Summer Fridays - by Suzanne Rindell (Paperback)

About the Book

"Summer of 1999. Twenty-something Sawyer is balancing a new city, her suddenly-distant fiancâe, her assistant job in publishing, and making a mark with her own writing. When she meets Nick, boyfriend to her fiancââe's all-too-close female colleague--seriously, since when is karaoke part of staying late to work on a case?--Sawyer's lonely summer in New York takes an unexpected turn. At first she finds Nick salty and smug, and he finds Sawyer stuck in her own head. When Nick seeks out Sawyer online to apologize for said saltiness and smugness-- the early days of AOL and instant messenger banter ensue--a friendship develops. As their relationship evolves, and Sawyer finds herself increasingly alone in her hot apartment, she and Nick begin an unofficial ritual: exploring New York City every 'Summer Friday'"--

Book Synopsis

You've Got Mail for a new generation, set in the days of AOL and instant messenger banter, about a freshly engaged editorial assistant who winds up spending her "summer Fridays" with the person she least expects

Summer 1999: Twentysomething Sawyer is striving to make it in New York. Between her assistant job in publishing, her secret dreams of becoming a writer, and her upcoming wedding to her college boyfriend, her is plate full. Only one problem: She is facing an incredibly lonely summer as her fiancé has been spending longer and longer hours at work . . . with an all-too-close female colleague, Kendra.

When Kendra's boyfriend, Nick, invites Sawyer to meet up and compare notes about their suspicions, the meeting goes awry. She finds Nick cocky and cynical, and he finds her stuck in her own head. But then Nick seeks out Sawyer online to apologize, and a friendship develops.

Soon, Sawyer's lonely summer takes an unexpected turn. She and Nick begin an unofficial ritual--exploring New York City together every summer Friday. From hot dogs on the Staten Island Ferry and Sea Breezes in a muggy East Village bar to swimming at Coney Island, Sawyer feels seen by Nick in a way that surprises her. He pushes her to be braver. To ask for what she wants. Meanwhile, Sawyer draws Nick out of his hard shell, revealing a surprisingly vulnerable side. They both begin living for their Friday afternoons together.

But what happens when the summer is over?

Summer Fridays is a witty and emotional love letter to New York City that also captures the feeling of being young and starting out, uncertain what to do on your summer Friday. It's also perfect for readers who remember when "going online" meant tying up the phone line, and the timeless thrill of seeing a certain someone's name in your inbox.

Review Quotes

"Rom-com perfection."
--People, "Best Reads of Summer 2024"

"A nostalgic, heart-pounding coming-of-age tale... Rindell perfectly captures the thrilling, butterfly-inducing feeling of falling in love against a background of sultry summer nights in the bustling city. She explores the complexities of wanting what you can't have and pushing past feelings of settling for less... Heartbreaking and romantic in some parts, downright swoonworthy in others."
--Kirkus (starred review)

"[A] lovely, nostalgia-tinged romance. Readers will be entranced."
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Summer Fridays is absolute gut-wrenching heart-swooning storytelling perfection. I loved every subtle twist and turn of this book."
--Annabel Monaghan, bestselling author of Same Time Next Summer

"In this pacey, emotional novel, Suzanne Rindell perfectly captures the essence of summer in New York City at the turn of the 21st century. With the wit and depth of all the best Nora Ephron movies, this love story is not to be missed."
--Jill Santopolo, New York Times bestselling author of The Light We Lost

"Summer Fridays is both a love letter to New York City and a nostalgic glimpse back to the cellphone-free nineties. In this absorbing novel about a pivotal summer of longing, betrayal, and the desire to feel connected, a young publishing assistant needs to decide if she will follow the path others expect of her or if she'll go after something--and someone--infinitely more fulfilling. A wonderfully satisfying read!"
--Amy Poeppel, author of The Sweet Spot

"I could not put down Suzanne Rindell's delightful romance, which brought me back, in the most charming way, to the 1990s. A sweet, nostalgic coming of age tale."
--Joanna Rakoff, bestselling author of My Salinger Year

"When publishing assistant Sawyer suspects her fiancé is cheating on her with Nick's girlfriend, the betrayal forges an unexpected connection. Exquisitely observed by Suzanne Rindell, Sawyer and Nick's forbidden romance blossoms over one unforgettable summer in a steamy New York City. Equal parts hopeful and heartbreaking, the outcome of this unique love story kept me guessing up to the very last page. Summer Fridays is the perfect way to spend your Summer Fridays!"
--Georgia Clark, author of Island Time

About the Author

Suzanne Rindell is the author of four novels: The Other Typist, which has been translated into twenty languages, Three-Martini Lunch, Eagle & Crane, and The Two Mrs. Carlyles.