Review: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

 

 

Title: Second Chance Summer

Genres: Young adult, contemporary, realistic fiction

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing

Publish Date: May 8th, 2012

Page Number:  468

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.

Rating: 5/5 stars

Why is it that every time I read a Morgan Matson book, I can’t put it down and I’ve finished it within a 24-hour period?

Because Morgan Matson is the queen of finding the perfect balance between angst and cuteness. 

Aaaaaand it usually results in my death. (Obviously not literally, but, you know.)

But in all seriousness, this particular one did actually result in my tears. (Thanks a lot Morgan Matson, my grandmother surely thought something was wrong with me.)

But, anyways, let us talk about a couple of the characters…. (Not all of them mind you–I do not want to spoil this beautiful book for any of you!)

Taylor: Our main protagonist. Flawed. Unique, yet also relatable. Definitely not a Mary Sue character, just the way I like it! Taylor went through so much throughout this book, and came through it all. I’m not so sure I would. The strain and heartache and anxiety she goes through throughout the course of the book and she emerges through it all a better person. Which is insane, everything considered. Taylor is an insanely strong character!! She owes a lot of this to….. *drumroll*

 Henry: The next door neighor who has an…. uneasy past with Taylor (Read the book to find out!) He’s just an absolute sweetheart though. You gotta love him. His character has gone through a lot as well, and the fact that none of it turned him into a bitter guy? Bless. Bless him. (Keeping all this vague to avoid spoilers…)

And now a bit about the plot…

This story, while containing romance, isn’t romance-centric. It’s about friends, loss and above all, family. It’s inspiring and sweet, and yet… gut wrenching. The way illness and loss is dealt with in this book is both accurate and raw. I’ve been through circumstances similar to the one Taylor goes through, and let me just say… it was all dealt with in a painfully accurate way. Yet, Ms. Matson mixes in the perfect blend of sweet/cute scenes, along with everyday life, to show that life goes on, despite pain and loss. 

I honestly cannot recommend this book enough to those of you who have yet to pick it up.

 

Farewell, dear readers, and until next time!

Cheers,