Because the law requires me to make some sort of pun about the title here…I MUST SAY, GOOD SIR, THIS WAS AN UNEXPECTED DELIGHT. Although not everything was delightful. But lucky for your precious faces, I’m going to have an orderly list of likes vs dislikes. But regardless, my ultimate feeling over this tome (AND IT IS A TOME BECAUSE IT’S LIKE 500000 PAGES) is definite summery * delight. **
* Although FYI it is winter in Australia. I realise the Americans are all like “Oh let’s publish nice summery books and be seasonal with our fiction!” but I am huddled under 74 blankets while forced to read your summer books and being murderously bitter about it all, honestly. #AppreciateCaitsSuffering”
** And do you know how often I read books I can accuse of being “delightful”???? Like 3% of the time. Everything I read is depressing or has dragons. #priorities
- THE FOCUS ON FRIENDSHIP!
Friendship is the BIGGEST THING in this book! (Also a common theme in Matson books, I’ve noticed.) Which gives you that “N’awww, this is so fabulous” sort of warm fuzzie feeling. Andie has three really super close friends (Bri, Toby, and Palmer) who, despite their confusing names, are all girls — and these four are TIGHT. HUZZAH. PLUS! The story really focuses on the building relationship of Andie and her dad. In the beginning? Andie and her dad are basically strangers — and then their relationship develops into the best father-daughter friendship I’ve EVER READ BASICALLY. They watch John Wayne (ew) and have midnight ice cream meetings and have inside jokes and IT IS LITERALLY MY FAVOURITE.
- THE LOVE INTEREST IS A HOMESCHOOLER
WHO IS NOT A FREAK. Be still my beating heart. Clark is a) a huge nerd, b) socially shy but not inept, c) a homeschool gradate, d) and a fantasy writer. (AKA = HE IS THE MALE VERSION OF ME.) He was absolutely adorable and goes down as one of my favourite bookish boys in the universe. I shipped him and Andie to Jupiter and back, basically. And just endless applause for the fact that THERE IS A HOMESCHOOLER IN A CONTEMPORARY WHO IS ACCURATELY AND NICELY REPRESENTED. (!!!) It needs repeating. Also all the writer references and jokes were gold.
- IT’S A PLEASANTLY FUN BOOK TO DEVOUR.
Although I confess to stressing out majorly because happy books?????? I do not trust ’em. But that aside — it was all about the fun shenanigans of a laid-back summer. Scavenger hunts, waffles, a few parties (that were not wild or untasteful) movies, witty banter, roooooooomance. (Also the romance was slow-burn and fabulous.) It was totally PLEASURABLE to read, despite the fact that, YA KNOW, I’m freezing over here and bitter about that.
- HELLO, SO MANY DOGS.
Andie is set to go to pre-pre-med-med school (shhh, it’s a thing) but gets dumped from the program at the last minute. She ends up walking dogs all summer. I KNOW. DREAM JOB. (I am actually quitting being a writer directly and taking up dog walking because PUPPPPPIES.) So there are tons of dogs (and a few cats) in this novel and it’s GLORIOUS and none of them die. #win
- I ACCIDENTALLY LAUGHED MY HEAD OFF.
The witty banter was so brilliant I LAUGHED OUT LOUD. And this is from the Vulcan who usually gives a brief “heh” to summaries great mirth. But this time? ABSOLUTELY CRACKING UP.
ACCURATE REPRESENTATION OF ME
- TOO LONG. FAR FAR FAR TOO LONG
I’m not gonna lie: it nearly lost a star for this. I got bored several times. I understand the endless chapters were to build the friendships — but THERE WERE SO MANY RANDOM RABBIT RUNS. Literally pages and pages of events that really didn’t contribute to the plot. And, well…what plot, really? It had laughs, sweet moments, small calamities to overcome, and smooching in the sunshine. But definitely didn’t excel in any sort of plot direction. I found the first 100-pages rather excruciatingly slow and tedious because of this, but once they were OVER I did thoroughly enjoy myself. But HELLO CONTEMPORARIES NEVER NEED TO BE 500-PAGES.
- TOO ENTIRELY PREDICTABLE
Maybe I just read too much? But I could’ve outlined this entire book before I read it. Not one. single. thing. surprised me and I think the predictability contributed to the afore mentioned nap-ness.
- THE CLIMAX FAILED TO MOVE ME AT ALL
This could be because I’m Vulcan, I totally admit…but the climax focused on a drama around one of the secondary characters. Okay…um, isn’t this Andie’s story? Of course it affected her and she made mistakes and then — DID A STUPID THING AND I WANTED TO DUNK HER IN A DOG BOWL — but the drama didn’t worry me at all because it centred on the feelings of a secondary character I didn’t care about. Luckily the last chapter was so suffocatingly CUTE that I looked past my “meh/detached” feels and ended the book feeling HAPPY.
The Unexpected Everything was definitely a deliciously summery friendship story!
I enjoyed that a lot! (I miss me zombies and stabbings though.) But the predictability and the length did give me lots of YAWN moments. However, puppies and ice cream and the cutest fantasy writer love interest to ever grace literature MORE than make up for that.
THANK YOU TO SIMON & SCHUSTER FOR THE REVIEW-COPY. The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson was published May, 2016.
Andie has a plan and she always sticks to the plan.
Future? A top tier medical school.
Dad? Avoid as much as possible (which isn’t that hard considering he’s a Congressman and never around).
Friends? Palmer, Bri, and Toby – pretty much the most awesome people on the planet, who needs anyone else?
