators
Ron McLarty is a veteran actor of television, film, and stage as well as an award-winning audiobook narrator. He has more than 100 television appearances to his credit, including as a series regular on Spencer for Hire and Law & Order. His film career began in 1977 with a performance in The Sentinel and continued with such films as The Postman, Flamingo Kid, and, most recently, How Do You Know? His stage credits include Broadway and other productions. He has narrated more than 100 audiobooks, earning nine Earphones Awards and recognition by AudioFile magazine as a Best Voice in Mystery & Suspense in 2009 and 2010. He has twice been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Awards and then won the award in 2001 for Best Mystery Narration. He is also an accomplished playwright and an acclaimed novelist.
Orlagh Cassidy, an American actress of stage, television, and film, is an audiobook narrator who has twice won the prestigious Audie Award for best narration, as well as many AudioFile Earphones Awards. She is a graduate of SUNY at Purchase and a recipient of the Princess Grace Foundation Scholarship. She has been seen on and off Broadway and in films, including Definitely Maybe and Calling It Quits. Her television credits include roles in Law & Order and Sex and the City and as Doris Wolfe on Guiding Light.