Windchill Summer

by Norris Church Mailer

Book Overview

Cherry Marshall is the tallest, gawkiest, most unwittingly beautiful girl ever to come out of Sweet Valley, Arkansas. Her father's a deacon at the First Apostolic Holiness Church of God -- a real... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345435338
• ISBN13: 9780345435330
• Release Date: July 2001
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.5" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Oprah are you listening???

What an amazing first novel from Norris Church Mailer! I hope she has another book coming soon. This book was amazing in so many ways... It definitely had me on the edge of my seat. And I loved the way each chapter was spun by a different character. It really made the entire novel come together in the end. Normally, I would tire of all the details, but she told the story in such a refreshing manner that it had me hungry for more. I had a hard time putting it down! I'm almost sorry that I'm done with the book as I can't imagine my next read being that spell binding. The book has so many plot twists and interesting characters, I would recommend this book to men and women alike. Kudos to Church Mailer -- I hope to read more from you -- and soon!

An author I will search out again and again!

Windchill Summer takes place in Arkansas during the Viet Nam era. As Mailer spins her tail she allows the characters to voice their perspective by presenting each chapter in the words of someone different, allowing the story to slowly unfold. One of the characters is found dead along the way and that adds a bit of mystery. The author very cleverly goes back in time allowing even the dead to present their story. Most important of all she does this with such skill that it is never confusing. Mailer's transition between times and characters is smooth and effortless. Her characters are steeped in their values and misconceptions about religion, the war and each other. Characters that are so real and complete that you feel like they are your personal friends. By the end we know the whole story while some of the main characters will never know everything that we have seen through other peoples eyes. Mailer has weaved an incredible tapestry about life in a small southern town that brings us back to Viet Nam for glimpses of the "My Lai Massacre" under the command of Lt. Cally, the Viet Cong, and the frailty of the killing machines that used to be the boys next door. The portrayal of Mailer's characters is so well done that I hated to leave them behind on the pages of her book.....Kelsana

WINDCHILL SUMMER Takes You Back in Time

There has been so much revisionist history about the 1960s -- and especially the anti-war movement -- that it's refreshing to read a book that feels right. Mailer nails the tumult and joy and confusion and fear that marked the era.She also has a wonderful sense of place and character. After reading this book, I know what it feels like to be tall, thin and Southern, even though I'm not.

Encore!

Norris Church's conversational writing style makes this an entertaining read. Forgotten trends like white lipstick and ironed hair draw the reader back to a time that seemed simpler on the surface, but Church's excellent character development and intriguing plot reveal what growing up in the 60's was really like. Her chapters on Vietnam are extremely realistic, and make the reader realize there is more to Norris Church's talent than could be contained in this engaging debut novel.

A fine summer read!

Windchill Summer should be read by everyone who likes to know characters in an intimate way. They are described to the reader in fine detail and whether you like them or not, you cannot help but realized that within each of them, there too lies a piece of yourself. The setting of the story - Sweet Valley, Arkansas and Vietnam - is detailed in intimate detail as well. Sweet Valley in 1969 is a place of southern serenity yet it too is capable of displaying the dark side of humanity. In 1969 Vietnam, Norris Church Mailer has written of the horrors of a war in which no one should forget. At times I felt she could have left a few details out. However, I needed to be reminded of the horrible atrocities that took place.