‘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 h...
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reviews
Oct 21, 2011
Maja
rated it: 
So many dead sisters in YA literature these days…
I can’t even begin to describe how deeply Harper’s grief affected me. It’s not often that I find myself completely taken aback by an author’s insight and sensitivity. I’m still convinced that she must have gone through something similar at some point in her life, otherwise she couldn’t have been able to describe so accurately the thoughts that sometimes follow such a disastrous event. I have to admit that the story hit too close to home More...
I can’t even begin to describe how deeply Harper’s grief affected me. It’s not often that I find myself completely taken aback by an author’s insight and sensitivity. I’m still convinced that she must have gone through something similar at some point in her life, otherwise she couldn’t have been able to describe so accurately the thoughts that sometimes follow such a disastrous event. I have to admit that the story hit too close to home More...
34 comments
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(35 people liked it)
Oct 06, 2011
Lisa O.
rated it: 
In the past year, at least for me, all the rage in YA contemporary fiction can be condensed in one word: Australia. Marchetta, Buzo, Cath Crawley, Eagar were definitely my favorite reads this year.
Hannah Harrington is the exception that proves the rule. This lady is American and what is more, Saving June is her debut novel.
Harper's life is in pieces. Her sister June unexplainably committed suicide a few weeks before graduating and her family is, quite understandably, More...
Hannah Harrington is the exception that proves the rule. This lady is American and what is more, Saving June is her debut novel.
Harper's life is in pieces. Her sister June unexplainably committed suicide a few weeks before graduating and her family is, quite understandably, More...
44 comments
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(27 people liked it)
Nov 12, 2011
Catie
rated it: 
It’s hard to put my finger on exactly why I failed to connect with this book. Is it because I’m the oldest sibling and I don’t know what it’s like to be the rebellious younger sister? Is it because I’m just too damn old? Is it because, even when I was young, I thought that mosh pits were stupid? Maybe it’s because the thought of Jake singing softly in my ear in a van makes me want to elbow him in the solar plexus…and unlike Harper, I DO know where that is. I think that this is one of those
More...
29 comments
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(27 people liked it)
Jun 22, 2011
Nic
rated it:
This is how I picture Jake http://irresistiblereads.blogspot.com/20...
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 siste More...
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 siste More...
94 comments
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(39 people liked it)
Oct 26, 2011
I pushed and pushed through this, but this novel just isn't working for me.
It feels like I've read this story a million times before - someone dies and a teen (usually a girl) left behind has to deal with the aftermath. Sometimes versions of this scenario are incredibly successful (The Piper's Son, Please Ignore Vera Dietz), sometimes utterly forgettable (Amy & Roger's Epic Detour, The Sky Is Everywhere). Saving June falls into the second category for me, unfortunately.
To More...
It feels like I've read this story a million times before - someone dies and a teen (usually a girl) left behind has to deal with the aftermath. Sometimes versions of this scenario are incredibly successful (The Piper's Son, Please Ignore Vera Dietz), sometimes utterly forgettable (Amy & Roger's Epic Detour, The Sky Is Everywhere). Saving June falls into the second category for me, unfortunately.
To More...
12 comments
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(16 people liked it)
Oct 06, 2011
~Tina~
rated it:
Once in awhile comes a book that just touches you in all the right places. It makes you think, it forces you to feel but at the same time it's not overwhelming. Saving June is one of those books.
To say I loved this would be a total understatement. I'm remarkably surprised that considering the issue at hand, it still reads with ease and comfort. The author mixes a brilliant combination of pain and joy, laughter and tears, set to a road trip, detours and of course the glue that holds a More...
To say I loved this would be a total understatement. I'm remarkably surprised that considering the issue at hand, it still reads with ease and comfort. The author mixes a brilliant combination of pain and joy, laughter and tears, set to a road trip, detours and of course the glue that holds a More...
19 comments
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(17 people liked it)
Jan 08, 2012
Lora
rated it:
"Some people think that a place can save them," I say. "Like if they could just be somewhere else, their lives would be totally different. They could finally be the people they always wanted to be. But to me, a place is just a place. If you really want things to change, you can make them change no matter where you are."
