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: I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

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:

I'll Give You the Sun
by Jandy Nelson
Publication Date: September 16, 2014
Published by Dial Books for Young Readers
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(from Goodreads)

A brilliant, luminous story of first love, family, loss, and betrayal for fans of John Green, David Levithan, and Rainbow Rowell

Jude and her brother, Noah, are incredibly close twins. At thirteen, isolated Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude surfs and cliff-dives and wears red-red lipstick and does the talking for both of them. But three years later, Jude and Noah are barely speaking. Something has happened to wreck the twins in different and divisive ways . . . until Jude meets a cocky, broken, beautiful boy, as well as an unpredictable new mentor. The early years are Noah's story to tell. The later years are Jude's. What the twins don't realize is that they each have only half the story, and if they could just find their way back to one another, they’d have a chance to remake their world.

This radiant, fully alive, sometimes very funny novel from the critically acclaimed author of The Sky Is Everywhere will leave you breathless and teary and laughing—often all at once. 

Why I'm Waiting

• I love stories about siblings and books told from dual perspectives.
• For fans of John Green, David Levithan, and Rainbow Rowell - This is me!!
• I'm looking forward to getting to know Jude. She sounds like a character that will be very interesting to read.