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Saving June

by Hannah Harrington (Goodreads Author)

4.07 of 5 stars 4.07 · rating details · 6,508 ratings · 1,029 reviews

‘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...more

Paperback, UK, 336 pages

Published June 1st 2012 by Mira Ink (first published May 1st 2011)

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Sep 19, 2011 Catie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011, ya, for-review

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 YA bo...more

56 likes · like · see review

Jul 26, 2012 Sam rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: other-favourites, realistic-or-contemporary, favourite-boys, romance

‘I haven’t cried at all, not once. Even when I try to summon the tears, it’s like the well inside me is bone-dry. There’s just… nothing.’

As with all hyped-about books that take me a good few months to read after the rest of the world, I entered Saving June with a certain amount of trepidation. Being not exactly the biggest fan of contemporary fiction, or even the biggest fan of road-trip stories, I had to wonder if this book would be at all for me.

Hannah Harrington deals with a tough topic her...more ‘I haven’t cried at all, not once. Even when I try to summon the tears, it’s like the well inside me is bone-dry. There’s just… nothing.’

As with all hyped-about books that take me a good few months to read after the rest of the world, I entered Saving June with a certain amount of trepidation. Being not exactly the biggest fan of contemporary fiction, or even the biggest fan of road-trip stories, I had to wonder if this book would be at all for me.

Hannah Harrington deals with a tough topic here that will undoubtedly reach out to several readers. We’ve all lost someone – It’s easy to appreciate the dull ache that consumes Harper while on her trip to California. Strangely enough, I never did grow to like Harper (not greatly, anyway) but I found her grief (and her very particular way of dealing with that grief) really quite easy to identify with. She is bad-tempered, a little cynical, and always quick to pull a mask over her true feelings, but I understood all of that – expected it even – and thought she was a pretty realistic character.

Along for the ride to California is Jake Tolan and best friend Laney. Honestly, without these two, I think Harper would have possibly driven me close to depression. Laney is, in a very strange way, easy to like. Her actions, thoughts and basic approach to life is as far from mine as is possible to get, but she brought a smile to my face regardless. Although Laney has her fair share of substantial problems to deal with, she is quite a bubbly character and always there to lighten the mood when needed. Jake is just as easy to like, with his musical knowledge and floppy hair. He is undeniably sweet, though not overly so, and more than anything, he intrigued me.

The heavy music theme running through this book brought something really wonderful to the plot. My love for music is nearly as great as my love for reading. All the musical references, from Janis Joplin to The Pixies and The Who, resonated well with me. Even then, I found myself discovering new names and new songs. I actually spent a good portion of my time flitting back and forth between the internet and the book to Google anything I wasn’t familiar with. It was almost like an educational journey at times and I loved every minute of it.

It appears I had nothing to worry about when it came to this book. Despite my concerns, Saving June proved to be a beautiful and heart-felt tale of loss and acceptance, stitched together with achingly realistic characters. Hannah Harrington is an author I will be keeping an eye on and I hope her next book – Speechless – is just as good, if not better.

(This review also appears on my blog)(less)

32 likes · like · see review

Oct 21, 2011 Maja rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Maja by: Lisa O.

Shelves: contemporary-fiction, moments-of-great-frustration, netgalley, readalong, ya, books-with-soundtracks, reviewed-in-2011

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 and it was...more 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 and it wasn’t always easy for me to keep reading, but Harper’s reactions and feelings were as familiar as my own and she really got under my skin, where she'll stay for a while at least.

That’s not to say that the book didn’t have any problems, but I got so emotionally invested that I ended up not caring about any of them. I’ll still point out the things I can remember, just for the sake of full disclosure.
I’m afraid that many layers of this story may be completely lost on its intended audience. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe teens today know all about various stages of Janis Joplin’s work or the true value of a Jimi Hendrix autograph. Maybe they do care about problems of the Third World and maybe they’ve even seen the Woodstock documentary once or twice. But somehow I doubt it.
I, on the other hand, loved every second of it. Every song that was mentioned, every album that was played, it was as if I chose them myself. Some of them I haven’t heard in a while and Hannah Harrington gave me the perfect excuse to bury myself in my old music for a while.

A part of the book didn’t fit well with the rest. At one point Jake and the girls were attending a violent protest that felt completely out of place. It was the second time in as many weeks that an author tried to shove his/her own beliefs and convictions down my throat in such an obvious way. I’m not saying that YA novels should provide blind entertainment and nothing more, far from it, I’m just saying that it was forced and unnatural in this particular story. Without it, this would have been a five-star book for me.