Relationships? No one’s worth more than three weeks.
So it’s no surprise she’s got her summer all planned out too.
Until a political scandal cancels her summer pre-med internship, and lands both her and Dad back in the same house for the first time in years. Suddenly she’s doing things that aren’t Andie at all – working as a dog walker, doing an epic scavenger hunt with her dad and maybe, just maybe, letting the super cute Clark in closer than expected. Palmer, Bri and Toby tell her to embrace all the chaos, but here’s the thing … can she?
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I LOVE DOGS. *squeals* I want to walk dogs as a side job, that would be so fun! (Also, thank heavens none of them died!) To be honest I might just buy the book to gaze upon the cover full of cute dogs. <3
I don't really read seasonally because Thailand has three seasons: wet, hot, and hotter (with the exception of like one month which is vaguely cold for three hours each morning). So the 'summer releases' could pretty much correlate to almost every month for me… 😀
I never forgive books where the dog dies.😂 And it seems like a huge trope?! SO I JUST MENTIONED IT BECAUSE IT HURTS MY SOUL WITH DOGS DIE *nods* I have a dog so I am quite protective, hahaha. Ahem.
Ah that makes sense about your seasons! I really don’t read seasonally…except I often read OPPOSITE of seasonally if the USA is publishing according to the weather.😂
Ahhh what a great review, I’m so glad to hear you liked this book!! It makes me sad though, that all the book marketing these days is SUMMER, SUMMER AND CUTE SUMMERY books, while all you guys down there in Australia and everything are suffering through winter. That’s TOO BAD and I’m sending you hugs and sunshine <3
I love Morgan Matson and I definitely am impatient to read that book, sweet contemporaries are ALL FOR ME, really, they're my favorite. But that one seems kind of LONG, though, I hope I will still enjoy it. I feel like Matson has too many things to say and pack it up on a lot of pages, but… I love her characters, so she's forgiven.
(PS : I love happy books, but I always feel suspicious of these as well? Maybe I'm expecting something bad to happen, haha)
YES YES, SOMEONE SHOULD NOTICE OUR SUFFERING. *flails dramatically* 😂
But omg aren’t the happy books the most scary sometimes?!? I was like expecting someone to die of an incurable disease or the parents to collapse with a heartattack OR KIDNAPING OR MURDER OR SOMETHING BECAUSE IS LIFE ALLOWED TO BE HAPPY IN BOOKS? HMMM??? *has nervous breakdown* (Okay so maybe I read too many depressing books after all….😂)
you already know my thoughts on seasonal reading, haha. I do read slightly seasonally inasmuch as the season affects my mood. I would! In fact I dog sat someone’s dogs for a week once. In my town there are dogwalkers who are very lazy, they take the dogs out of sight of the houses then sit on the steps (I don’t live on a road) and listen to music, knowing that the owners will never see them not exercising the dogs because they don’t have time to walk the dogs. I read this book two weeks ago and really enjoyed it. At then end I was all ‘silly Andie’ and it was sorta plotless, but it had a nice flow, y’know, like I enjoyed it even when there wasn’t plot. I loved all of the cameos from SYBG and Second Chance Summer. Yay for this review!
Ah yes! You did a post on it, didn’t you?! 😂 I don’t even know if they HAVE dog-walkers in Australia?!?! I doubt it somehow, or maybe they do in big cities where people are rich, ehhehheh. That’s pretty awful about the dog walkers of your town though. 🙁 POOR PUPPIES. (Actually my dog would love that. He HATES WALKING WITH ME. Omg, such a little difficult beast. Ah, but I love him. <3)😂
I didn't notice the cameos!! :O Actually wait, I did notice The Orchard...but were there any other ones?!
Sorry about having to read about summer under the blankets Cait. And home schooling? wow, I lke where it is going. I dislike long reads and this was on my tbr. Now I wonder whether I should go for it, especially since its long and the climax isnt so great
I still recommend it…if that helps.😂 hehe. BUT OMG YES IT IS LONG. And I really prefer shorter, concise books too. Buuuuuut, the writer love interest was SO SO WORTH IT AHHHHHH. <3
I’VE BEEN DYING TO READ THIS BOOK SO MUCH. I’m saving it for when school ends, though, since it’s a dinosaur of a book, and I kinda need to focus on school.
I like to read book seasonally, but I don’t really do it all that often, as I’m a mood reader, and I usually get distracted from a contemporary by some glittering, shiny fantasy.
I would love to have a job walking dogs. That is like, a dream job.
OMG YES IT IS A DINOSAUR OF A BOOK. Too long I think, 😂 hheehe.
Ohhhh fantasy always distracts me. WITH NO REGRETS. I mean, I do like a good contemporary that gives happy feels occasionally! But then I need some man-eating dragons or something fun. :’)
OMG I love contemporary novel!! After read your review, I think I will try to read this book. I never read morgan Matson before. Btw, I was surprised you have read distance between us by kasie west. I like the sarcasm and chemistry between main chara. <3
Oh The Distance Between Us IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! I cannot love that book and its intense levels of sarcasm enough!😂 I hope you enjoy The Unexpected Everything if you get the chance to read it.:D
Ahhh this is one book that’s really being hyped on (is that the proper use for the words??) in our bookstores! I was a bit wary about getting it but now with your review of it being a pretty good book I guess I’ll pick it up.
I read books seasonally, but not with the coordinating weather (we only have two climates here, wet and dry sooo 😂 No seasons for us). If I binge read a lot of fantasy my next reads will be contemporary. Or if I read a lot of contemporary, I freak out and have the desire / impulse to read fantasy or paranormal right away.
