Welcome back to Standalone Saturday. In this meme, I feature a book that does NOT have a sequel or a prequel. Today, I'm writing about...
Saving June
by Hannah Harrington
Harlequin Teen
November 2011
Source: bought from Barnes and Noble
Mature content: Sex, drugs, smoking and drinking. But depicted responsibly!
I'd heard a lot of great word-of-mouth recommendations about this book, and had to check it out for myself.
I loved it! Saving June takes some great YA themes (sibling rivalry, a road trip, and salvation through music) and blends them into an inspired, irresistible re-mix.
Harper Scott has always played the part of "bad" sibling to a tee, and she slips even deeper into that role after her seemingly perfect elder sister commits suicide weeks before high school graduation.
Harper's parents, newly divorced, inform Harper that they'll be splitting up June's ashes. A horrified Harper enlists her wild child BFF and a mysterious, attractive funeral guest and sets off on a spontaneous cross-country drive to give June what she always dreamed of -- a trip to California.
Yes, some of this is a tad implausible, but so what? It's also fabulously fun. And sad. And hilarious. The characters will steal your heart. Harper's anger masks her confusion and guilt. Jake, the bad boy with eclectic musical taste, won't reveal his mysterious connection to June. Laney's a bombshell with a heart of gold. I could absolutely see this story making it to the big screen. It's one part High Fidelity, one part Thelma and Louise and one part Rebel Without a Cause.
If you've already read this book and loved it, why not try:
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Great review. I'll have to check this book out. It sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteI can work past the implausible. Sounds like one to add to the TBR list! Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Every book needs at least a touch of implausibility!
DeleteAwesome review! I have heard this is a great book. I will have to try to and get to it at some point.
ReplyDeleteGreat review I definitely want to read this book. It's already in my TRB list. Saving June sounds really awesome. It's very interesting that Harper and Laney let Jake come along on the roadtrip but I'm sure it had to do with his looks lol. Oh and I so want to know how Jake knew June and why she committed suicide. I see there are a lot of heavy issues written throughout the book, but that just makes it more real and honest and beautiful. I know I will love Saving June when I finally get to it.
ReplyDeleteOMG I loved this book!
ReplyDeleteI really liked this book too! "Salvation thru music" is def. one of my fave themes as well:) Plus I LOVE it when Harper faces off with the pierced up guy at the music show! When I read that scene I was like "Heck yes! I love this book":) Pretty good for a book w/ such serious subject matter. Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteI have not heard of SAVING JUNE before. Who cares about implausible, if the story draws you in?
ReplyDeleteI agree!
DeleteSo glad you enjoyed this one! I LOVE LOVE LOVED IT! I cried like crazy. Though the road trip part might have been a bit implausible, the rest of the story was very realistic. All of Harper's thoughts and feelings dealing with loss were very similar to things I went through. I'm not a huge realistic fiction fan, as you know I love my paranormal, but I was so happy I gave this a try. Definitely one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteI know you're all about the paranormal. If you loved this book, it's a keeper!
DeleteIf this book has elements that make you compare it to Amy and Roger--then I think I have to read it. I loved that book!
ReplyDeleteShanan
http://www.thebookaddictnet.blogspot.com/
It's a little similar in that both main characters face a tragic loss and go on a road trip. Saving June is a little edgier, but both are fantastic books!!
DeleteI could've sworn I'd already seen you review this a couple months ago! Today's just a crazy day - I felt the exact same thing an hour ago on another blog. Are you guys playing with me??
ReplyDeleteNope, wasn't me. I just read it last week. Either a) you are psychic or b) just confused :)
DeleteGreat review! :) I've had this one on my TBR for awhile, but have been looking for the motivation to get a copy. Thanks! ;)
ReplyDelete