“Stella’s Very Special Summer,” a novel by Carol Lunney-Hampson, takes readers on a journey to the summer of 1955 in the Catskill Mountains of New York/Pennsylvania. The story revolves around Stella, an 11-year-old girl who spends her summer with her family in their cabin along the river, trying to save it because of their financial difficulties. The book is a nostalgic trip back to the 1950s and a beautiful exploration of family values and their importance.
From the beginning of the book, it’s clear that family is at the center of everything. Stella’s mother, brother, and younger twin siblings and their dog make the trip to the cabin on the day school lets out in June. They don’t return to town until Labor Day. While the family is not perfect, their love and devotion to each other shine through. When the family falls on hard times and they face the possibility of losing their cabin, they come together to try to find a solution.
One of the ways the family demonstrates their commitment to each other is through their teamwork in the cabin and the fish camp. Stella’s family runs a fish camp and rents out small cabins and row boats. They also sell fish bait to supplement their income. The family works together to ensure everything runs smoothly and is taken care of. Stella helps with everything from cleaning the cabins to selling the bait, and her thirteen-year-old brother even takes on additional responsibilities because their father only able to come to the cabin on weekends.
Another way the book emphasizes the importance of family is through the challenges they face. Stella’s family is not immune to hardship; throughout the book, they face numerous obstacles. From the financial strain caused by the twins’ tonsillectomies to the tragic fire that affects a close family friend, the family is tested time and time again. However, they remain resilient and supportive of each other, even when things get tough.
The family’s most significant challenge was Hurricane Diane, a devastating storm that hit the northeast in August 1955. The hurricane wreaks havoc on the fish camp and the surrounding area, nearly drowning Stella’s mother and causing widespread destruction. The family must work together to survive the storm and pick up the pieces afterward. Through it all, they remained together and united, showcasing the strength and power of a family bond.
The book also emphasizes family time as a crucial element of the summer experience. Stella and her fish camp friends spend their days exploring the river and forest, fishing, and enjoying each other’s company. They take pleasure in the simple things, like picking mayapples and sweet corn, catching earthworms, clippers, and lamprey eels. They also spend their evening’s playing cards or telling fish tales in the dark on a screened-in porch.
The novel portrays the importance of these small moments and simple pleasures in building family relationships. It highlights the need for families to spend quality time together and bond over shared experiences. In a world where everyone is so busy, it’s easy to forget the importance of family time. “Stella’s Very Special Summer” reminds readers that these moments are priceless and to be cherished.
The book also portrays the challenges of family dynamics. Stella’s family is imperfect, and they have disagreements and issues. However, they work through them and become stronger on the other side. It shows that there are challenges, even in the best of families, but overcoming them is possible.
In conclusion, “Stella’s Very Special Summer” is a touching reminder of the importance of family. They remain united and committed to each other through the family’s challenges and obstacles. The book highlights the need for families to work together, spend quality time together, and support each other through the ups and downs of life. It’s a heartwarming and nostalgic tale that will resonate with readers of all ages and remind them of the power and beauty of family.