In your opinion, what is the most dominant theme in this book?

The main theme in the novel, A Summer to Die, is the cycle of life.... the way that no matter what happens, life goes on. Death is a part of life, but life is for living.... loss is often accompanied by gifts if one is willing to receive them..... nature is a source of regeneration, and memories are to be cherished.

Examples of this theme can be found in Molly's death, the birth of Ben and Maria's child, Will's favorite flower, and Lydia's quilt.

"You can pretend that bad things will never happen. But life's a lot easier if you realize and admit that sometimes they do." (Page 105)

"Mom looked after him with that special fond look she gives to things that are slightly foolish and very lovable. She smiles, and her eyes look as if they can see back into her memory, into all the things that have gone into making a person what they are." (Page 18)

“It's hard to give up the being together with someone.”

“It is so good to have friends who understand how there is a time for crying and a time for laughing, and that sometimes the two are very close together.”

“It wasn't the same. I'm pretty good at making the best of things, but it wasn't the same.”