David’s gift of the Tree of Life necklace, and its symbolic meaning of maturity and responsibility, suggests a major theme within Summer of ‘69. Each of the main characters wrestles with moving away from irresponsible behavior to gain maturity. Kate and her daughters all start the novel with genuine problems. Kate worries for her enlisted son and has painful memories of her first marriage. Blair has unwillingly given up a promising career, and her troubled husband seems to be having an affair. Kirby is hiding her wounds from a difficult breakup and miscarriage. Even Jessie, at only 13, is navigating intense feelings of powerlessness.

Each woman initially chooses to handle her problem through avoidance. Kate uses alcohol to dull her worry and secrecy to smooth over her past, causing her to delay her life with David. Blair indulges in fantasies of regaining her former life, holding out hope that Joey will come and rescue her, even though she’s carrying Angus’s twins. Kirby thinks that a new location will let her forget her former love affair with Scottie, burying herself in work and trips to the beach. Jessie begins shoplifting to create a false sense of control over her fear and anger.