Tag Archives: Morgan Matson

The Unexpected Everything

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Author: Morgan Matson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Source:  Purchased

Goodreads:  Andie had it all planned out. When you are a politician’s daughter who’s pretty much raised yourself, you learn everything can be planned or spun, or both. Especially your future. Important internship? Check. Amazing friends? Check. Guys? Check (as long as we’re talking no more than three weeks).

But that was before the scandal. Before having to be in the same house with her dad. Before walking an insane number of dogs. That was before Clark and those few months that might change her whole life. Because here’s the thing—if everything’s planned out, you can never find the unexpected. And where’s the fun in that?

Ope’s Opinion:  All the details in the beginning of the book made the story move very slowly.  It began to pick up the pace in the middle of the book.  The ending wrapped everything up. 

This book had a very good story to it, but I felt like it was too long for a young adult reader.  I enjoyed it, but only thought only an avid reader would enjoy it.

I really like Morgan Matson and I would read her again.

This Just In….

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Purchased from Barnes and Noble:

things you won't say

Published: May 26, 2015
Publisher: Washington Square Press

Goodreads:  In this timely and provocative novel, internationally bestselling author Sarah Pekkanen takes us inside a family in crisis and a marriage on the brink after a tragic shooting.

How far would you go to save your family?

Every morning, as her husband Mike straps on his SIG Sauer and pulls on his heavy Magnum boots, Jamie Anderson tenses up. Then comes the call she has always dreaded: There’s been a shooting at police headquarters. Mike isn’t hurt, but his long-time partner is grievously injured. As weeks pass and her husband’s insomnia and disconnectedness mount, Jamie realizes he is an invisible casualty of the attack. Then the phone rings again. Another shooting but this time Mike has pulled the trigger.

But the shooting does more than just alter Jamie’s world. It’s about to change everything for two other women. Christie Simmons, Mike’s flamboyant ex, sees the tragedy as an opportunity for a second chance with Mike. And Jamie’s younger sister, Lou, must face her own losses to help the big sister who raised her. As the press descends and public cries of police brutality swell, Jamie tries desperately to hold together her family, no matter what it takes.

In her characteristic exploration of true-to-life relationships, Sarah Pekkanen has written a complex, compelling, and openhearted novel her best yet.

Kristin of Kritters Ramblings  introduced me to Sarah Pekkanen’s books,
now I can’t get enough of them!  She is awesome!

 

unexpected everything

Published: May 3, 2016
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Goodreads:  Andie had it all planned out.

When you are a politician’s daughter who’s pretty much raised yourself, you learn everything can be planned or spun, or both. Especially your future.

Important internship? Check.

Amazing friends? Check.

Guys? Check (as long as we’re talking no more than three weeks).

But that was before the scandal. Before having to be in the same house with her dad. Before walking an insane number of dogs. That was before Clark and those few months that might change her whole life.

Because here’s the thing—if everything’s planned out, you can never find the unexpected.

And where’s the fun in that?

Morgan Matson hasn’t written a book I don’t love!!

Since You’ve Been Gone

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Author:  Morgan Matson                         since
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster
Genre:  Contemporary YA
Source:  BEA

 

Goodreads:  The Pre-Sloane Emily didn’t go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn’t do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell.But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just… disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try… unless they could lead back to her best friend. Apple Picking at Night? Ok, easy enough.Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not? Kiss a Stranger? Wait… what?

 

Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she’ll find?

 

Go Skinny Dipping? Um..

Ope’s Opinion:  Morgan Matson was one of the reasons I was so excited about BEA this year.  I couldn’t wait to meet her and get her next book.  She was worth the time in  line to meet and the book is worth the time to read!!

When I started reading this book I thought it was a YA Bucket list.  I was wondering what that would read like?  As I read, I enjoyed that the tasks on the list were completed in a different way then Emily ( and I ) thought would happen.  I also liked how I saw Emily learn and grow with each task.  It kept me reading.  It read really fast – the story kept moving.  The flashbacks gave you background to Emily and her relationships.  This also helped you understand the items on the list.  It was very clear when you were in the present and when you went to a flashback.

Each person brought into Emily’s life made an impact on her.  It was fun to watch Emily interact with Dawn, Gideon, Collins, even her brother and parents.  They each brought a unique perspective to Emily’s story and her finding herself.  Emily goes from seeing herself as a follower to seeing herself as a strong independent person.  Watching that happen in the book is very subtle and inspiring.

I would recommend this book. It has friendship, self-discovery, and a little romance. I am ready for Morgan Matson’s next book!!

Rating:  Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.
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