REVIEW: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

 

Author: Hannah Harrington

Pages: 336

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Harlequin

AMAZON: Saving June

Release Date: 22nd November 2011

Saving June was kindly provided to me by Netgalley for Harlequin

Synopsis (Goodreads)

When her older sister commits suicide and her divorcing parents decide to divide the ashes, Harper Scott takes her sister's urn to the one place June always wanted to go: California. On the road with her best friend, plus an intriguing guy with a mysterious connection to June, Harper discovers truths about her sister, herself and life.

REVIEW: 4 out of 5 stars

Saving June is the story of Harper Scott and the personal journey she undertakes to cope with the grief and loss of her older sister June who committed suicide.

Harper is a junior in high school who has been used to living in her sister June's shadow, they have had their ups and downs but Harper never expected her sister to take her own life, she is left numb and hasn’t been able to grieve her sisters loss – she hasn’t cried, she feels angry and confused and left seeking answers.

Harper’s parents are divorced and have made the decision to split June’s ashes, a disbelieving Harper takes the situation into her own hands and decides June’s final resting place should be in California where her hopes and dreams had always been. So with her best friend Laney and the mysterious and handsome music loving Jake Tolan they make the mile long road trip.

Jake loves music! it is literally an obsession, his knowledge and passion and the way he relates to the songs lyrics are his outlet and a way to connect to others and his emotions. Music is a constant theme throughout the book, I enjoyed the scenes which made comparisons with certain songs; it was perfect for each moment – I also liked the playlist at the end.

There are certainly some interesting events that happen on their road trip – protests, mosh-pits, tour bus visits, new friends and places, teen pregnancy, revelations and reflections and a budding new romance. It was go go go right to the very end and the different emotions portrayed throughout the book gives you a sense of what the main protagonist is going through and feeling.

What a strong character we have in Harper! she is determined and no push-over whatsoever, I really liked her as a character although at times she was quite cynical and rude. The close bond she shares with her best friend Laney who is her polar opposite was portrayed in a very real sense, they have their differences but they are understanding of each others needs and complement one another well.

The romance between Harper and Jake progressed at a realistic pace, there were a few moments which had me sighing, the dialogue and sarcasm between them was witty and smart, Jakes sports a bad-boy image but underneath he is caring and sweet.

Saving June is sure to make you laugh and cry as well as make you weak-kneed with some of the more romantic scenes; the emotions this book evokes are strong and leaves you thinking long after you have finished it.

I think I enjoyed Saving June so much because it flowed perfectly. Hannah Harrington’s writing style completely absorbed me and I literally devoured it in one sitting. It is wonderful realistic YA fiction; it is an emotional story of grief, change, love and life that is beautifully written.

 

Obtained: Netgalley