Book Review: "Bad Summer People" By Emma Rosenblum

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Book cover for Bad Summer People. It is an aerial view of a person sitting on the sand of the beach, facing the waves. There is a gaint hat covering their head and the view of their body except for their arms and hands resting against the sand and their legs resting in the water. The hat has a black and white ring design. The words "bad summer people" is written in pink set against the blue background of the water.

The characters in Emma Rosenblum's book Bad Summer People are indeed bad. Irredeemably so. They're the people you love to hate. Impossibly rich, thin, and beautiful, they're like a train wreck you can't help but gawk at. 

Set on New York's Fire Island, we follow a large cast of characters as they embark on a summer full of tennis, lies, infidelity, and general awfulness. The main action revolves around two married couples: Jason and Lauren, and Sam and Jen. Lonely and perpetually single Rachel and the new tennis pro Robert round out the primary players.

Quite a few other characters populate the novel, but they don't really stand out and are easily forgotten. The exception being Micah, the young bartender with a front-row seat, who is easily the most likable person on the island. 

After an intriguing opening in which a body is discovered at the end of summer, the book takes us back to the beginning of the season. We're gradually introduced to everyone as they travel from New York City to their palatial beach houses, bringing their literal and figurative baggage with them. Over the course of the summer, marital vows are shattered, lots of alcohol is consumed, resentments come to a head, and there may or may not be a murder. 

Bad Summer People is a pure guilty pleasure. An over-the-top (I hope) look at how the other half lives. If you're looking for a quick, breezy read as the summer winds down, this should fit the bill. You won't like any of the characters, but I think that's part of the fun. Read along and enjoy rooting for (or against) them.

By Mary Beth Newbill | Librarian, Southern History Department

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