"A summers reading" summarization
The story unfolds in a sweltering urban neighborhood in New York City during the summer,
with scorching sidewalks and hot weather contributing to the atmosphere. The title, "A
Summer's Reading," highlights the seasonal context. George, a sixteen-year-old, impulsively
quits school due to a perceived lack of respect from teachers. His family faces financial
hardships, with his father working at a fish market and his sister Sophie earning meager
wages. George spends his days alone, occasionally reading old copies of the World Almanac,
and evenings in a small, secluded park.
The neighborhood is characterized by its working-class ambiance, hot urban surroundings,
and subtle resident interactions. George dreams of a stable future with employment, a
home, financial means, a companion, and respect. Mr. Cattanzara, a subway change booth
worker, becomes significant as George admires him for past generosity (giving him spare
change for lemon ice and his overall persona [different and interested in others]). George lies
to Mr. Cattanzara about reading 100 books to gain respect, unintentionally elevating his
standing in the community. However, when Mr. C confronts George about the books, he
cannot name even one, thus exposing his scheme.
George retreats into isolation, but later, overwhelmed by emotions, he runs out to the park
realizing Mr. Cattanzara didn't expose George's lie but kept the mishap a secret and indirectly
contributed to maintaining George's respect within the community. The narrative shows Mr.
Cattanzara's understanding and compassion by not revealing George's dishonesty. later that
summer (or rather at the end of it) George visits the library, symbolizing a commitment to
self-improvement.
The longing for Mr. Cattanzara's respect emerges as a pivotal theme, shedding light on
George's pursuit of validation and social recognition. Furthermore, Mr. Cattanzara's role as a
changemaker transcends its literal definition, embodying a symbolic force that guides George
through transformation.
Bullet points:










Setting: The story unfolds in a sweltering urban neighborhood in New York City
during the summer, creating an atmosphere of heat and tension.
Protagonist:
o George: George, a sixteen-year-old who impulsively quits school due to a
perceived lack of respect from teachers.
 Family: George belongs to a modest family, facing financial
challenges, with his father working at a fish market, and his sister
Sophie struggling with meager wages.
o Mr. Cattanzara: A subway station change booth worker and a respected
figure in the neighborhood, becomes a mentor to George.
Routine: George spends his days alone, cleaning the house, listening to ballgames,
and occasionally reading old copies of the World Almanac.
Neighborhood: The community is depicted as working-class, characterized by "hot &
stony" surroundings and individuals tending to keep to themselves.
Little Park: A symbolic refuge for George, providing solace and a haven for
contemplation amid the urban rigors.
Dreams: George aspires to a future with stable employment, a home with a porch
and yard with trees, financial means, a companion, and the gratification of being
liked and respected.
Deception: George fabricates a story about reading 100 books to gain Mr.
Cattanzara's respect, leading to a positive shift in how the community perceives him.
Exposed: When Mr. Cattanzara asks George about the books, he is exposed, leading
to Geroge locking himself in his room dreading judgment.
Mr. C's consideration: although George's scheme has been exposed to Mr. C, he
decides to keep this mishap for himself, thus maintaining George's reputation. (this is
shown by the positive attitude the neighborhood kept towards George etc.…)
Fin: George, wanting to prove himself, impulsively visits the library, signaling a
newfound commitment to self-improvement through reading.
Understanding questions:
1. Where does the story take place?
2. What choice does George make when he's sixteen, and why does he make it?
3. Tell me about George's family and why they struggle with money. What jobs do his
dad and sister have?
4. What does George do during the day and in the evening?
5. Describe George's neighborhood. What's it like?
6. Why is the "Little Park" important in the story, and what does George think of it?
7. What does George want for his future?
8. What job does Mr. Cattanzara have, and what does George think of him? How did
they know each other when George was a kid?
9. Why does George make up a story about reading 100 books? What happens because
of this story?
10. What happens after Mr. Cattanzara questions George about his reading, and how
does George feel?
11. Did George experience a shift in how his neighbors treated him after the incident
with Mr. Cattanzara (finding out he did not read anything)?
12. What does George do at the end of summer? Where does he go?
Bonus (likely not included in the quiz but enhances a deeper understanding of the story)



Why does George want Mr. Cattanzara to respect him, and what does he do because
of this?
What is the hidden meaning of the name of the story? How does it contribute to the
message of the story and or the change at the end of the story?
What is the role of Mr. C in the story? Can you find a correlation between his job and
his role in George's life? (hint: concentrate on the literal meaning)
Handy URLs:




Audiobook:
a. Part 1
b. Part 2
c. Part 3
Ppt:
a. https://www.slideshare.net/coolmum4u/a-summers-reading
b. Only slides 1 to 12 and 182 to 186.
Deep analysis of the story
Another plot summary