Summer and the City
#2 of 3 in The Carrie Diaries Series
on Goodreads (15,947)
What’s inside...
Summer is a magical time in New York City and Carrie is in love with all of it—the crazy characters in her neighborhood, the vintage-clothing boutiques, the wild parties, and the glamorous man who has swept her off her feet. Best of all, she's finally in a real writing class, taking her first steps toward fulfilling her dream. This sequel to The Carrie Diaries brings surprising revelations as Carrie learns to navigate her way around the Big Apple, going from being a country 'sparrow'—as Samantha Jones dubs her—to the person she always wanted to be. But as it becomes increasingly difficult to reconcile her past with her future, Carrie realizes that making it in New York is much more complicated than she ever imagined. With her signature wit and sparkling humor, Candace Bushnell reveals the irresistible story of how Carrie met Samantha and Miranda, and what turned a small-town girl into one of New York City's most unforgettable icons, Carrie Bradshaw.
Character compass
Carrie Bradshaw
Miranda Hobbes
Samantha Jones
Discussion points
How do the characters' experiences in 'Summer and the City' relate to their friendships and personal growth?
What challenges does the protagonist face and how does she overcome them?
Can you identify any moments in the story where the characters had to make tough decisions? What would you have done in their place?
How do the settings in the city influence the story and the characters' actions?
What lessons do you think the story offers about independence and pursuing your dreams?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about how their own experiences relate to the story. Ask them to consider what they might learn from the characters' successes and mistakes. Highlight the significance of friendship, resilience, and determination showcased in the book. Discuss the vibrant setting of the city and how it might impact the mood and adventures of the characters. Lastly, inspire them to share their thoughts on how they might handle similar situations the characters faced.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Independence and self-discovery
Explanation: The protagonist navigates new experiences and challenges in the city, learning to rely on her own judgment and abilities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of forming their own opinions and making decisions, helping them become more self-reliant and confident.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the importance of supportive friendships is highlighted as the characters face various challenges together.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to cultivate strong, healthy relationships and offer support to friends in need.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and resilience
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey showcases how she adapts to unexpected situations and overcomes obstacles, showcasing her resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace change and recover from setbacks, reinforcing their ability to adapt to new environments or situations.
Example Lesson: Pursuing dreams and goals
Explanation: The characters in the book are driven by their aspirations and work hard to achieve them, demonstrating determination and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to set their own goals and persistently work towards achieving them, despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: Understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: Interactions among characters from different backgrounds offer insights into diverse viewpoints and lifestyles.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate and respect cultural diversity, enhancing their social awareness and empathy.