Hannah Harrington's debut, Saving June, begins with Harper Scott stacking casseroles and meringue pies into her refrigerator. Her older sister, Jun More...
Hannah Harrington's debut, Saving June, begins with Harper Scott stacking casseroles and meringue pies into her refrigerator. Her older sister, Jun More...
9 comments
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(18 people liked it)
Jan 08, 2012
Wendy Darling
rated it:
4.5 stars I felt such love and grief and joy reading this book...it's just beautiful. Review to come.
42 comments
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(13 people liked it)
Oct 06, 2011
Brooke
rated it:
After letting the swooning and "aww"-ing emotions simmer, I think I am now capable of writing a review.
Okay.
Whenever I pick up a book that centers on a topic as sensitive as suicide, I'm always a bit unsure of what to expect. This book definitely exceeded my expectations, and - sensitive subject aside - was well written, well developed and I loved every page of it.
Page one - we're introduced to Harper, whose older sister June has just taken her own More...
Okay.
Whenever I pick up a book that centers on a topic as sensitive as suicide, I'm always a bit unsure of what to expect. This book definitely exceeded my expectations, and - sensitive subject aside - was well written, well developed and I loved every page of it.
Page one - we're introduced to Harper, whose older sister June has just taken her own More...
6 comments
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(12 people liked it)
Dec 19, 2011
Dija
rated it:
***FAVORITE YA OF 2011***
My heart hurts. So, so badly.
5 Beautiful Things About Saving June:
1. Harper. She is so real. She has a lot of spunk and I have immense respect for her and the way she dealt with June's death and all the other issues in her life. While reading this book, I came to love Harper like I would a best friend. She's an amazing, down-to-earth, and strong heroine. She doesn't whine or complain and isn't reduced to a pile of girly goo when falli More...
My heart hurts. So, so badly.
5 Beautiful Things About Saving June:
1. Harper. She is so real. She has a lot of spunk and I have immense respect for her and the way she dealt with June's death and all the other issues in her life. While reading this book, I came to love Harper like I would a best friend. She's an amazing, down-to-earth, and strong heroine. She doesn't whine or complain and isn't reduced to a pile of girly goo when falli More...
18 comments
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(9 people liked it)
Nov 20, 2011
Jo
rated it:
“But I wasn’t interested in being like June, and I definitely didn’t want to live in June’s shadow. Even if mine was less impressive, at least it was mine.”
Initial Final Page Thoughts.
……OK, that ending? Is it possible to die of cringe? BUT…. The rest was fantastic.
High Points.
MUSIC. Seriously. SERIOUSLY. The music that is mentioned in this book is the soundtrack to my life. Seriously. Pretty much every single one of my favourite songs is mentioned in this book. If y More...
Initial Final Page Thoughts.
……OK, that ending? Is it possible to die of cringe? BUT…. The rest was fantastic.
High Points.
MUSIC. Seriously. SERIOUSLY. The music that is mentioned in this book is the soundtrack to my life. Seriously. Pretty much every single one of my favourite songs is mentioned in this book. If y More...
12 comments
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(12 people liked it)
Nov 06, 2011
Aly (Fantasy4eva)
rated it:
Rating: 3.5
I feel like I've read books with this very premise so many times. But what can I say, I'm a sucker for my grief books.
Saving June stays at a steady pace throughout. It is funny and sweet at times, but it's a book that left me a little disappointed. I did think I would love it more. I thought it would be a 4 star read hands down, at least. :(
Let's More...
There is so much beauty in just existing. In being alive.
I don’t want to miss a second.
I feel like I've read books with this very premise so many times. But what can I say, I'm a sucker for my grief books.
Saving June stays at a steady pace throughout. It is funny and sweet at times, but it's a book that left me a little disappointed. I did think I would love it more. I thought it would be a 4 star read hands down, at least. :(
Let's More...
5 comments
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(8 people liked it)
Oct 06, 2011
Chachic
rated it:
Originally posted here.
