This book is kind of dated in some of its pop culture references, yet still relevant in its coming-of-age themes. It does have mature content matter (Raucher definitely didn’t shy away from the sexual thoughts adolescent males might be thinking/saying!), so this novel wouldn’t be for everyone. Overall, Summer of ‘42 was just an average read. But, I can now check “A Novel With a Season in its Title” off of my reading challenge list.

Good writing and characters. I've seen the movie but I think the book is better. Hermie experiences a range of emotions at 15, and being inside his head is hilarious; I laughed out loud. It's summer, he's young, he's in love with a 23 yr old married woman, and his hormones are driving him crazy. He wants to do something important, he wants to be mature and to grow up; most of all he wants to get laid.

OHHHH YEAH 100% great trash!

I loved this book. It was very much like raising my kids again, hearing their thoughts, they way they talk to each other when they l think no one can hear them, and their interactions. I enjoyed the movie after reading the book. Those tiny details that enrich a book weren't really possible in the movie but the director did a very good job being faithful to the book.

3-3.5 stars. A well-written bildungsroman. I read this first when I was 11. The little, old (very little, very old) librarian told my dad I was reading filth. She was pretty much right-the life of a fifteen year old boy. The only thing i remembered about the story from back then was him feeling up the girl's arm in the movie theater.
It gets a three to 3.5 stars because it is well written and poignant. It does have a nostalgic feel and takes you back to that time but what does it say about us as a people who wax nostalgic about an older women taking advantage of a young boy?

I've read this book many times since I found it in the linen closet when I was 12 or so. The characters. The thought process. For once, I could identify with a white kid around my age who, even 45 years previous, still fancied himself the smartest thing in the room, albeit I had no Oscy to back me up.

When people talk about "coming of age", I think of this book.