There is nothing I love more in the summer than a good summer read, especially a book that takes place over the summer, involves water and a cute boy. Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson has all that and some deeper layers too. Here's the summary:
A powerful novel about hope and heartbreak, “as much about
loss as it is about first love and friendship” (Publishers Weekly,
starred review).
Sandwiched between two exceptional siblings, Taylor Edwards never felt like
she stood out—except for her history of running away when things get too
complicated. Then her dad receives unexpected, terrible news, and the family
makes the last-minute decision to spend the summer together in the cramped
quarters at their old lake house.
Taylor hasn’t been to the summer house since she was twelve, and she
definitely never planned on going back. Up at the lake she is confronted with
people she thought she left behind, like her former best friend, Lucy, and Henry
Crosby, her first crush, who’s all grown up…and a lot cuter. Suddenly Taylor is
surrounded by memories she’d rather leave in the past—but she can’t run away
this time.
As the days lying on the beach pass into nights gazing at the stars, Taylor
realizes she has a second chance—with friends, with family, maybe even with
love. But she knows that once the summer ends, there is no way to recapture what
she stands to lose. From Morgan Matson, the PW Flying Start author of
Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, this is a remarkable novel about hope in
the face of heartbreaking grief.
The book opens with the news that Taylor's dad is terminally ill. The family decides to spend one last summer together at their vacation home on the lake after a five year absence. This is a rich story about family, loss and, ultimately, second chances. I could relate to Taylor's challenging relationships with her family and friends, and I enjoyed spending the summer with her and her family. I especially loved how the boy she crushes on, Henry, was sweet and uncomplicated,
and that the primary obstacle to the relationship was Taylor's own fear and guilt.
A great summer read!
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