For some reason, Saving June by Hannah Harrington was released early in Australia. I've seen raving reviews from those who have been lucky enough to get copies of the book and that persuaded me to read it as soon as I can. The ebook can be purchased from Angus & Robertson and Borders Australia. If you want a physical copy, you can order it from Fishpond. Also, Harlequin Teen said on Twitter that Saving June will be available on NetGalley in August.
H More...
For some reason, Saving June by Hannah Harrington was released early in Australia. I've seen raving reviews from those who have been lucky enough to get copies of the book and that persuaded me to read it as soon as I can. The ebook can be purchased from Angus & Robertson and Borders Australia. If you want a physical copy, you can order it from Fishpond. Also, Harlequin Teen said on Twitter that Saving June will be available on NetGalley in August.
H More...
38 comments
like
(11 people liked it)
Oct 06, 2011
Melissa (Book Nerd Reviews)
rated it:
This book is one of those types that get you intrigued very early on in the book and continue to command your attention throughout. It was an absolute page turner!
Harper's sister June committed suicide and Harper is left not understanding why she did it. Her divorced parents are fighting over June's ashes and plan on splitting them in two and keeping half each. Harper - feeling like June wouldn't have wanted this decides that she is taking the ashes to California (a place that June a More...
Harper's sister June committed suicide and Harper is left not understanding why she did it. Her divorced parents are fighting over June's ashes and plan on splitting them in two and keeping half each. Harper - feeling like June wouldn't have wanted this decides that she is taking the ashes to California (a place that June a More...
9 comments
like
(6 people liked it)
Oct 06, 2011
Reynje
rated it:
Whenever I think about this book, ‘Start Me Up’ by the Rolling Stones starts playing in my head – and for me, this is never a bad thing. Actually, I think I may have bumped up my rating slightly as a result of the music liberally referenced through the story. (Nice use of the Doors, Hannah Harrington.) Bonus: Playlists! Yes and thank you.
While the story opens at the wake for Harper Scott’s sister June, this isn’t exactly a book about suicide. It’s about grief and regret, the afterma More...
While the story opens at the wake for Harper Scott’s sister June, this isn’t exactly a book about suicide. It’s about grief and regret, the afterma More...
0 comments
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(7 people liked it)
Oct 21, 2011
Isamlq
rated it:
There are so many lines to choose:
...from the sad, "I wish she was here, but she isn't, she never will be
And I have to get used to that."
...to the angry, "There is no fate," I say, "There's what you do and what you don't do."
...to the cutesy-funny, "Do you have a bobby pin?
"Yes, right here in my pocket along with a stick of gum, a shoelace and a number two pencil. Will that be enough for you MacGyve More...
...from the sad, "I wish she was here, but she isn't, she never will be
And I have to get used to that."
...to the angry, "There is no fate," I say, "There's what you do and what you don't do."
...to the cutesy-funny, "Do you have a bobby pin?
"Yes, right here in my pocket along with a stick of gum, a shoelace and a number two pencil. Will that be enough for you MacGyve More...
6 comments
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(6 people liked it)
Oct 06, 2011
I lied. I said I would try and make it to the 50% mark but I can't (I made it to the 40% mark). I do not like the characters in the book, not because the characters are mean or angry but because I felt nothing for them- good or bad. Right now, they are names on a page without a real identity in my mind.
I'm sure it is me and not the book (look at most of the reviews... they are outstanding & probably deserving of the praise). Sometimes a book just rubs me the wrong way at the beginni More...
I'm sure it is me and not the book (look at most of the reviews... they are outstanding & probably deserving of the praise). Sometimes a book just rubs me the wrong way at the beginni More...
7 comments
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(5 people liked it)
Oct 06, 2011
Lucy
rated it:
Saving June is an emotional, gripping and romantic read and is my favorite kind of book. The characters are distinct and interesting, and the story captured my attention from beginning to end. Though the book covers a heavy topic, it is also a book about healing, growth and self-discovery that manages to be uplifting as well.
Harper Scott has just lost her older sister June to suicide. Harper has always felt second best to her seemingly perfect sister and that she was the glue holding More...
