Second Chance Summer

By: Morgan Matson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Dates Read: August 27 - September 16
Pages: 468
Source: Own it

Why did I read it?
Morgan Matson has very quickly climbed the list of my favourite authors so I was excited when I found this book in the bargain section.  

Second Chance Summer follows Taylor and her family as they all return to their lake house for their first summer together in five years.  Five years ago, when Taylor was 12, she left a mess behind at their summer home having hurt her best friend and boyfriend.  Now the family is returning to spend one last summer together as her father has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.  

Have you ever read the first chapter of a book and thought "oh shit this is going to make me cry?"  Well, if you haven't before, this book will do it.  From the very beginning you know that Taylor's dad is sick and is not going to get better.  When the family goes to their lake house, their dad encourages them all to live normal lives: to spend time with friends, get jobs, and enjoy the summer.  At first, this is difficult for them to do, but they all slowly fall into it as their father deteriorates.  Taylor has to face the old friends that she hurt long ago and, hopefully, get a second chance with them.  

This book was amazing.  Morgan Matson always has the greatest, realest character development in her books.  From the very beginning Taylor wants to run and hide, an emotion we can probably all empathize with in hard times, but in situations like this running is not an option.  We get to be with her as she stays and struggles and grows.  

In regards to Taylor's dad, well, what an accurate portrayal.  Like Taylor, I have watched my dad be diagnosed and deteriorate quickly.  It is not an easy thing to do, especially when you are young like Taylor is (17).  Her emotions are real and valid and spot on.  We also get to watch her siblings (12 and 20) struggle through the same experience differently.  This is the sort of book that every teenager needs to read.  Someday, we will all face these situations.  Mercifully, we will not all be this young, but we will have friends and neighbours and coworkers who are.  Young people need books like this to help give them a glimpse of these situations to understand the feelings of those affected and how to love and support others when these things happen.  

To say the least, I was right: this book made me sob, but in a good way.  Morgan Matson tapped into something real and true and everyone needs to cry over this book.  After I read this I ate ice cream for dinner and watched Gilmore Girls and had no regrets. 

Rating: 5.5/5

Not only is this a perfect book, but it includes a showing of What About Bob? starring the great Bill Murray, earning it an extra 0.5 stars.  Yes, you heard me right.  More books should highlight Bill Murray films like this one has.  

Recommendation: Every person (teens especially) should read this book.  Yes, there is love weaved in but I don't know that it is as strictly a "girl book" as many other YA summer reads.  I think the situations and the emotions are so real it is worth while for everyone.