Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Release Date: June 7, 2012
Publisher: Simon and Schuster UK
Rating: All Time Favourite

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. - Goodreads

This is going to be a difficult review to write, and I honestly don't think I can put my feelings across very well when it comes to Second Chance Summer. I loved it so much, and it really touched my heart. I'll try not to get all sappy, because that would just be uncomfortable for you to read!

Firstly, this is a perfect summer read. It's set in Pennsylvania, and while I don't know much about it, it would seem that it has wonderful weather, mountains, scenery and lakes! Morgan Matson does an excellent job of describing the setting, and I felt like I was there on the dock with Taylor and her family.

Taylor was an amazing main character, and I don't often say this about female protagonists, as they often get on my nerves. Her personality shined through the pages, and it was a wonderful personality at that. She wasn't one of those FMCs that whinged and whined. She dealt with everything that was thrown at her, and I have so much respect for her for doing so.

Her relationship with Henry was perfect. I don't know what else to say about it. Their scenes were flawless. Henry was wonderful, and everything that I love in a MMC and love interest.

So, onto the tougher stuff. Taylor's dad has pancreatic cancer, and it's untreatable. He's been given just a few months to live. I was a bit hesitant about requesting and reading this book, because my Nanny died of cancer and it is a subject that almost always affects me when I read about it, or experience it through movies or TV. That said, Morgan Matson dealt with it brilliantly. I couldn't have asked for more.

I sobbed throughout the last forty or so pages. My heart broke for Taylor and her family, and I'm tearing up* a bit just thinking of it now. Not many books have this effect on me, but this one seemed to evoke such feelings in me... I can't explain it.

Obviously, the whole theme of this book is second chances, and I loved the way that this tied in with absolutely everything. Friendships, relationships, life, time with family and everything else and more.

Morgan Matson is such a gifted writer. I now know why everyone guses about Amy & Roger, because her writing style is brilliant, and the way she creates and tells a story is just... She is someone that I now greatly look up to, and someone who, as a novice writer, I would aspire to be like.

I'm not sure if this is a book that I would read again and again, but it's definitely one that I would recommend to every single one of you.

*Tearing up 'a bit' is one hell of an understatement. I just full on burst into tears.