Mini Reviews | Second Chance Summer, Me & Earl & the Dying Girl

Goodreads Summary

Taylor Edwards’ family might not be the closest-knit—everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled—but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor’s dad gets devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer all together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains.

Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend…and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.

As the summer progresses and the Edwards become more of a family, they’re more aware than ever that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance—with family, with friends, and with love.

This is my first Morgan Matson book and it was a great reading experience, her writing was so unique and easy to read. I liked the sadness and realness of the book, it portrayed the devastating issue that Taylor and her family had to deal with perfectly. I didn't like how Taylor kept escaping every time she felt like the world is closing up on her or when she is face to face with something she wasn't ready to deal with.

I disliked the first half of the book and I found it hard to get through. I couldn't possibly understand why two of her best friends would hate her so much and the reason behind it is utterly stupid. I didn't like that part of the story, but I loved Taylor's relationship with her dad. Her dad is one of the most lovable characters in this whole book. The second half was definitely redeeming. I liked it A LOT and I cried A LOT as well. It was so emotional and beautiful in every way possible.

The romance was adorable and I found it to be so cute and not overdone, it wasn't an instalove as well which I appreciated. All in all, I would recommend this book to people who aren't sensitive concerning a certain topic - (maybe a tiny spoiler, but if you know what this book is about, it's fine) cancer so if you're sensitive to it, I wouldn't recommend this one to you. It's definitely a tear jerker.

Goodreads Summary 

Greg Gaines is the last master of high school espionage, able to disappear at will into any social environment. He has only one friend, Earl, and together they spend their time making movies, their own incomprehensible versions of Coppola and Herzog cult classics.

Until Greg’s mother forces him to rekindle his childhood friendship with Rachel.

Rachel has been diagnosed with leukemia—-cue extreme adolescent awkwardness—-but a parental mandate has been issued and must be obeyed. When Rachel stops treatment, Greg and Earl decide the thing to do is to make a film for her, which turns into the Worst Film Ever Made and becomes a turning point in each of their lives.

And all at once Greg must abandon invisibility and stand in the spotlight.

I DNFd this book. I don't like to talk badly of books, but this was SOO funny nonetheless. 

If you think I should give this book a second try, tell me in the comments down below. 

Have a great day!♥