THE CONTINUATION OF SUMMER DILLON by Sarah Everett

Sarah Everett’s newest middle grade, THE CONTINUATION OF SUMMER DILLON, is another sophisticated venture into science fiction. I experienced it on audio. Amber Dekkers reads the intriguing representation of Summer 2.0 who’s an android continuing the life of deceased 11-year-old Summer Dillon. Dekkers fully realizes contrasts in 2.O’s first-person narration, a complex mix of her AI dispassion, confusion about gaps in her uploads, a more human-like hurt relationship with her sister Alice, and fear that she will go offline before embracing her existence. Gradually Dekkers peels back layers so that 2.0 (and listeners) understand that she is trying to belong in a grieving family and is struggling between continuing Summer’s life or owning her individuality. Dekkers turns up tension with 2.0’s discovery of a duplicitous scientist, her increasing glitching, and family betrayals. Themes of AI versus personhood, ambiguity of ethics, and the enduring quality of love and memories deepen the audio’s warmth and heartbreak. Find out more in the Purchase link below