This summer though I’ve been reading contemporary only, so when I get back to school I think I want huge kingdoms, lots of battles, and dragons of course. With extravagant feasts. That’s always a plus.
Yes! Hyped is definitely the word for this book.😂 I’ve seen it ABSOLUTELY EVERYWHERE. But it’s a good one! ;D Oh oh I tend to read like that too!! Like I’ll be in the mood for fantasy, so I just gobble as much as possible and then — suddenly I need lighter contemporaries.😂
Hiiiiii Cait!
I have been dying to read this book (maybe a little less than dying but still excited), so I’m super glad you reviewed it.
I sort of really hate-love predictable teen contemporary books. It’s really annoying that you know EVERYTHING THAT WILL HAPPEN LIKE SOME SORT OF FORTUNETELLER (just us?) but at least you know that the love interest won’t just drop the main character and go riding off into the sunset with another girl, although tbh that would be a leeeeetle bit funny. But the fuzzy cuteness usually makes up for that and so I WILL READ.
Oh nooooo!! #AppreciateCaitsSuffering , that’s horrible! I don’t read my books in season but I feel a bit jealous when it’s the middle of winter and the characters are traipsing around on a beach around a FIRE! Have a 75th blanket and read a dragon book next to relieve yourself!
Also, I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN ABOUT THE HOMESCHOOLERS! I’m homeschooled to and the stereotypes make me want to strangle someone. Although that could be a stereotype within itself hmmmm… WE ARE NOT SOCIALLY AWKWARD PEOPLE. We are fully functioning and capable and actually we are usually MORE socialized than you schooled people (I looked up studies and now I use that when people annoy me and feel entitled ha). It’s so annoying when people say they are going to be homeschooled because they embarrassed themselves at school. Yes..because the reason that we are all homeschooled is because we too once waved at our crush because we thought they were waving at us but it turns out they weren’t. Excuse my mini rant!!!! : )
Also, last thing, I AM SO OBSESSED WITH THOSE SMALL STARS (in the background of pretty much every book photo you have). Small coincidence, someone taught me a long time ago how to make them and she was Australian too lol!
ANYWHO. I should go and be productive with life. It’s hard man. THANK YOU FOR THE POST!!! Loooooveeee xxxxxoooo
AW YOU ARE SO KIND, ENGI. *takes another blanket and also drowns self in hot chocolate* 😂 I don’t really read seasonally on purpose? But I feel like I read a lot of OPPOSITE seasons because of what the Americans are publishing. AH WELL. It’s nicer to read cooler books in summer, but in winter reading summery books? TORTURE. I NEED MY WARMTH BACK. hehe.
Agh, homeschooler stereotypes are. the. worst. And they’re always insulting! I SO LOVED THE REPRESENTATION HERE. Like some of us are socially awkward (*raises hand*) but not ALL and not ALL homeschoolers are just inept freaks. Ugh. I’m so sick of books portraying them like that. SO ALL THE CAKE AND LOVE FOR THE UNEXPECTED EVERYTHING. AHHHHHHHH. Ahem.
Those stars are SO fun! 😂 I mean, they’re actually little devils to make, but I love them! They make good photography props that’s for sure.😂
I would have some hot chocolate too if it wasn’t so hot! I do the same; it’s weird! Those Americans, making us go along with their seasons xD!
YES!! I mean okay, I CAN BE socially awkward. There was that one time I fell into a pool because I was trying to act all nonchalant and cool but ahem, story for another day… 😛 Yes! We have above average intelligence usually haha. Which is why if the world should be taken over by ANYONE it should OBVIOUSLY be a homeschooler (your cue…!!) IF YOU ARE GIVING THAT BOOK CAKE THEN I AM DEFINITELY READING IT! Bye while I go try to find a copy!
Just make a hundred and use the same ones over and over! They do! They look so nice with the books. Colorrrrr! How do you make them???!!! (If that’s a state secret that you can’t reveal because of reasons involving world domination or dragons and cake…that’s okay!! 😉 Have a great day!!!!! xxxx
Well, kudos to you, because I dislike ya contemporaries (with the exception of a few David Levithan books) to the utter core but you made this one sound appealing enough to maybe read when I’m in the wanting for a summer-y fun read.
Mostly because of the emphasis on friendship, witty banter (major points) and well, shy nerds. Aren’t I predictable?
OOOH, CAKE FOR ME AND MY SUCCESSES. *flails* 😂 And also I actually am not a huge fan of contemporary either, so it’s saying a lot that I liked it too!!
SHY NERDS ARE GLORIOUS and witty banter gives life. :’)
I use to dog sit…does that count? We walked them occasionally. 😛 And nope, I haven’t read this one.
DOGS ARE GLORIOUS. ALL THE LOVE FOR ALL THE DOGS. (Actually my dog is not so glorious because he’s currently ignoring me and following my parents around hoping for snacks. -_- traitor.)
I’m glad you enjoyed this one Cait! I love friendship-focused books but I can’t get into Morgan Matson books unfortunately.
Though if I may, if you enjoy friendship books, you’ll probs enjoy book 3 in my Rose Bay series a lot because it’s very much focused on friendship between two guys and between those guys and their parents. The romance is only hinted at in the end & never confirmed (which I’m sure will frustrate the hell out of some people mhuahaha). So here’s hoping you’ll enjoy that one! 😀 #shamelessplug
Ah, that is sadness…but not every book is for everyone, right?!😂 I rated Since You’ve Been Gone 5-stars, and then Second Chance Summer 2-stars.😂 hehe. But I seem to like Matson books more than not-liking them SO THAT IS GOOD.
