My review of Saving June

Saving June by Hannah Harrington
Release Date: June 1, 2012 (UK) 
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‘If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’

Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.

When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going, California.

Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.

Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.

Saving June will fill your heart with overwhelming warmth and show you what it's like to lose someone you love. Heart-wrenching, bold, brave and full of moments that will make you laugh.


Harper's older sister, June, killed herself. June was the perfect one, her future was bright and full of opportunities. No one knows why she did it, not even Harper. Harper decides to take June's ashes to California, a place June always dreamt of visiting. With help from her best friend, Laney, and the gorgeous boy June was tutoring, Jake, they set off. Harper's aim is to find out why her sister took her own life, but what will she discover along the way?


I didn't really like Harper's character when she was first introduced, but I must say, she grew on me! She's a feisty and strong main character with a short temper, definitely unique. Harper changed her appearance and personality to make herself as different from June as possible. Underneath the tough act is just a girl who wants to be loved. After growing up with fighting parents Harper never had stability. 


Jake Tolan, the love interest of the book was certainly my favourite character. He had a personality that could never bore you. He's thoughtful and well, just reading about him will make you smile! He has some moments of brilliance, when he's kind and gives you a full smile, but there are moments when he might not be so appealing. Overall, he is a fun guy to read about, I can't really sum him up in a few sentences because he's so different from the typical gorgeous boy from YA books.


One thing I loved, loved, loved about this book was the blossoming relationship between Jake and Harper. They were horrible to each other but deep down there was a connection. 


Saving June is not to be missed this summer, or any other summer! Hannah Harrington has written a beautiful story that will appeal to many young-adult readers. 

Rating

- A review copy was provided by Mira Ink