Taylor has always run away from big problems or when things got tough. This time there is nowhere to run. When it is discovered that her father has terminal cancer and only months to live, she had her family head to their lake house for the summer. Taylor has not been there in five years, not since she had a huge falling out with her best friend and her boyfriend, and she has no interest in returning. Forced to confront things she would rather avoid, Taylor realizes that this summer is really all about second chances, and about saying goodbye.

Heartbreaking, though beautiful, Second Chance Summer is definitely a tear-jerker. The fact that Taylor's father is going to die of pancreatic cancer is known from the beginning of the story, but doesn't make the ending any easier. This is a sweet story, with a romance, a rekindled important friendship, and one that stresses the importance of family. It is painful and difficult to follow the family and Taylor in particular as her father deteriorates and moves closer to death. The beauty though of being able to spend true quality time together, to say the things that need to be said, and to experience a typical summer is particularly poignant. Kissing and making out take place, as well teen dating interactions, and minors drink on one occasion. Language is somewhat strong (a-shole, b-tch, cr-p). An excellent message is made about mending broken relationships and not running away from difficult or painful situations. The dying and grief process is handled with grace and though deeply sad, is enlightening as well. This is an excellent choice for a summer beach read for teen girls, as long as they are prepared with some tissues.

{be the first to share your thoughts about this book}

{Click on a keyword to find other books containing the same subject matter}