Yay for you writing about friendships. 🙂
I loved this review – it perfectly summed up all my feelings for The Unexpected Everything! I have to agree with you regarding the length of the book, it was to a point that it was draggy which was such a shame! And don’t get me started on the long chapters!
What I liked most of was the focus on friendship and the chemistry between Andie and Clark because who can resist a cute geek!
Great review – I LOVE your photos. They are GORGEOUS.
*hi fives* WE ARE BOOKISH TWINS HERE CLEARLY. And yes it is sad it had so many dragging elements buuuuut the dialogue and the ending (AND CLARK) made it up for me. ahhh. And Ikr?! Cute geeks for the win.😂
Aww, thankyou!! 😀 I had a bit of fun with this photoshoot trying to make it colourful and happy! 😀
I’ve been thinking about reading this for a while, and also avoiding reading it because it’s about the sizes of a brick….But now I think I’m going to have to read it. It sounds so good! And I don’t have nearly enough good YA contemporaries in my life.
IT IS THE SIZE OF A BRICK OMG. One could probably build a very successful bookish igloo out of this with only a few volumes. *nods* BUT YEAH. It’s still good.😂 And I’m such a fantasy addict that it’s nice to add in some fluff contemporaries now and then. :’)
I’ve been reading a lot of the more depressing, hardcore YA novels that I can get my hands on (and I’ve started watching Daredevil, which is really sad and you just want everyone to be happy and eat a cake of rainbows and sunshine, but they can’t because they need to save a city or something.), so recently I’ve been in the mood for more happy, fluffy books that aren’t about everyone dying. XD Clearly I must check this out. Also, a million points has been awarded for the fact that there is a realistic homeschooler. #homeschoolersunite
Ohhh I want to watch Daredevil. I mean, I did see the first episode BUT I NEED MORE HOURS IN MY DAY AHHHHH. AHem. Also YES. I think it’s good to throw a few fluffy books in amongst the tough/heavy ones occasionally. Even things up. :’)
And YES, I know right?!?? My reaction to the homeschooler aspect was like “AHH ALL THE STARS”.😂
It’s foggy and raining here, so it feels like winter, even if it isn’t… 🙁
Ooh, this sounds cute! 🙂 It’s definitely going on my list – next time I’m in need of a contemporary, I’ll keep an eye out for it. 🙂
Ugh, sad face for yooooou. It’s like 20C degrees here and I’m calling that winter and there’s blue skies and nice days.😂 JEALOUS? AUSTRALIA IS BETTER. JUST SAYIN’
A HOMESCHOOLER WHO’S NOT A FREAK??!?!??!?!!? I MUST READ THIS.
Like that literally sold the book for me. XD I’m finding a copy of this asap.
I KNOW RIGHT?!?!?? It 10000% made the story awesome for me.😂
I absolutely adored this book mainly the a) focus on friendship (!!) and also Clark (I’m almost as excited as you are about an accurately represented homeschooler!) because he is absolutely adorable. The length didn’t bother me as much just because of how many contemporaries I feel end too soon. Either way, it was super cute and I devoured it!
-Monica @ Tomes Project
AFJKDLSAD CLARK WAS JUST EVERYTHING. Definitely one of my favourite bookish boys of ever. PLUS a writer. PLUS a homeschooler. I mean, omg. :’)
FIRST UP, LET’S AGREE ON HOW CLARK WAS THE MOST FABULOUS BOOK BOYFRIEND OF EVER. Those little snippets of his story were really funny, and correlated to the story! That was a fun touch! I do agree with you that a bunch of scenes were unnecessary to the plot. And the climax? I WAS SCRATCHING OUT MY EYEBALLS BECAUSE OF HOW STUPID THE CONFLICT WAS. Oh well. Drama is drama, right? Summer wouldn’t be summer with it! The ending was so adorable! Happiness is REAL! 🙂
(also I would TOTALLY take a job walking dogs. except i don’t think anyone would hire me. BUT IT SOUNDS SO FUN)
YES LET’S DEFINITELY AGREE ON THIS. WHERE CAN I GET ME A CLARK? BECAUSE I NEED ONE IMMEDIATELY. (Seriously best. book. boy. ever.)😂 Zomg but yessss the conflict was really annoying. Like all that summer fun?!? How close they all were!??! And it could all be destroyed in 5 minutes over a boy? I definitely was annoyed that their “deep” friendship was ultimately kind of weak. EH. AT LEAST IT WORKED OUT.😂 THAT SCENE WITH CLARK’S BOOK READING FAJDKLASDJKA I’M JUST….*aggressively ships it*
I’ve never paid attention before whether a book’s season fits the “real” one. So, I think I can safely say that no, I don’t read books seasonally. Although it might be nice reading something set during winter while its cold and snowy outside, too. Especially in front of the open fire with a cup of hot chocolate. 😉
Ehmmm….I have to confess that while I totally adore cats I kind of dislike dogs (I know, I know, I’m horrible). ^_^’ No job walking dogs for me.
Oooh, that would be nice. :’) Hot chocolate and open fires and boooooks. DREAM GOALS. (I don’t have a fire place😂) But yep, I don’t really read seasonally either…at least not on purpose. I actually read more OPPOSITE seasons because of the whole I-read-American-books thing.😂
OMG HOW CAN YOU HATE DOGS??? MATIE. MY HEART IS BROKEN.
