Those Several Summers

In 'Those Several Summers,' Jackie, the narrator, finds herself in the summer of 1984 faced with questions about love, trust, desire, and risk. A chance encounter with Bruce in Portland, Oregon, sets her on a path of self-discovery. Upon returning to her New Jersey home and the man she has been dating, she grapples with choices: which man truly captures her heart? Can she leave behind her familiar life, including her teaching job and home, to embrace something new? Join Jackie on her emotional journey through love, anguish, and joy as she navigates the next few summers of her life in this heartfelt memoir.

Embark on a captivating journey across America in 'Those Several Summers,' where scenic landscapes and cultural experiences set the backdrop for a woman in her 40s torn between desire for change and fear of risk. This gripping narrative takes you from enchanting sites in Oregon and Canada to the familiar setting of southern New Jersey, exploring the complexities of family relationships, love, and choices. At the heart of the story is a compelling dilemma: the protagonist must choose between a summer romance that ignites in Portland and a rekindled connection with the man she left behind in New Jersey. Money further complicates the decision as she weighs financial security against emotional security. With each passing summer, from 1985 to 1987, the protagonist grapples with life-altering decisions. Should she continue in the house where she raised her now-college-aged children and maintain her secure yet exhausting job, or should she take the risk of traveling across the country to start anew in picturesque San Francisco? Can she muster the courage to seize this opportunity, even if it means scraping by for a while? What is it she truly wants? 'Those Several Summers' is a riveting exploration of the human spirit, love, and the pursuit of self-discovery. Join the narrator as she navigates the joys and anguishes of these life-altering choices, questioning her capacity for change and the true nature of love.

Jackie Davis Martin is a prolific author with a diverse body of work. Her third major book, "Those Several Summers," delves into the complexities of life and love. In 2012, she released the heartfelt memoir "Surviving Susan," a poignant exploration of loss. In May 2021, her novel "Stopgaps" captivated readers with its compelling narrative. Jackie's talent extends beyond books; her short stories and essays have graced the pages of anthologies like "Modern Shorts," "Love on the Road," and "Road Stories," as well as various print and online journals. Her literary prowess has earned her recognition, with fiction prizes from esteemed organizations such as New Millennium, On the Premises, and Press 53, among others. With a lifelong dedication to teaching, Jackie has imparted her knowledge of writing and literature at high schools in New Jersey and California, as well as at City College of San Francisco. When she's not writing or teaching, Jackie immerses herself in San Francisco's vibrant cultural scene. She's a regular attendee of the city's Ballet, Opera, Symphony, and Bay Area theater performances. Additionally, she actively engages with writing communities and groups, fostering a vibrant literary environment. Jackie's passion for storytelling and her commitment to the arts make her a captivating and influential figure in the literary world.