Neurotic Review: Saving June

Author: Hannah Harrington
Release Date: November
Genre: YA Contemporary
Published By: Harlequin
Source: Received for review through NetGalley
Summary from Goodreads:


‘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.

My Thoughts:


Saving June is funny, heartbreaking, intense, romantic, exasperating, and just plain awesome! There is so much to love about this book:

The Characters:
June is sarcastic in that hilarious snarky way. Her grief feels so real you just want to hug her and tell her everything will be okay, even if you aren't sure that it will be. 
Jake is complicated, adorable, and so freakin annoying at times that you just want to kiss him or shake him or both. 
Laney, Harper's best friend is one of those girls that are sometimes a little over the top, occasionally a little irritating, but always lovable and above all -- loyal.    
The Music: 
Jake plays guitar, works in a music store and just generally loves music so there are quite a few great conversations on the road about the music he likes and what certain songs mean to him. I had to download so many of the songs from the play lists in the back of the book. 
The Plot:
The plot of Saving June is without a doubt realistic. I loved all of the little stops that lead to adventures for the trio on the way to California, it really made for a great road trip book. With the death of Harper's sister June being the entire reason for the road trip, there are definitely some intense and sad moments, but the way the author throws humor in with the grief makes for a real, honest feeling story. I laughed, I cried and I honestly loved this book!