I am so glad you loved this book so much!! I don’t typically read “summery” books per se. And seriously. 95% of my books involve heartbreak and tears. I am just a sadist that way. Or is it masochist? I can never remember which is which. Anyway, I have this one, but haven’t read it yet. Next week, I am flying back to the States (from Europe) so I will need lots of reading to get me through the flight. This one sounds like it is happy enough to do the trick. I have cried on airplanes way more times than I can count so I need something guaranteed not to make me cry. Great review!
I don’t read many summery books either.😂 OR CONTEMPORARY IN GENERAL. So I’m really glad I liked this!! And it was a bit of a nice change of pace from my usual doom/gloom/stabby/stabbing books. Although no regrets…..I love stabby books😂 Ahem. And YES this would be a great book for a trip because it’s so looooooong. Good luck with your flight! 😀
I don’t really read books seasonally. Seasons… well, right now they’re messed up. In fact, I have a feeling that your winter is actually warmer than our summer at the moment. Seriously. It’s 15 degrees and raining. Time to send me the blankets!
I would not take a job walking dogs–as much as I love them–for a few reasons. But the main one? I hate picking up dog poop.
OMGGGG 15 DEGREES?!? Is that Celsius? So, ahem, I’m about in the middle of the East coast of Australia (kinda close to Brisbane) and so far winter is about 20C degrees.😂 THAT’S COLD OKAY?! I FEEL COLD.😂
Yes, that’s 15 Celsius. It’s supposed to go into the low to mid 20s next week… so everybody will be wearing shorts and eating ice cream. Heck… people were doing that months ago.
The local mountains actually got snow the other day, as the temperature up there was close to zero degrees. How’s that for “summer” weather? (I’m fine with the cooler weather, actually; it’s when it gets hot that I feel like crap and can’t do anything.)
AHHHHHH. Okay. I would die. I would 1000% die. I’m wearing like a really thick jacket and it’s like 17C and NIGHTTIME right now. I’m a wimp. (To be fair I also complain when it’s hot. Is it that hard to ask the weather to be like 27C all year round???)
27C? OMG… I would die. Anything over 24 or so, and I’m lying on the couch like limp lettuce with my brain shut off.
I’d much rather be too cold than too hot. At least with cold, you can put on a sweater. With hot… there’s not much you can do. Except eat ice cream, I guess, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Eating ice cream is an EXCELLENT thing.😂 But also air conditioners!! And swimming! Although I agree…I feel like it’s easier to handle cold over hot? Like you can always heat yourself up with physical activity too when you’re cold…but hot sometimes you just have to tough it out. It can be brutal around January. BUT STILL. I DO LIKE MY SUMMERYNESS.😂
I don’t really read book genres seasonally. I have an off season reading habit. In spring I read contemporary and biographies. In Summer I read cold rainy books. I just read whatever the heck I want. I would take up a job dog walking. Who wouldn’t want a job where you can touch cute nice dogs (unless your allergic, or the dog you walk is huge and is more dragging you than walking)?! I haven’t read The Unexpected Everything. I don’t think I want to, I don’t really like long contempararies. Long fantasy however (now we’re talking)…Hey, since you are in winter (I’m in America and one more week till summer, but for now all I have is rain *sigh*), is there school in the June, July, August months in Australia? When is your summer? Oh, also how is homeshcooling truly portrayed in this book? I’m homeschooled and not very many people understand it, I think. Everytime someone finds out I’m homeschooled they ask me if I’m lonely and get out (at this point I give them a look saying “I have books, internet, and Paperfury.”) I’m not confined to my house, I make frequent trips to the library and grocery store:)
Reading whatever the heck you want < -- EXCELLENT LIFE DECISIONS. I HIGHLY APPROVE. And me too.😂 But duuude, YES, right?!? I want to walk dogs. Think of all the audiobooks you could devour and walking cute fluffy puppies. <3 No downside. WELL. Our seasons are opposite to yours. 😉 So December/January/February are summer. School is generally out most of January, but other than that we just have 2 weeks off every 10 weeks basically. And well the homeschooling guy is a graduate so he doesn't actual homeschool during the book. (I should've mentioned that in the review #fail) BUT YEAH. He just mentions stuff about his homeschooling experience and it felt really nice and accurate! FOR ONCE. 😂 BAHHAHA YOU HAVE BOOKS AND INTERNET AND PAPERFURY. THIS IS MY FAVOURITE, LEAH. *GIVES YOU ALL THE CAKE* But omg I know right?!? People think that homeschoolers are like living in small dark houses, but sheesh, we get tons done and go to tons of places. I saw most of Australia while I was homeschooling because we just did school AND travelled at the same time. WINNING.
I try to read books seasonally, although it tends not to work out too well because I tend not to get to books published in June/July/August until like December or January. Although it seems like everyone around here reads summery books in the winter so we can feel sorry for ourselves and not feel bad about paying some insane amount of money for a hot chocolate.
THAT IS ACTUALLY A GOOD IDEA. Or maybe it’ll make us cranky because we’re longing for the opposite season?!😂 It’s so hard to read Christmasy books though…because they’re always American and everyone is freezing and I’m like “Dude, it’s too hot for these snowflakes”😂
I’ve debated so heavily about reading this book, and part of the reason is that it is just so long! I completely agree with you on that front, and there is no reason that we need 500+ pages. Still on fence, even though I’ve heard enough good things that I think I’d enjoy it. The one thing that keep me coming back is that amazing pug on the cover. #puglife
ALL THE DOGS ARE JUST SO GRAND. Dog win here, so much dog win. *nods* But yes…eh. I don’t actually think any YA book should be beyond 400-pages hehe. I really like concise books that tell the story and get on with it!