So to conclude, I loved this book, but I doubt I’ll be reading it again. I don’t think I’d be able to handle it all one more time. The feeling that I’ve been turned inside out and that I’m reading my own thoughts and emotions isn’t something I care to repeat anytime soon. I am happy to have read it the first time and I’m very grateful for the things it helped me realize.
And I still think Touch Me is the perfect song for that occasion. :)
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45 likes · like · see review

Sep 08, 2011 Lisa O. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: lovers of YA fiction

Shelves: arc, favorites, ebook, ya-lit, need-to-re-read, hot-musicians, pass-me-the-kleenex, swoooooon

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, a wreck. There's no rhyme...more

39 likes · like · see review

Jun 22, 2011 Nic rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anybody looking for a good contemp and a good old fashioned swoon

Shelves: 2011, realistic-fiction, young-adult, romance-awww, favourites, music, read-in-2011, favourite-of-2011, swoon-worthy-read, nomes-read-along

This is how I picture Jake http://irresistiblereads.blogspot.com...

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 do...more

47 likes · like · see review

Dec 19, 2011 Dija rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of Sarah Dessen and YA fiction on coming to terms with the death of a family member

Shelves: 2011, wow, cotton-candy-fluff, ya, surprisingly-good, authors-i-stalk, second-chances, my-reviews

***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 falling in love. Basically, she's mature....more

27 likes · like · see review

Sep 07, 2011 Tatiana marked it as abandoned · review of another edition

Recommended to Tatiana by: Nomes

Shelves: ya

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 make such an overus...more

20 likes · like · see review

Jun 21, 2011 ~Tina~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to ~Tina~ by: Nic and Nomes

Shelves: contemporary, young-adult, read-2011, favorites

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 any experienc...more 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 any experience, music.

These characters, Harper, Jake, Laney and even June, felt very real to me. Harper is one of those characters with a hard shell all around her, even before June did what she did. She's stubborn and infuriating, but she's also very caring and completely realistic. I love how she can really dish it out and hold her own. She has attitude but not the kind you want to beat down. Laney is a great best friend, good to the soul through and through, she complimented the journey without distracting it. And then there's Jake. Ahhh Jake. He is soooo my kind of hawt. He's not as complicated as he pretends to be. He's had a hard life, sure, but by doing what he did for Harper, putting himself out there all because he wanted to give back the way June helped him is really amazing. I loved how into music he is and he really does have a point. Music is just like reading a book or watching a movie, it tells a story and if your really listening you can understand the meaning of it and how it can actually change your life, your moment, and becomes apart of your soul. I really loved how Harrington made that apart of the story, like it's very own character.

As for the romance? Do know that feeling just before being kissed for the first time? Your stomach kinda drops and you kinda just tingle with anticipation, hoping against hope that it's everything you wanted it to be and more? Well, that's what it felt like to me while reading that scene between Harper and Jake. Mind you it wasn't a long scene and if I'm being honest was the only real one, but Harrington really nailed it. Big ass goofy grin and all. But it was more then just that moment, it was all the little things that lead up to it. Slow moving, gradual but completely inevitable. Just the way I like it.

But I think my favorite part about the entire book was the writing. Not only does this have some of the best banter, dialog and witty remarks that make you just smile, but it's also chalked full of those thought-provoking one liners and full passages that you literally stop reading and think about the meaning behind it, in the book and even how it apply's to your own life. That's pretty incredible stuff.

Bottom line, I could go on forever praising this book and it probably wont even do it justice. So all I'm gonna say is that it's an awesome story about wanting to die, wanting to really live and how all the in-between messy stuff that life is all about makes it so much more worth it then you'd ever realize.
It's powerful, uplifting and it really touched my heart.

Read this. It matters;)(less)

24 likes · like · see review

Jan 08, 2012 Lora rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of YA realistic fiction similar to Amy & Roger's Epic Detour and The Sky is Everywhere

Recommended to Lora by: Nomes

Shelves: g-ya-realistic, lib-read, music

"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, June, has just died from a self-in...more

24 likes · like · see review

Sep 25, 2012 Ana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: zz-read-in-2012, ya-contemporary, zz-netgalley

4.5 stars

Wow. That's the only thought that went through my mind when I finished this book. Just plain wow.

Harper Scott is adrift. Her sister killed herself. No other way to say it. And those people who should take care of her are too busy with their own pain and grief, so she retreats. But, in that mess, something occurs to her. Maybe she can fulfill June's dream of going to California by spilling her ashes in the ocean.

