Book Review: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Saving June by Hannah Harrington
Publication date:  May, 2011 (Australia) November, 2011 (International)
Published by: Harlequin Teen
Source:  Bought


When model student June Scott kills herself on the brink of high school graduation, no one is more shocked than her sixteen-year-old sister Harper. Things go from bad to worse after her nosy evangelical aunt moves in to take care of her mom, and when her estranged parents decide to split June’s ashes between them, it’s the last straw. Harper knows she has to take serious action— action that takes form in plotting with her best friend to spread the ashes in the one place June always wanted to live: the California coast.
Enter Jake Tolan, a boy with a classic rock obsession, a bad attitude, and nothing in common with straight-laced June. But after he crashes June’s wake, Harper is sure he knows more about her sister than he’s letting on. Her suspicions only deepen when he discovers the plan to steal the urn and decides he wants in, for reasons he’s none too forthcoming to explain.
Of course, once they’re on the road, things don’t go as smoothly as she’d hoped. First there’s a brush with the law during an anti-war protest gone bad. And if it’s not trying to avoid arrest, it’s dealing with angry threats from parents, public brawls in underground punk clubs, and more accidental detours than Harper can count.
Complicating things even more is her growing attraction to Jake; she’s drawn to his alternately charming and infuriating demeanor, and his unwavering faith in the idea that music can see you through anything. It might be exactly what she needs.
What Harper doesn’t know is that he has a secret with the power to turn her life upside-down— again.

My Review:

Favourite Quote:  "He took his pain and turned it into something beautiful. Into something that people connect to. And that's what good music does. It speaks to you. It changes you."

WOW! I am seriously blown away by how fantastic this book is. I loved Saving June.  I am going to try and write a proper review here when all I want to do is go all fan girl about it!

Harper's older sister June takes her life.  Harper is devastated and doesn't know why.  Her divorced parents decide to split the ashes but Harper isn't about to let that happen.  She steals the ashes and runs off on a road trip to California to scatter the ashes across the ocean with her best friend Laney and Jake a stranger that is somehow connected to June.

First up this book is my type of contemp.  It is real and honest.  It takes you on a journey with these incredible characters.   I am so impressed with Harrington's writing.  You would never think this is her debut novel.  It is clever, gorgeous and full of heart.

Harper, Jake and Laney are believable characters that come alive inside the pages. I adored the realistic dialogue between them. It was witty, full of emotion and often humorous.  I also like that fact the characters are flawed but still make smart decisions and are the type of people I would love to be friends with.

Harper is strong and confident in what she believes yet can be afraid to step outside her own comfort zones at times and often doubts how amazing she really is.  Laney is her best friend and is a wonderful support person for Harper no matter what.  Now Jake he caused major swooning.  He is a bit rough around the edges, is majorly obsessed with music (plays the guitar and sings a little) and throughout the story his secret slowly unravels.

There is also some delicious romance.  I had to go back and re-read those pages over (and over and over and over) again!

Another element I loved about this book is there is loads of music talk.  Also playlists at the the end of the book that were mentioned in the story.  If you are huge fan of books with music you are going to love this and will want to download all the songs mentioned.

Overall, a stunning debut.  My favourite road trip book ever.  I insist all you fans of realistic fiction give Saving June a read!


Overall Rating: 5/5     ***Another favourite read of 2011***
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 5/5
Cover: 5/5


## Make sure to stop back on Monday for an interview with Hannah Harrington.


For More Info:  Visit Hannah Harrington's website.  


For More reviews:  Inkcrush and Tales of Compendium


When I read I tag my favourite parts of the book.  Just to show you how much I loved the wonderful writing in Saving June I have a picture of my copy below.  As you can see I pretty much loved every page.