Harper Scott has just lost her older sister June to suicide. Harper has always felt second best to her seemingly perfect sister and that she was the glue holding More...
10 comments
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(6 people liked it)
Oct 06, 2011
Kody
rated it:
I was lucky enough to get an early look at SAVING JUNE, and I loved it! Its a funny, fresh, touching contemporary. When it comes out, I hope all of you pick it up!
0 comments
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(6 people liked it)
Jan 01, 2012
Miss
rated it:
My sister is gone. It's up to me now to make her dream come true.
What an amazing tale of adventure and self discovery, life and death.
I'll remember this book forever for three reasons:
1. I was so impressed by the authors ability to draw up 3 distinct and powerful characters.
2. The emotions and coping mechanisms each of them express are so realistic and powerful.
I felt like the story came alive in so many ways.
3. MUSIC IS GREAT- I thoroughly enjoyed t More...
What an amazing tale of adventure and self discovery, life and death.
I'll remember this book forever for three reasons:
1. I was so impressed by the authors ability to draw up 3 distinct and powerful characters.
2. The emotions and coping mechanisms each of them express are so realistic and powerful.
I felt like the story came alive in so many ways.
3. MUSIC IS GREAT- I thoroughly enjoyed t More...
0 comments
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(5 people liked it)
Oct 06, 2011
Cara (Chasing Words)
rated it:
♥ Favorite Line(s):
"Nolite te bastardes carborundorum"
"And now that thread is thinning with every passing moment, worn down by the brutal scrape of reality grating away at it, bit by bit."
"P.S.--I'm not scared anymore."
♥ My thoughts:
Saving June is the type of book that makes me want to pull words from its pages and carry them in my pocket for a while. It's heartbreaking and cool and fun and completely absolutely More...
"Nolite te bastardes carborundorum"
"And now that thread is thinning with every passing moment, worn down by the brutal scrape of reality grating away at it, bit by bit."
"P.S.--I'm not scared anymore."
♥ My thoughts:
Saving June is the type of book that makes me want to pull words from its pages and carry them in my pocket for a while. It's heartbreaking and cool and fun and completely absolutely More...
0 comments
like
(5 people liked it)
Oct 06, 2011
Lisa
rated it:
I'm giving this 4 1/2 stars.
I love books like this. Well, not like this as there are not many(maybe any) books exactly like this. But I love YA books that deal with the following things:
Road trips/Travelling
Music/Mix Tape lists
Suicide
Discovery
Falling in love
And this book has ALL of these things.
I loved Harper. I related to Harper in the way that I used to be a lot like her. I've always been the sarcastic type who tries not to let More...
I love books like this. Well, not like this as there are not many(maybe any) books exactly like this. But I love YA books that deal with the following things:
Road trips/Travelling
Music/Mix Tape lists
Suicide
Discovery
Falling in love
And this book has ALL of these things.
I loved Harper. I related to Harper in the way that I used to be a lot like her. I've always been the sarcastic type who tries not to let More...
Jul 23, 2011
Jessica
rated it:
"Clapton wrote this song about it, after, and it just – It rips your heart out. It is the best kind of devastating there is. He took his pain and he 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. What I’m trying to say is, it’s just nice, I guess, knowing that someone else can put into words what I feel. That there are people who have been through things worse than I have, and they came out on the
More...
9 comments
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(11 people liked it)
Oct 06, 2011
Lesley (My keeper shelf)
rated it:
I want to give this 5 million stars. Posted on http://mykeepershelf.blogspot.com/2011/0...
Firstly the blurb does not do this book justice, it doesn't even hint at the true epicness inside. I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Saving June from my favourite Aussie C.J. Duggan as it's impossible to get in the UK however, it is being re-released with a lovely new cover on the 22nd of November and everyone and I mean everyone who loves books that literally rip your heart out should go a More...
Firstly the blurb does not do this book justice, it doesn't even hint at the true epicness inside. I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Saving June from my favourite Aussie C.J. Duggan as it's impossible to get in the UK however, it is being re-released with a lovely new cover on the 22nd of November and everyone and I mean everyone who loves books that literally rip your heart out should go a More...
