A Summer Life is a collection of 39 short essays describing Gary Soto’s experience growing up in Fresno, California.
In the 13 vignettes of part I, he tells stories about the simple everyday life in his small neighborhood and the people who he looks up to, particularly his grandfather, who loves his green garden, and his uncle, who served in the Korean War. His parents are working during the day, so Gary has a lot of time exploring the world without supervision: He crosses dangerous roads despite his mother’s warnings, plays on railway tracks, and recklessly rides his bike through the town--which at various points throughout the novel causes him to reflect on his actions, noting that he seems to have an alert guardian angel.
In part II he starts to explore a wider geographical area and recounts how he sought his friends' attention at school. He also notices how his sister and the older girls begin to take an interest in boys, which he does not fully understand until part III, where he covers his teenage years.
After his stepfather, who cares more for TV and beer than Gary and his siblings, moves into his mother’s house, Gary develops a more sinister outlook on his life. His musical taste also changes: While at first, he listened to The Beatles extensively and even sang along to their songs, he now prefers the Rolling Stones because of their rebellious attitude. Seeing many other young adults leave Fresno seeking a better life elsewhere, he develops a plan with his best friend Scott to move out as soon as they turn 18, and to become famous by the age of 20. Eventually, they leave Fresno and go to Los Angeles, thinking about joining the army.
