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.

Waiting on Wednesday: fml by Shaun David Hutchison

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

fml
by Shaun David Hutchison
Published by SimonPulse
Publication Date: June 23 , 2013








(from Goodreads)

Tonight’s the night: Simon’s big chance to finally get with Cassie. Cassie, who he’s loved for ages. Cassie, who is newly boyfriend-free. Cassie, who just happens to be throwing the biggest party of the year. Simon’s plan is simple: he’ll go to the party, she’ll fall in love with him, they’ll make out like crazy, and the night will be a complete success.

But things don’t ever go as planned.

In two alternating plotlines, Simon goes after the girl of his dreams and stumbles toward his destiny. It’s one night, one party, and a thousand ways for things to go wrong . . . but a million ways for them to go right.

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This one sounds a little like the movie Can't Hardly Wait and I Love You, Beth Cooper (the book, not a fan of the movie) where expectation outweighs reality. And this is what really has me hooked, 

"It’s one night, one party, and a thousand ways for things to go wrong . . . but a million ways for them to go right."

Oh, the possibilities. This is going to be a good one. I just know it!