Unlike Peck's novels, such as Are You in the House Alone?, Those Summer Girls I Never Met is nostalgic. However, several contemporary problems can be seen in it: the separation of parents and children because of divorce or careers, the difficulty of dealing with the death of a loved one, and the crippling effects of alcoholism. In many respects, the weaknesses of Drew and Stephanie's mother are caused by Connie's abandonment of Drew's mother while she pursued her singing career. Connie is subconsciously making up for this by taking her grandchildren on a cruise.

Connie's approach to her death and her grandchildren's response raises questions about responsibility and dignity. She wants them to know her while she is still strong and not to be with her as her health deteriorates.

Certainly, this wish can reflect a kind of caring—not wanting others to see and...