From the Flying Start author of Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, a powerful novel about hope in the face of heartbreak. Taylor Edwards’ family might not be the closest-knit—everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled—but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor’s dad gets devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer all together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains.
Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend…and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.
As the summer progresses and the Edwards become more of a family, they’re more aware than ever that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance—with family, with friends, and with love.
(Summary from GoodReads)
Even though Second Chance Summer got rave reviews from bloggers that I trust, I was wary of it. Some books that deal with terminal illnesses do an exceptional job, whereas others make me want to throw breakable objects. When I saw with a copy at ALA and she pointed out that Morgan Matson was signing less than five feet away from me, I knew it was time for me to buy the book. About a week before I graduated, I decided that I needed to pick up a summer book and selected Second Chance Summer. Matson wrote a touching, human story that I stayed up until 2 a.m. while crammed in my small bathroom to finish.
It’s hard to pin down exactly what makes Second Chance Summer such a great book. While I suspected I might like this one, I failed to see how quickly I would connect with it. Matson wrote an exceptional story, and it’s part of what compelled me to read late into the night.
If you haven’t already figured it out, Matson’s sophomore novel left me feeling tight-chested and teary-eyed. I can see where some readers might not connect with Taylor, but I empathized with her, as well as the entire Edwards family. When she was making her decisions, I couldn’t help but think, “I would probably do the exact same thing. And it would hurt.”
I can’t adequately express how much I loved this book. It was precisely what I wanted when I read it and blew me out of the water. Even if this book sounds too sad or too much like a Sarah Dessen novel for your tastes, give it a shot. Second Chance Summer confirms that Morgan Matson is a brilliant writer, and I’ll be picking up soon, not to mention all future works.
Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book.
I've never, ever cried harder at a book. Ever. Beautifully written review, Liz.
ReplyHonestly, I was going to pass on this book until I read your review. Great job, Liz!
Reply(By the way, it's been a while since I've visited any blogs, and I LOVE your new design!)