Great review! Glad you liked this one, too — I loved the friendships, the dogs and Clark! Totally agree about the climax but actually didn’t think this was too long, which is funny because that’s the #1 thing everyone says about this book. Usually I’m refreshing my kindle % every page (that’s how I know I don’t love a book) but I read this in just one day (two sittings) and didn’t think that at all. Such a fun summer book even though you’re in winter!!
It was pretty fun, though, right?!? So at least it went FAST, even though I do feel like it dragged in places. I just kind of sped through them to get back to the plot-ish stuff. heh. (I always am refreshing my kindle too tho omg we are twins *hi fives*)
I’ve never read a Morgan Matson book, but everyone says this book is fantastic! Adding it to my TBR! I love that you make a giant mess every time you take a book picture! It’s like pretty chaos! 🙂
~Sara
AHHH THANK YOU SARA!! The clean up is…interesting. hahaah.😂 No I love it! No regrets. Bookish photography is so much fun!
This looks like something I might like. After all, it has father/daughter bonding, dogs, home-schoolers, and a girl named Toby (unusual names are the best)! I’m all for that!
But when I looked it up on my library website, I found they didn’t have it. Instead the results brought up Best Canadian Christmas Stories.
I do like unusual names too!!😂 And this one definitely wins for that! Okay…best Canadian Christmas Stories?! That seems like a bit of a different title.😂
Congrats on getting through a contemporary, Cait! I’m not so good at that as maybe I should be…..
For me it doesn’t matter when I read books. Seasons aren’t relevant to what I’m reading because a really good story should take you to an entirely different place anyways. And yes, I would take up a job walking dogs if they were nice doggies and I could stay around where I live. I love to go on walks and if I could make some cash while doing it with some sweet animals then why not, right?
But not, I have not read this book! Though maybe I shall.
Hahaha, THANK YOU EM😂 I actually feel like I should award myself for it? LIKE MAYBE I NEED TO REWARD MYSELF WITH 3983 FANTASIES NOW. Good plan. *nods*
And I totally agree with you on the season thing! It actually doesn’t occur to me to seek out seasonal books. If I do read seasonal books I just chalk it up to coincidence.😂 And Ikr?!? Dog walking = cute dogs and being paid. WHAT COULD GO WRONG.
OMG! You read fast! How many books do you read in a day?
I love summer contemporaries! 🙂 I can’t decide if I like Morgan Matson’s works or not. Hmmm. :/
Anyway, I think the Hello Goodbye and Everything in Between is good! Been wanting to read it since last December. Have you read that one? 🙂
Just…just one book a day?!?😂 Sometimes not even though! I aim for 20 books a month so yeah. 😉
I haven’t read Hello Goodbye and Everything In Between! I actually am a little iffy about Jennifer E Smith hahh.😂 But ohhh, I do understand about being unsure about Morgan Matson too. I really didn’t like Second Chance Summer but LOVED Since You’ve Been Gone. So I’m glad I did enjoy this one!
Oh how I loved this book smushy, even though it was a little long and waffled on a bit. He is TOTALLY the male version of you, how did I not see that? I loved how cutesy this was. It was my first Morgan Matson book and her writing is just so lovely and made me laugh out loud as well. I think ALL book should have puppies. It would make even terrible books a delight to read. So glad you enjoyed this one Cait. Loved the review! <3
YESSS OMG I AM TOTALLY CLARK. I just need some hipster glasses and to actually watch Dr Who (hey I know I’m behind; don’t judge me too harshly). But yes. I shall be Clark when I grow up and also Andie though because I want to walk dogs *nods* (My dog hates walking??? Like wut. I specifically wanted a dog to go walking/running with me and HE HATES IT AND REFUSES TO WALK GEE.) Ahem. I’m glad you enjoyed it too, Kelly!! *CHEERS* If we can’t have dragons in ever book, they should at least have dogs.
I love dogs! I would definitely take up dog walking. I’m so glad you liked this book, Cait! And honestly I’m so relieved to know that none of them die XD
Hehe, I mean, saying “no dogs die” is kind of a spoiler I guess. BUT I THOUGHT I WOULD MENTION IT BECAUSE I HATE IT WHEN THE DOGS DIE!!! It makes me so ridiculously sad. *shrieks* So yes.😂 The dogs are adorable and living.
Her stupid friends and their stupid boy dramas…*sighs* Honestly. So ridiculous. BUT I DID LOVE THIS. Because I love all of Morgan Matson’s books. But why are they all so longggg???
omg that was more than a little frustrating at the end there (like an entire summer of friendship can dissolve SO FAST???? Hmmm.)
Shut up. You were homeschooled? I love you even more. I currently homeschool my kids and although I’m a product of the public school system, I love homeschooling. And my kids are not weird the way homeschoolers are always shown. I’m so very, very happy that a book gave a good portrayal!
I think I enjoy reading your reviews more than I often enjoy reading books. So keep ’em coming!
YES!! *HOMESCHOOL FLAIL* And I totally get SO frustrated with how literature usually portrays homeschoolers. It’s offensive??? Like seriously, we’re not freaks. *growls*
Omg that makes me so happy!!😂 Reviews are actually one of my favourites to write!!
