This is a coming of age book set on Nantucket Island during the summer of 1942. It's the story of Hermie & Dorothy, there is some reference to this actually happening to the author which makes the story so much more interesting. If you're a baby boomer this book will bring you back to a time when things were simpler. Even if you're not a baby boomer it's still a great read and a great movie with Jennifer O'Neill.