Review: IT STARTED WITH GOODBYE by Christina June

IT STARTED WITH GOODBYE

by Christina June

Publication Date: May 9, 2017

Published by Blink/HarperCollins

Pages: 304

Source: Publisher | Purchased

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Synopsis

Sixteen-year-old Tatum Elsea is bracing for the worst summer of her life. After being falsely accused of a crime, she’s stuck under stepmother-imposed house arrest and her BFF’s gone ghost. Tatum fills her newfound free time with community service by day and working at her covert graphic design business at night (which includes trading emails with a cute cello-playing client). When Tatum discovers she’s not the only one in the house keeping secrets, she finds she has the chance to make amends with her family and friends. Equipped with a new perspective, and assisted by her feisty step-abuela-slash-fairy-godmother, Tatum is ready to start fresh and maybe even get her happy ending along the way.

My Thoughts

IT STARTED WITH GOODBYE is a wonderful summer read. It's charming and heartwarming and funny. It was a fast, enjoyable read, and left me with a giant smile on my face.


Before starting IT STARTED WITH GOODBYE, I didn't realize how much I would have in common with Tatum. I once found myself in a similar situation of being an unknowing participant) and could completely understand her feelings of injustice, but also shame. I often felt that Tatum was given a raw deal, so I was happy to cheer for her when something went her way.

What I liked:

•  Abby - She was a good friend to Tatum and came into her life at just the right time - when she needed a friend, someone who hand her back, the most. One of my favorite lines “You’re good people, Tatum,” she said.
• The wise "feisty step-abuela-slash-fairy-godmother" Blanche. She offered insight, perspective, and love to Tatum. She made the unbearable moments more bearable.
• The online friendship/flirtation with SK. It was fun to read their cute back and forth emails and also witness their vulnerability. Their connection was sweet.
• Seeing the growth of the family and all of the amazing things that can happen when they finally take the time to have the difficult conversations and try to understand each other

AND JUST LOOK THIS COVER! I LOVE IT. It is so pretty and it is what drew me to the book in the first place.

Favorite Quotes:

It was Abby’s turn to grasp my shoulder in solidarity. “We should start a club.” 
“The loser club?” 
“How about the Missed Opportunities Club?”
-I love the camaraderie between Tatum and Abby.

“Nothing is immovable, Tatum. Everything is negotiable.” 
I smirked and nodded at the TV. “Did you learn that from The Golden Girls?” 
She smiled back. “It might have been The Facts of Life.” 
-The connection to The Golden Girls was a nice touch (I love that show) and then to mention The Facts of Life (another favorite from back in the day) made it even better.

IT STARTED WITH GOODBYE is a fun summer read. If you like stories about blended families, friendships, and want a happily ever after, then this book may be for you!

Disclaimer:  I received an ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the ARC provided. I've also purchased a finished copy for my personal library. Thoughts and opinions are my own.