But she can't do it alone. It's more than 2000 miles from her small town to...more

12 likes · like · see review

Sep 22, 2011 Wendy Darling rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Wendy Darling by: Nomes

Shelves: ebook-egalley, hilarious, crush-worthy-boys, favorite-ya, 2011-favorites, read-2011, realistic-fiction, young-adult, made-my-heart-hurt, readalong, 2011-publication, road-trip

4.5 stars I felt such love and grief and joy reading this book...it's just beautiful. Review to come.

15 likes · like · see review

Jun 27, 2011 Brooke rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: roadtrips, swoon-worthy-males, lovey-mushy-stuff, realistic-fiction

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 life. Knowing how she feels yet finding it har...more 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 life. Knowing how she feels yet finding it hard to process her emotions, Harper finds herself shattered and unable to express it to anyone. Her parents, though divorced, seemed to dote upon June (being the 'favourite' daughter), and now that she's gone, Harper can't help but feel as though it's up to her to hold what is left of her family together, a responsibility which she isn't comfortable with.

Harper draws the line when her parents decide to split June's ashes (into his and hers urns) and, after discovering a "California" Post Card hidden away by June, Harper (with the help of her best friend and mysterious-dark-and-handsome-man-who-knew-her-sister, Jake), decides to set out on a road trip to California to scatter June's ashes and give her the farewell she would have wanted.

The journey that ensues is full of action, adventure and quirky characters. It took the reader on a journey which, while a teensy bit far fetched (I personally could never place that much trust in an infinite number of strangers), was fun, honest, raw, revealing and emotional. I initially struggled to connect with Harper, but after a while I began to really feel for her, she cried, I cried. She is so strong, yet so very vulnerable and has trouble letting people in - something I can certainly relate to.

The relationship between Harper and her parents, while not lingered on too much, is the sad reality a lot of children face growing up in broken homes. One parent who is happier pretending their former life didn't exist. One can only image how it would feel to have gone through something like that, and it makes it easier for the reader to understand why Harper rebels like she does. Having a sister who was perceptively 'better' at everything would no doubt take its toll. Admittedly I wanted to shake Harper at times, I mean, her poor mother had just lost a daughter, and she was at times (in my opinion) a little bit selfish, but seeing the way her character grew made me that much more satisfied and content once I was done reading.

I loved both Jake and Laney. They were both so much fun, I loved their wit and unique attitudes. I found their personalities to be easily likable and believable at the same time. While there wasn't much development with Laney, who (in my opinion) seemed to have a role in the story which was mostly based on supporting Harper (which I might add I don't have an issue with at all, I would have just liked to see more of her), the development with Jake certainly made up for that. He was so closed and seemingly unemotional at the beginning of the book, and I loved how much more we got to know of him, seeing his sensitive side, by the end. I, without a doubt, loved the way the numerous conversations between Jake and Laney were written, the playful banter, the raw (and sometimes harsh) emotions they threw at each other - it was captivating. And hey, the boy sounds hot - he certainly caught my attention! *swoon*

I have to agree with Nic here when I say that I loved all the talk about music! I learned a lot to be honest, and the playlists at the the end of the book were such a great idea. I'm definitely going to check some of the songs out.

I can't believe this was only Hannah Harrington's debut, I cannot wait to read more from someone who will be, no doubt, one to look out for.
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15 likes · like · see review

Aug 20, 2011 Ariana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: road-trip, must-read, favorites, death-and-dying

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 and hope the characters went through..
Be...more

13 likes · like · see review

Nov 08, 2012 Cara rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, realistic-fiction, sibilings, whoa-that-s-heavy

I'm writing this review with a bit of a heavy heart because I thought and truly believed I was going to fall in love with this like so many fans have. Though I appreciate what Harrington tried to do here, I honestly wasn't quite the right reader for this book.

June was perfect in every way. She had stellar grades, beauty, and almost everyone liked her. So why did she decide it was all too much and end her life? Well Harper, June's sister, knows as much as everyone else, which is nothing and it ha...more I'm writing this review with a bit of a heavy heart because I thought and truly believed I was going to fall in love with this like so many fans have. Though I appreciate what Harrington tried to do here, I honestly wasn't quite the right reader for this book.

June was perfect in every way. She had stellar grades, beauty, and almost everyone liked her. So why did she decide it was all too much and end her life? Well Harper, June's sister, knows as much as everyone else, which is nothing and it haunts her. How could she not know or notice? How come she isn't grieving the way people expect her to? She's the sister people expect nothing from so how could June just leave her?

