Everyone’s sorry. But no one can explain why.Harper Scott’s older sister, June, took her own life a week before high school graduation, leaving Harper devastated. So when her divorcing parents decide to split up June’s ashes, Harper steals the urn and takes off cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going—California.Enter Jake Tolan, a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession…and an unknown connection to June. When he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanor and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what Harper needs. Except…Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn her life upside down—again.
There was something about this book and this story that drew me in right from the beginning. I normally don’t read a lot of contemporary but somehow I had to read this one.
And… I’m glad I did!
2 words that normally don’t belong in the same sentence, yet here it does. Harper’s sister June committed suicide and Harper has a hard time dealing with the fact that her sister left her. Home is horrible right now, so she decided to take a Road trip with her best friend and Jake. The Trip is not for running away, no – it is rather Harpers way of dealing with June’s Death. Trying to understand and ..just deal!
I loved loved loved Harper! She was wonderful! June was always the golden child, while Harper was always the black sheep – and with her attitude she supported this even further. After June’s suicide, there is no golden child anymore that stands between her and her mother/parents and suddenly every eye is on Harper. Attention she doesn’t want. Also, no one has a single idea why June would kill herself? Also Harper is struggling but instead of drowning, she decides to do this road trip.
Laney is Harpers best friend and seriously – everyone needs a friend like her! She’s awesome, devoted and she loves Harper the most. The friendship between the girls was phenomenal and I loved the two of them together!
Jake is our mysterious bad boy with good heart! Who doesn’t love this kind of fictional character? The one that is tough from the outside but when it comes to “the” girl his wall breaks? That’s Jake and I loved him! I loved the way he dealt with Harper but also Laney!
The story was heartbreaking but at the same time very funny and sweet and beautiful. This is a story about coping and dealing without drowning and trying to heal….. The voice and the story telling was genuine and perfect. The dialogues funny and the characters perfect! Having lost a sibling myself, I know that the author went a very fine line between dealing respectful with the tough subject but still making you laugh when you needed it.
A wonderful book I can only recommend to everyone, Teen and Adult alike. This is a book that will stick with you and a book that wants to be read!
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I have read a few reviews about this one and after reading yours I am convinced I need to read it too. While I have read a few contemps where the sister dies and have not been too impressed your descriptions of the characters has me sold. Great review!
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Nice review!
My recent post Weekend Quote – New Beginnings
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I couldn't agree with you more Danny. I read this book and as soon as I read the last words I wanted to start over again from the begining. Great review!
You can see my review on GR: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/202034588 (I'm posting it on PW closer to the release date;)
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Sounds like a good read. I have never read a cross country/ road-trip book before, and this one sounds promising! Thanks for the review/giveaway 😀
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This looks so great! It's been awhile since a contemporary YA book has come out that I want to read this badly. Thanks for the giveaway!
kathleenelizabeth@live.com
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Why would I want to read this book? Suicide is very close to home for me at all times. I always want to be reminded of what it's like for those left behind. And YOU gave this a 5. I want to read it.
Heather
hrose2931(at)gmail(dot)com
My recent post Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn
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I've definitely been wanting to read this one! Thanks for the giveaway op!
Smiles!
Lori
serena423[@]yahoo.com
Happy Halloween!
My recent post Welcome!
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I think this raises important issues and I desperately want to read it!
lauradunks at googlemail dot com
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I can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the review.
Melanie.M.McCullough(at)gmail(dot)com
My recent post Recent Reads – Skeleton Lake
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I've read some awesome reviews on this one and Harper sounds like a character I would love. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!
My recent post Book Review: Shut Out by Kody Keplinger {Kick-Off Review for Just Contemporary}
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I have been wanting to read more contemporary!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Sayomay
tirnanog77@gmail.com
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This book sounds great. I like the unique storyliniine! Your review really makes me want to read this book!
Can't wait to read it!
~Jess
http;//thesecretdmsfilesoffairdaymorrow.blogspot.com
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Yikes! Trouble with my computer… meant to say storyline. 🙂
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