Review: THE SUMMER OF BROKEN THINGS by Margaret Peterson Haddix

THE SUMMER OF BROKEN THINGS

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Publication Date: April 10, 2018

Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

Pages: 400

Source: Media Masters Publicity

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Synopsis

Fourteen-year-old Avery Armisted is athletic, rich, and pretty. Sixteen-year-old Kayla Butts is known as “butt-girl” at school. The two girls were friends as little kids, but that’s ancient history now. So it’s a huge surprise when Avery’s father offers to bring Kayla along on a summer trip to Spain. Avery is horrified that her father thinks he can choose her friends—and make her miss soccer camp. Kayla struggles just to imagine leaving the confines of her small town.

But in Spain, the two uncover a secret their families had hidden from both of them their entire lives. Maybe the girls can put aside their differences and work through it together. Or maybe the lies and betrayal will only push them—and their families—farther apart.

My Thoughts

I first found the THE SUMMER OF BROKEN THINGS appealing because of it's cover and the title. If I saw this book in the bookstore, it is one that I would catch my eye and I would have to check it out. This winter had felt brutal and I needed a book about summer, a little pick me up.

THE SUMMER OF BROKEN THINGS is the first book that I read by Margaret Peterson Haddix and I really enjoyed her writing style with alternating perspectives. Each chapter has a short header that sets the tone of each girl's experience. 

Avery and Kayla couldn't seem more different - partly because of their ages 14 and 16, respectively, but mostly because of their upbringing. Both girls are taken out of their comfort zones in the midst of discovering this new family secret. Their summer vacation becomes about acceptance and finding comfort where it is least expected. 

It's a story of class and privilege, self-discovery and self-reliance, family and friendships. Haddix really tackles it all in this engrossing story that left my heart feeling full.

THE SUMMER OF BROKEN THINGS is definitely a worth-while read. It is full of the angst and ache and personal growth that I like in young adult contemporary. I'm looking forward to reading other books by this new-to-me author.

Disclaimer: I received this e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review: OUR OWN PRIVATE UNIVERSE by Robin Talley

OUR OWN PRIVATE UNIVERSE

by Robin Talley

Publication Date: January 31, 2017

Published by Harlequin Teen

Pages: 384

Source: Media Masters Publicity

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Synopsis

Fifteen-year-old Aki Simon has a theory. And it's mostly about sex. 

No, it isn't that kind of theory. Aki already knows she's bisexual—even if, until now, it's mostly been in the hypothetical sense. Aki has dated only guys so far, and her best friend, Lori, is the only person who knows she likes girls, too. 

Actually, Aki's theory is that she's got only one shot at living an interesting life—and that means she's got to stop sitting around and thinking so much. It's time for her to actually do something. Or at least try. 

So when Aki and Lori set off on a church youth-group trip to a small Mexican town for the summer and Aki meets Christa—slightly older, far more experienced—it seems her theory is prime for the testing. 

But it's not going to be easy. For one thing, how exactly do two girls have sex, anyway? And more important, how can you tell if you're in love? It's going to be a summer of testing theories—and the result may just be love.

My Thoughts

OUR OWN PRIVATE UNIVERSE - oh, what can I say about this book - is everything. 

It's not only a story about falling in love, testing theories, exploring sexuality.

It's about youth activism and advocacy and using your voice - and finding the courage to be true to yourself to be true toward others. 

It's about making huge life decisions, independent decisions and taking in consideration the consequences of those decisions.

It's about friendships and how they change and evolve, and it's about jealousy and betrayals.

It's a story about acceptance - of family, of society, of self.

But yes, most of all, it's a story about love - beautiful, scary, overwhelming, real love.

And all of this happens in one summer. 

Robin Talley does take on a lot of issues in OUR OWN PRIVATE UNIVERSE, but everything does happen simultaneously and life events aren't separate from world events. Nothing exists in a vacuum. Everything is connected in some way affecting us, shaping who we are. 

What I liked:

• Aki was a stargazer "In that moment, it felt like we were the entire world. Just me and those gorgeous stars." (pg. 24)
• Aki's relationship with her brother and their need to be honest with each other - their bond was special
• Aki understood the responsibility of taking her physical relationship with Christa further- and how this wasn't presented as shameful 

Favorite Quote:

" ... I had this theory.

Granted, all I ever had were theories. That was the whole problem. My life, all fifteen years of it had all been about the hypothetical and never about the actual." (pg. 11)

I loved Aki and her curiosity and her willingness to take chances and be brave and explore her relationships and use her voice. I truly adored this book. I know that it is one that I will come back to again and reread because once just won't be enough.

Disclaimer:  I received this ARC from Media Masters Publicity in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the ARC provided. Quotes used here may differ from the final published version. Thoughts and opinions are my own.