A peculiar thing happens at the wake. Harper notices a guy smoking outside their house, and can't place him. He doesn't give Harper any consolation or sympathetic looks, which she finds refreshing. As it turns out this guy, Jake, has a connection to June, but what exactly? Surprisingly he will be part of a road trip that Harper has cooked up with her best friend Laney. They’re going to take June's ashes to California. The place June always dreamed of escaping to.

Okay so this all sounds very interesting and it was. There was no problem at all with keeping my attention. I have to first address the whole idea of taking the ashes. In the story we find out quickly that Harper's parents are divorced and plan to split the ashes. I know this sounds beyond insane! Who would do that? Anyways, it was put in there I believe to make it acceptable that Harper basically robbed her parents their right to grieve their daughter properly. They loved her too, and yes I know that it's despicable to split her ashes like she's an object but Harper could have thought of something rather drive across the freakin' country! But then we wouldn't have a story, so I know I'm gonna have to let that slide but it still really bothered me.

The main reason I didn't give this a higher rating was because the characters really aggravated me. They seemed to be anti-everything and in real life I could probably only tolerate them as acquaintances. The whole toxic weird thing between Harper and Jake was frustrating. They hate each other and they don't. I guess the the constant butting of heads is supposed to be something different and that's an attractive idea, but didn't always come off well on the page. Then there is Laney’s sensitive dilemma, which seemed totally unnecessary seeing as how it played out in the end. The ending was solid, but I had a hard time feeling Harper was justified at the end for being so angry. I understand some anger but she blew up in a spectacular fashion that seemed over the top. I do believe though that's because Harper always is a bit explosive and unforgiving in nature, so I’m wasn’t too shocked by her reaction.

Now what I did love. I loved how Laney was not a backseat character. She is a best friend who is around and that Harper doesn't just forget because there is a guy in the room. And as much I didn't connect with the characters on a personal level, I can appreciate how different they are. They're definitely not cookie cutters, and reflect a niche of people I think are often ignored in literature. Then who can go wrong with music in a book? Nobody is the answer. I'm proud to say I wasn't totally out of the loop and did recognize some of the songs and artists. The author is even nice enough to include a list of the songs in the back in case you’re curious. There are also some beautiful quotes, and moments where I laughed so much. On the topic of grief the author handled it with authenticity, and was able to express that there is no real "wrong" way when it comes to feelings of grief. It's complicated and painful and that's probably the only sure thing about it.

So would I suggest it to other readers? Yes I would. I am unfortunately not "cool" enough for this book. Seriously, I'm just not hipster material, but that doesn't mean other readers won't find that this book speaks to them strongly and on a extraordinary level; I won't ever discourage people from reading a book that can give them that. (less)

8 likes · like · see review

Aug 12, 2011 Jo rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, oh-how-we-laugh, you-got-a-friend-in-me, e

“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 you cut open my soul these son...more

19 likes · like · see review

Nov 06, 2011 Aly (Fantasy4eva) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-reads, received-for-review, conflicted-thoughts, crushing-on-the-cover

Rating: 3.5

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 begin with our protagonist. Harper has me a little co...more

9 likes · like · see review

Jul 18, 2011 Chachic rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks, best-of-2011, favorites, fictional-crushes

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.

Harper Scott knows sh...more

13 likes · like · see review

Jun 10, 2012 Giselle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, ebook, contemporary

Even though this book is ultimately about loss and dealing with grief, it's a very diverting read filled with life, humor, and romance. Being a road trip story, be prepared for some amusing sightseeing along with plenty of colorful characters.

Saving June begins very powerfully during the aftermath of June's death. Harper finds herself in a bubble of grief, unable to even begin to understand why her sister killed herself. I could feel her heartache, as if it was my own. The emotional turmoil is e...more Even though this book is ultimately about loss and dealing with grief, it's a very diverting read filled with life, humor, and romance. Being a road trip story, be prepared for some amusing sightseeing along with plenty of colorful characters.

Saving June begins very powerfully during the aftermath of June's death. Harper finds herself in a bubble of grief, unable to even begin to understand why her sister killed herself. I could feel her heartache, as if it was my own. The emotional turmoil is extremely vivid and I was sure we were in for an overwhelmingly sad novel, but once the road trip begins it turns into a pleasant, beautiful story. After the initial explosion, though, the pacing can leave a bit to be desired until about half way. However, this leaves room for excellent character development and an incredibly sweet budding romance.

Extremely character oriented, Saving June brings forth a lot of vibrant personalities. Harper, herself, is frustrated and broken by her sister's death, making her a very gripping, sympathetic protagonist. The two main supporting roles, Jake and Laney, both have distinct personalities that are very different from each other. We see them go from snappy to charismatic. Thus, there was bound to be some banter and disagreements, but they have this wonderful chemistry that makes them seem naturally connected to each other. We then have a band of eccentric characters that we meet along the way that range from charming to outlandish.