Oct 06, 2011
Rebecca
rated it:
After I found out about this book and as more and more reviews kept streaming in my Goodreads feed, I finally went to the shop and brought a copy. And I am very happy I did!
After June takes her life, her sister, Harper, is left in the dark, devastated and confused. So when her divorced parents decide to split the ashes, Harper takes matters into her own hands, and hatches a plan to take the ashes to Calafornia - the one place June had always dreamed of going to.
With the help o More...
After June takes her life, her sister, Harper, is left in the dark, devastated and confused. So when her divorced parents decide to split the ashes, Harper takes matters into her own hands, and hatches a plan to take the ashes to Calafornia - the one place June had always dreamed of going to.
With the help o More...
12 comments
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(3 people liked it)
Oct 31, 2011
Ari
rated it:
So beautiful it hurts ♥
Why is it so hard to talk about the books we like?
Why is it so hard to open my heart to the whole world and to say out loud how much I loved this story? Why is it so hard to put into words all the beauty of "Saving June"?
I tell you why, because I'm somehow speechless...
Because my heart is far away, somewhere in California, looking for a way to save June, searching through all those beautiful moments of vulnerability, frustration a More...
Why is it so hard to talk about the books we like?
Why is it so hard to open my heart to the whole world and to say out loud how much I loved this story? Why is it so hard to put into words all the beauty of "Saving June"?
I tell you why, because I'm somehow speechless...
Because my heart is far away, somewhere in California, looking for a way to save June, searching through all those beautiful moments of vulnerability, frustration a More...
0 comments
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(4 people liked it)
Oct 06, 2011
Holly
rated it:
Compared to her perfect, older sister June, Harper was always second best. So when June commits suicide with no visible signs or a note left behind, her death rocks Harper’s world. Of all people she should have been the closest to her sister, but it had been years since they’d been good friends. Worst of all, Harper hasn’t shed a single tear. She can’t allow herself to feel or her world will fall apart. Her mother is already a wreck and she can’t add shutting down to her already long list of scr
More...
4 comments
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(4 people liked it)
Oct 06, 2011
Cinnamon
rated it:
This review may also be found on A Thousand Little Pages.
I feel really tired.
But it’s a good kind of tired. Like after you run a marathon. Or after you finally finish taking all your finals. You’re exhausted but content and your heart is just a teensy bit heavy.
Saving June details Harper’s life after her older sister June commits suicide. Unable to bear it all anymore -- the hurt, her mother’s tears, the unfamiliar pats on the back by random strangers -- Harper esca More...
I feel really tired.
But it’s a good kind of tired. Like after you run a marathon. Or after you finally finish taking all your finals. You’re exhausted but content and your heart is just a teensy bit heavy.
Saving June details Harper’s life after her older sister June commits suicide. Unable to bear it all anymore -- the hurt, her mother’s tears, the unfamiliar pats on the back by random strangers -- Harper esca More...
5 comments
like
(3 people liked it)
Oct 06, 2011
Laura
rated it:
I know this is a silly question for a bunch of readers, but it still bowls be over when it happens—Have you ever felt like you were reading the right book at the right time? As if the book found you when you needed it?
This story felt like that to me. I was riding along with Harper, Laney, Jake, and June to California. Windows down. Music blaring. It felt heartbreakingly perfect. Saving June is a very special book that fit right into my heart, head, and soul.
For the More...
This story felt like that to me. I was riding along with Harper, Laney, Jake, and June to California. Windows down. Music blaring. It felt heartbreakingly perfect. Saving June is a very special book that fit right into my heart, head, and soul.
For the More...
6 comments
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(7 people liked it)
Dec 26, 2011
Zemira
rated it:
Who doesn't love road trip and music related books with some grief? Saving June has all of that + a hot guy with the guitar(who used to have blue hair *swoon*). I don't know what to say about this amazing book. I just know that it touched me in so many ways and I cried a lot.
THIS song was playing the whole time while I was reading.
THIS song was playing the whole time while I was reading.
12 comments
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(5 people liked it)
