Book: Unbreak My Heart
Author: Melissa Walker
Site: http://www.melissacwalker.com/
Category: Young Adult - Contemporary
My thoughts...
Summary: Sophomore year changed everything for Clementine Williams. She fell for her best friend's boyfriend and while he's forgiven, she becomes the outcast. Her parents decide that their family should spend the summer on their sailboat, which provides the perfect escape for Clem. Then she meets James at one of the first stops on their trip and he's just the distraction she needs. Can he, and this summer away, heal her broken heart?
The good: I thought Clem way puts herself back together - through time spent with family (loved all the family moments, especially her sister Olive), journal writing and of course, a cute guy - was an enjoyable read. She's a great character and while I usually do not like books about cheating, I found myself sympathizing with Clem completely. There's just something very honest (probably a poor choice of words but she is!) and vulnerable about her. She admits to her mistakes and spends a lot of time beating herself up over what happened. I also liked the way the book alternated between the past and present. It showed us, the readers, that things aren't always as black and white as they seem.
The bad: I think the book was just too short. It's supposed to span the entire summer but I felt like I only read about a couple weeks in her life. I think there should've been more moments with James, her family, the crazy old couple they meet on their trip and more adventures in general. I mean, how often do you spend a summer sailing? But most of all, I wish part of Clem's healing process had involved her (former) best friend Amanda. Because Clem's heart wasn't broken over a guy.. it was broken because she lost her best friend and I thought the book should've ended on that note rather than finding "love" on her summer vacation (although I'm not complaining too much about that - her and James were very sweet together).
Do I recommend?: I liked it, I did. It was cute, had great characters and a unique setting. But I have to be honest. In the end, I felt a bit underwhelmed by the book.
Happy reading!
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