That’s the main criticism I’ve been hearing about this one – that it’s too long. But everything else sounds absolutely amazing! We don’t have nearly enough strong friendships in YA, so I am so glad this one focuses so much on friendships. And yeah for homeschoolers being represented! I think you’ve convinced me to give this one a try. 😉 Thanks for sharing Cait and, as always, fabulous review! <3
YES!! I also think I saw Morgan Matson tweet (or facebook?) something about her next word count nearly being 200,000. *blinks* I hope editing comes into that, ahem. It’s just that I don’t think contemporaries really have enough plot to pull off large word counts? BUT HEY AT LEAST THERE’S FRIENDSHIP. I LOVE THAT.
Sounds like lovely read tbh! Maybe not something I’ll LOVE and will read 10o times but I’ll try and find it in the library so I can at least enjoy it once! I love super cute nerdy boys (e.g. Simon from TMI!!) who also write! Actual dream tbh.
YES! It is just something to nicely enjoy 😀 I don’t think it’ll stick with me or change my life but I definitely enjoyed it, so I appreciate books like that.😂 aLSO YES OMG NERDY PEOPLE LIKE SIMON. <3333 I love them.
OH OH I READ THIS RECENTLY. And basically I totally agree with all of your opinions. Like, my main problem was with the plot- I felt like the middle section was tremendously long with nothing happening then suddenly-oh oh aaalll the drama. And why all the boy names? I was so so so confused for a while. But didn’t you love the references to other Morgan Matson books? I noticed one to Second Chance summer and one to Since You’ve been Gone. And YES the ending just=<3<3 (but also it was bittersweet, which was nice). And the friendship (and the ship) was fabulous. So basically I am boringly agreeing with you on EVERYTHING.
I DON’T THINK I GOT ALL THE REFERENCES!! I definitely got The Orchard one though *nods* But what was the Second Chance Summer reference? HELP ME SHAR.😂 But yes, ugh, that middle was rather boring. Like I guess it was fun??? But I kept waiting for something to happen that would really affect the plot. And the way they ALL FELL APART SO FAST OVER A BOY??!?!?!?!? *stamps foot* Ahem.
Agreeing with me is a fabulous life decision. I APPROVE.
The reference to Second Chance Summer was when just after Andie had broken up with Clark and decided to walk a lll the dogs she could, she had a ‘one-off’ assignment to walk a family’s dog who were just there for the weekend. Taylor gives the dog to Andie and explains that they’re normally at their lake house, but her sister has a dance audition in New York. And Warren (is that his name) is sitting at the kitchen table muttering over a law book while the little sister, whose name I forgot, pirouettes around the house. And Andie feels bad because she forgot their dog’s name, even though Maya told her, and walks it, gives it back, and goes on being an idiot with no friends XD
I CAN’T BELIEVE I MISSED THAT!! AHHHH. So obvious now that I think about it heheh.😂
I love books with animals. Dogs, cats, owls… especially owls but sadly I haven’t read a book with owls in it. Except Harry Potter. I would NOT want to walk dogs. I don’t think I’d be good at it. Also, if the dogs started barking at each other I’d probably leave them in the park and run home. Sometimes I’m scared of them. 😀
But this book is definitely on my reading list and no, I don’t read books seasonally, I don’t really care what I read or when I read it. BTW. lovely review. 🙂
Omg you are SO RIGHT. We need more owl books absolutely. This is like a HUGE failing in literature. *starts petition for more owls books* Also hedgehogs??? I would like some more hedgehogs in literature. AHEM. BUT ANYWAY. My dog actually hates going for walks😂 so I read this rather enviously ahahhaha. (I love walking!)
I have been reading a lot of heavy, dark books lately. I need a fluffy read, this one seems perfect.
YES YES. (And I also totally understand that need to alternate between dark vs fluffy.😂 MEEEEEE.)
I’m glad you enjoyed this one! It has been my new favorite the last few months and I love it so much… Andie is basically me, honestly and I loved her story arc.
Yesss, it was such a good story. :’) I’m not the biggest contemporary fan usually, so I’m SUPER glad I enjoyed it so much!!
I’m on page 10 and loving it already… but then its Morgan Matson so… of course I am loving it!
YAYYYY. I hope the rest is just as awesome for you, Sue! 😀
I do not read seasonal books. I joined a winter/Christmas themed read-a-thon last December and I now know holiday stories are not my thing. Well, maybe Halloween stories would be, but I have never read any. And as for dog walking, remember… you have to pick up their poop! Ha ha. And carry it in little baggies until you find a trash can. I am amazed that as a Contemporary this book is that long. Yikes! Maybe when you are reading summer books when it is cold you should let it give you fond memories of warmth. When I get feeling down in the winter, I put on sunscreen (the kind that has the old-fashioned kind of scent) and it makes me think of being at the warm sunny beach. 😀
I read some Christmas stories actually AT Christmas one year and…it was horrible.😭😂 All that snow and ice and I was like “this doesn’t feel christmasy at all”😂 #AustralianBookwormProblems
I KNOW. I HAVE A DOG!! The poop carrying is an unfortunate side affect, sadly, but I mean, my dog also hates walking so tHERE’S THAT TOO. -_-
I’m glad you enjoyed it for the most part Cait! I actually put off reading Since You’ve Been Gone for the longest time because it was so long for a contemporary, but I actually really enjoyed this one and that. I loved the dogs and the male writer and Andie’s relationship with her dad too! I guess I felt more for the friends because I’ve been in a similar situation myself. Lovely review as always!
