SECOND CHANCE SUMMER by Morgan Matson
3/5
The plot is not something as new and not extraordinary. In fact, it has the common theme of family, love and friendship drama. Just the heavy topic of death hovering the lead page. But the simplicity of how it is written, of how it is centered on one place, made the story personal, heart-melting even.
It mainly focused on the family aspect. While struggling to accept the fact that a loved-one might be gone in 3 months or four, the whole Edwards family went back to their old summer house in Lake Phoenix, after 5 long years. Mom, Dad, Big brother Warren, Little sister Gelsey and Mid-child Taylor. All were used to the comforts of the city and their individual busy lives there that when they found out that Dad has stage 4 cancer, it was decided that they should spend the summer, the "maybe-last summer" together in the familiar and homey place of their lakehouse.
Unwillingly, Taylor, was half-heartedly dragged home due to some personal reasons. She left some unfinished business 5 years ago, and would not want to confront her fears. It allegedly involved Lucy, her former bestfriend, and Henry, her first love. Now that she came back, meeting them was inevitable. But the fact that Taylor knew she was the one at fault before, she had to make some amends and rekindle the friendships.
The summer was just like any summer. Beach, dock, movies under the stars, bicycle rides, flip-flops, kisses, falling stars, ice cream and cake and more. But the best thing about Taylor's summer was the chance that she got to make all things right. With her family, especially with her dad. I love the scenes when they sneak out to have their quality time, like breakfasts and getting to know each other questions. I really loved that! I was overwhelmed with the fact that they get to say their respective goodbyes. That while facing and accepting death is not an easy thing to handle, the whole family faced it together. They had the best last summer together!
Henry and Lucy and Warren and Gelsey and other sub characters made the story more interesting. I was just quite disappointed on how the revelation of Taylor's not wanting to go back because of what happened 5 years ago turned out. I just thought it was that silly. But when i come to think of it, it was very Taylor. Because she was this person who always run away when the going gets tough, when life for her becomes hard. It was not a good trait of her, and i hate her for that. She was that coward in every little thing.
This is a story about family. And love between them, between friends, between lovers. This will make you appreciate more the life that you have and the time that you get to spend with your loved ones. Don't waste opportunities when you can be with your family and friends dear to you. Always show them that you care. Always tell them that you love them. Because no matter how easy going your life maybe now, you don't know when the time will be up. You don't want to have regrets in the end.
Over all, the writing is simple and easy to comprehend. The vivid details made you know more about the characters and the setting. The fact that i love the beach and the sun and summer. Plus the fact that i get to learn classic movies to watch out for, Casablanca and the Thin Man. I learn to appreciate the book not only for the story itself but the things i get to learn from it. Now, i know what to do with my lazy coffee bondings with friends and families, get to know more with q & a's.