Book Review: Second Chance Summer


Title: Second Chance Summer
Author: Morgan Matson

Synopsis:

Taylor Edwards’ family might not be the closest-knit—everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled—but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor’s dad gets devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer all together at their old lake house 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 best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend…and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.

As the summer progresses and the Edwards become more of a family, they’re more aware than ever 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.
Thoughts on the Book
There are two kinds of books that always leave a good mark on me: a book that can make me laugh and a book that can make me cry like there's no tomorrow.

Second Chance Summer falls on the latter category. This really made me cry. I am just so affected. it wasn't just about love story but also about family and second chances. I didn't put it down until I finished it. By the time I was finished, it was already past 1:00 in the morning and though it's still dark, I know that my eyes were puffy when I slept.

TAYLOR EDWARDS. She's a teenage girl who is always afraid to confront her problems and instead, she always run away. When her  father decided to go back to Pocono for their summer vacation, she had the urge to flee again. Only this time, she was town between wanting to spend time with her father and wanting to spend time at their home because she's afraid to see her former bestfriend and her ex-boyfriend.

LUCY. I guess Taylor is not the only one to blame in the rift between her relationship with Lucy. She could have let Taylor explained first before judging her. Plus she wasn't even that serious with Henry so why did she let him some between them? She could have phoned Taylor or something. Taylor's only fault is that she didn't explain herself to Henry.

HENRY. The moment he met Taylor again, I knew that he still love her. I know that he still has reservations towards her and I can't blame him. I was glad that he was there when Taylor needed him the most.

WARREN. He's such a smart ass. He loves trivia and I find it funny every time he inserts trivia every time he's  talking to someone. I find it cute when Taylor set him up on a date with Wendy when he can't find the nerves to do so.

GELSEY. She's very focused on what she does and somehow along the way forgot to make friends. So when they were on a summer vacation, Taylor introduced her to Nora and they became friends instantly.

MR. ROBIN EDWARDS. I love this man. I love how he still find time to be with his family even though he works full time.  I love his project for his family. I know that even though he doesn't say it, Taylor is his favorite. I love their breakfasts together and it's so heartbreaking when he's still going with her even though he can't eat any more that a toast of bread. He spent his last precious moment on Earth making memories for his family to cherish.

I know that we can't turn back time to change the decisions we have made but if we are lucky enough, we are given second chances. If you're one of those lucky ones, grab the opportunity. Spend time with your loved ones, do the things you love to do and make every moment count.

Quotable Quotes
Lucy: You want to know something about gymnastics?

Taylor: Always.
Lucy: The thing is that people only get hurt - really hurt - when they're trying to play it safe. That's when people get injured, when they pull back at the last second because they're scared. They hurt themselves and other people.
***
"One thing I learned about what happened when you stick around - it usually seemed that other people were willing to stick by you as well."

Rating: 5/5

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