Book Review: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Source: Purchased
Rating:  
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository

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. – Goodreads

Review:
As I recently told a few friends, YA contemporary books are often the ones I’m most critical and particular about. I couldn’t say why, as I have read some fantastic ones, but I find myself overlooking many titles for seemingly sounding too dramatic and being full of cliches. Up until a little over a year ago, I hadn’t read many recent contemps, but Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour was one that I ended up giving into and I absolutely loved it. After finishing it, I knew that Morgan Matson was an author who got it right and I eagerly looked forward to her sophomore novel, Second Chance Summer. The result? I got a beautifully written book that made me feel so much.

If you’re looking for a feel good and cutesy summer read…this is not it. There is a romance, and Henry is all sorts of great, but it’s not the focus in any way. There are great friendships and family relationships, but there’s also plenty of heartbreaking moments to go along with them. Morgan Matson handles the relationships and heartbreak with so much honesty. It would be easy to throw in some angst and have that be it, but Matson allows her characters, Taylor especially, to grow from their difficult moments. While their sadness and pain was definitely palpable, their happiness and triumphs were equally so.

Second Chance Summer deals with rebuilding friendships, family ties, love, and loss, and Morgan Matson incorporates all of these themes seamlessly. There was a balance of emotions, from the highs to the lows, that made this such a heartfelt book. I definitely cried plenty while reading it, but I also laughed and smiled until my face ached.

Morgan Matson crafted a beautiful story in Second Chance Summer and she now has a spot in my must-read author list. I can’t wait to read what she writes next — I know it’s a guaranteed quality read.

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