And this is even LONGER than Since You’ve Been Gone, right?!😭😂 Ahhh, but at least it was fantastic and OMG the writer love-interest is just my favourite. <333 I'm also a cold-hearted Vulcan so that's probably why the friend drama just annoyed me instead of getting me invested. hahaah. Omg I'm terrible.
HOW DID I NOT KNOW THAT THERE’S A PUG ON THE COVER. OF BOTH EDITIONS. IS THIS PUG IN THE STORY?! If so I must read it. Also for the reasons you liked it haha. Not just for the pug (but mostly for the pug). I mostly read what I’m in the mood for, but I do tend to pick up a lot of contemporaries during the summer. Though it doesn’t matter if they take place during the summer or not. Fabulous review like always Cait 🙂
THERE ARE SO MANY DOGS IN THE STORY. I can’t actually remember if there was a pug specifically because my brain is like made of swiss cheese. Adorable swiss cheese, but holey nevertheless *collapses in a heap* AHEM ANYWAY. I hope you like it if you do try it! 😀
I *kinda* liked this. I feel like Morgan Matson can do no wrong, but it was so LONG YES. SO MANY PAGES. I think she said she cut a 100 pages from the book, too??? I couldn’t stand the love interest. Writer love interests annoy me. (I.e. Carrie from Sex and The City :/) BUT YES SUCH GOOD FRIENDS & GOOD DOGS YESSS. Except for that one bad friend who…you know. By the way, was I the only one bummed to not hear from Sloane?? Emily, you’re such an ugh. Love the review, Cait!
Zomg she cut 100 pages?!? WAHHHHH. Okay. She’s super long winded.😂 Aww, I’m sad the love-interest annoyed you since that was nearly my favourite part hahah BUT YES DOGS FOR THE WIN.
Aah, I’m looking forward to this! I loved Morgan Matson’s first two books! I did start… the third… the title of which I can’t remember right now (involving doing a bunch of things in a list her friend left behind for her to do?), but it just wasn’t the right time, and I wasn’t enjoying it. But now I have two to read, whoop! I think it depends on the story whether I like a long contemporary or not. I’m really not sure if I’ve read a long contemporary before? But I’m open to it, I like really good books, and if they last a little longer, I think I’m for it.
I would not be a dog walker, seeing as I’m pretty terrified of dogs (I was attacked as a child, and it left it’s scars, lol). I don’t read books seasonally! I’ll read whatever books whenever, unless they’re related to Christmas, then I’ll read them in the run up. But really, I don’t know how you manage Christmas in the warm. I hate the cold with a passion, but Christmas with the sun out seems odd. And I can’t imagine eating a big roast dinner when the weather is also roasting. And no Christmas snowmen 🙁 Christmas is really the only good thing about Winter. I don’t know how you survive Winter without Christmas. OUR WORLDS ARE SO DIFFERENT, CAIT!
Maybe you’re thinking of Since You’ve Been Gone? I liked that one.😂 But I didn’t enjoy Second Chance Summer. hahahh. So I’m kind of hit or miss sometimes with Matson books? I am strange.😂 But YES, I feel like I’ve got to be in the mood for contemporary, especially if it’s ginormous.
Aw, that’s horrible that you were attacked! 🙁
Well consider if you’d ALWAYS had a warm Christmas…you wouldn’t know any differently, right?! I honestly can’t imagine winter in the cold.😂 We have the air con on, though, and we still have roast dinner. IT’S GLORIOUS. Plus ice cream!
So I’ve seen this book all over instagram. I’m not really big into summer reads. They’re usually contemporary, romantic, and like you said, happy. . . Happy books, just eh. I give obnoxiously happy people skeptical glances, so books get it too. Then I found out it was huge! Who wants that much happy contemporary?
But now you said it was funny. AND THERE’S A HOMESCHOOL GRADUATE GONE FANTASY WRITER!!? Okay, I think I might read this. I could put myself through that much contemporary for a well represented homeschooler and writer.
HHAHAH YES. Omg who does want this much happy???? There’s not even any stabbings, I mean, wut even. It’s mind boggling how it even got to 500+ pages with zero dragons and stabbings.
BUT YEAH THE HOMESCHOOLER (nice! representation! yay!) was like one of the BIGGEST HIGHLIGHTS FOR ME. <3
This one really does seem like a summer read and I think I could appreciate it for that reason! I like the idea of this one being unique in that friendship really does take the forefront here and then we have a love interest who is homeschooled – now when does that happen in YA? 😀 So yes, I am looking forward to this being the first Matson book I try.
I had mixed feelings about this one too. It was WAY too long and at times my interest waned. I was hoping for a friendship story, but to me it felt more like Unrelated Friend Drama. And I agree that the ending fizzled. But the dogs were adorable!!
Yup, totally agree. i’ve never read a contemporary that needed to be over 400-pages (and I mostly say that for any book actually ahhaah.😂 WRITERS; PLEASE EDIT MORE. Ahem.) But yes, the ending was just so….surprising to me? Like they could have that whole summer of fun and be so close and tight and then, nope, by the end nothing?? It’s honestly quite depressing that their friendships actually didn’t mean much. 🙁
yeah, i dont understand about it too. they became friend from kindergarten nd just stop?
heyy, im ifa. its really good to find this web. i like ur review. yes, i got bored at some point. and sorry, clark is mine 🙂 that kind of nerd just really get me or can someone just clon him?
btw, im indonesian, soo season doesnt really matter to me.
nice to meet you :))