Review: Second Chance Summer by Matson Morgan

Second Chance Summer by Matson Morgan

May 8th, 2012 ∙ Simon & Schuster
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 488

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.

Review:

Since reading Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour last year (which by the way was epic!) I’ve been eagerly anticipating Morgan Matson’s next book, so when I heard about Second Chance Summer I freaked! But the question is…did it impress? It certainly did.

Morgan Matson, you are amazing. Whatever you write, not only will I read but the second it’s released I will be running to the nearest book shop, so I can have your hot-off-the-press book in my hands ready to devour the second I get home.

Although I felt for Taylor and what she was going through, I didn't connect with her as much as I would have liked. She was still an awesome character though and so strong. Lucy is lovely, fun, a great friend and overall a wonderful character that I enjoyed getting to know. Henry isn’t your usual YA male interest and I loved that. Not only is he sweet and understanding, but the guy can bake!

A heartbreaking yet beautiful tale that makes you think about your time here on earth and how you should live each moment as if it was your last. It reinforces the fact that you should never take things for granted, no matter how miniscule it may seem, such as a sunrise. I’ll do that then. I’ll do that when. That can wait a bit longer, I’ve got the time. But to be honest, you never know what’s around the corner. Things change and things can change fast, in Taylor’s case it only took 3 weeks for her world to be turned upside down.

A truly, remarkable read.

5/5

P.S - Oh and I suggest you stock up on tissues as I guarantee that tears will be shed. I would know, I cried like a baby.