Latest Read: Saving Francesca

Here are the basics ...
Book: Saving Francesca
Author: Melina Marchetta
Site: http://www.melinamarchetta.com.au/
Category: Young Adult

Summary: Francesca is stuck at St. Sebastians, a boys' school that's pretends it's coed by giving the girls their own bathroom. Her only female companions are an ultra-feminist, a rumored slut, and an an impossibly dorky accordion player. The boys are no better, from Thomas who specializes in musical burping to Will, the perpetually frowning, smug moron that Francesca can't seem to stop thinking about. Then Francesca's mother is suddenly stricken with acute depression, leaving Francesca lost and without an inkling who she really is. This is the story of a girl who must summon the strength to save her family, her social life and—hardest of all—herself. (Adapted from goodreads.com) 

My thoughts…

The good: If I can sit on a bus filled with people and not bother to hide the fact that I'm crying over the book I'm reading - I consider that a very good sign.  Saving Francesca surprised me in a lot of ways.  Throughout the book, almost every character you get introduced to - from family to friends - is so unique.  If it weren't for the amazing writing of Melina Marchetta, it would be easy to dismiss them as caricatures but she gives them life and these moments that make them feel real.

Francesca is sort of the "normal" one, or at least she tries to be.  But then her inner thoughts would be so snarky and honest that I would end up smiling or cracking up. The people she hangs out with consist of the feminist, the "school slut", the band geek, the slacker music-obsessed guy and of course the sorta arrogant guy with unexpected heart that she ends up being attracted to.  For me, what I loved most were her relationships with these people. Their friendships. They go from people she's stuck at school with to genuine best friends.  Then her family also plays a big role in Francesca's life and in the plot.  When her mother shuts down, it affects everyone - her father, her brother and most of all, Francesca herself. They're fighting to keep things together in the midst of all the chaos and it's a struggle because they're not sure how. Her mother was always the rock. I just loved how the author explored their family dynamic.  Family and friends play such a huge part in a person's life.  This book did an amazing job of showing that while keeping things simultaneously humorous and poignant.

The bad:  Nothing to say here, the pace of the book and the characters all worked for me.  I could've used a little more closure or moments between Francesca and Will but I think the plot was bigger than the romance.

Do I recommend?: I do! It was a quick and easy read that had a lot of heart.  I am definitely a big fan of Melina Marchetta's - I've got more of her books on TBR list!

Happy reading!