Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Published by Simon and Schuster
Taylor's family might not be the closest-knit – everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled – but for the most part, they get along fine. Then they get news that changes everything: Her father has pancreatic cancer, and it's stage four – meaning that there is basically nothing to be done. Her parents decide that the family will spend his last months together at their old summerhouse 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 summer best friend is suddenly around, as is her first boyfriend. . . and he's much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.
As the summer progresses, the Edwards become more of a family, and closer than they've ever been before. But all of them very aware 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.
Published by Simon and Schuster
Taylor's family might not be the closest-knit – everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled – but for the most part, they get along fine. Then they get news that changes everything: Her father has pancreatic cancer, and it's stage four – meaning that there is basically nothing to be done. Her parents decide that the family will spend his last months together at their old summerhouse 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 summer best friend is suddenly around, as is her first boyfriend. . . and he's much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.
As the summer progresses, the Edwards become more of a family, and closer than they've ever been before. But all of them very aware 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.
***
I loved this book. It is a perfect example of the type of book I crave once summer gets near to put me in the mood for my summer holidays. It's a light and easy read with characters you can relate to and its both heart warming and heart breaking at the same time. Perfect!
There were several things I liked about this book.
I loved the relationship between Taylor and the wonderfully gorgeous Henry. I really enjoyed seeing them bond and rediscover the friendship they had lost all those year previously
I really liked the family dynamic in this book. Taylor isn't close with her family but not in a dysfunctional way. I can get a bit frustrated with books where the sisters in it are always the best of friends because if anything (and speaking for experience here) isn't it true that teenagers hate their siblings when they are young??
The thing that makes this book standout for me is the way in which it deals with loss in that it doesn't shy away from it and confronts head on the slow and agonising way in which Taylor has to watch her father slowly leave her in a really drawn out process. I must admit by the end of the book I was reading it with a lump in my throat.
All in all a perfect read for your summer holidays with real depth which you will want to devour in one sitting.
There were several things I liked about this book.
I loved the relationship between Taylor and the wonderfully gorgeous Henry. I really enjoyed seeing them bond and rediscover the friendship they had lost all those year previously
I really liked the family dynamic in this book. Taylor isn't close with her family but not in a dysfunctional way. I can get a bit frustrated with books where the sisters in it are always the best of friends because if anything (and speaking for experience here) isn't it true that teenagers hate their siblings when they are young??
The thing that makes this book standout for me is the way in which it deals with loss in that it doesn't shy away from it and confronts head on the slow and agonising way in which Taylor has to watch her father slowly leave her in a really drawn out process. I must admit by the end of the book I was reading it with a lump in my throat.
All in all a perfect read for your summer holidays with real depth which you will want to devour in one sitting.
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