So powerful that it's a character in itself, the music reverberates through the pages making it an important entity. It plays an immense part in Harper's healing process. This book is filled with musical references that will capture any music buff. Although I was familiar with a lot of the music mentioned, it's not to such a degree that made the frequent exchanges and debates mean as much as I think it should have. Nevertheless, its strong influence is undeniable.

As in the beginning, the conclusion yields a lot of emotional outbursts; it's an intense, piercing ending. Some parts of it do feel a bit too convenient, but I was satisfied with it overall. Are you a music fanatic? Do you enjoy road trips? Brilliant characterization? Poignant story lines? Saving June will take you and enrapture you all through to the end!

--
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads

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12 likes · like · see review

Sep 05, 2011 Melissa (Book Nerd Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 always wanted...more

6 likes · like · see review

Oct 17, 2012 Nessa rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, review, not-my-cup-of-earl-grey-tea

Saving June is going to be sat firmly on the 'not my cup of tea' shelf, right alongside my box of Earl Grey. I realise that's a bold statement to make, considering how mercurial my tastes seem to be at any given time, but this book and I seriously did not get along.

The story is about Harper, a teenage girl living in the shadow of her perfect elder sister, June. Soon after their parents get divorced, June commits suicide. After her funeral, an argument breaks out over who will get to keep an urn...more

12 likes · like · see review

Jul 06, 2011 Reynje rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2011, young-adult, hello-lover, playlists, contemp-or-realistic

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 aftermath of the de...more 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 aftermath of the decision of a family member to take their own life, and how Harper’s quest to do one last thing for June might just save her own life.

And yes, also about music.

Harper, her best friend Laney and a taciturn guy with a connection to June embark on a road trip from Michigan to California with June’s ashes. And while the road trip delivers its own bizarre encounters and landmarks (hi, Fridgehenge!), it’s really the backdrop for the gradual unfolding and development of the characters as they come to terms with June’s departure from their lives, and with each other.

What set this book apart from other coming-of-age, grief stories for me was the blunt honesty it was presented in. I didn’t feel like the prose was deliberately trying to pull at my heart strings or manipulate my feelings about the characters. They were realistically presented complete with flaws and not-always-sympathetic behaviour, without over-angsting in the process. At the same time, it is completely engaging story that I felt invested in the entire time I was reading it. The interactions between the three main characters really worked and there was tangible chemistry (*cough* Jake *cough*) that grew throughout the pages. While I appreciate that the dialogue between them may not be entirely representative of the 16 to 18 year old population in general, I thought it was true to their characters, and it had me laughing out loud at times (while on public transport no less). Harrington’s writing was fluid and compulsively readable, and she nailed the spectrum of emotion Harper moves through in response to her sister’s suicide.

Alongside the heavy subject matter the story deals with, it’s also high on the swoon scale, and despite some fairly jerk-ish behaviour, Jake is also a multi-dimensional character with personality rather than being a token hot-guy cardboard cutout. Harper’s ambivalence toward him was believable and the mounting tension was crafted for a maximum impact payoff. In addition to the back and forth between Harper and Jake, which will have readers flipping pages eagerly, I also appreciated the way his attitude towards Laney changed. From a particularly “oh no you didn’t” scene, to the gradual and subtle gestures of apology, it tackled issues of judgement and misconception.

I had a minor quibble with a plot point towards the very end of the book – not that it wasn’t within the realm of the possibility – but it seemed a little.. neat? The situation seemed to be resolved conveniently in time for the ending of the book, but I do appreciate that Harrington alluded to the ongoing emotional repercussions of the event.

Ultimately, Saving June was a touching, funny, painful book with a lot of realism and heart. It’s an upper YA read doesn’t flinch from difficult topics, and there are some beautifully written scenes that deal honestly with what it is to grieve and not always have an answer to the ‘why’s?’ presented by suicide.
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14 likes · like · see review

Aug 25, 2011 Isamlq rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: EVERYONE

Shelves: arc-galley, favorites

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 MacGyver?"

...and finally to the achingly romantic,
"Look. Stop. Breath."
His hand on my waist to the...more

9 likes · like · see review

Sep 19, 2011 Lucy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, contemporary, roadtrip

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 the family...more 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 the family together. Her family is reeling from her shocking death, and June did not leave a note of explanation. While going through June’s belongings Harper finds some clues that indicated June dreamed of moving to California. She plans to run off with her best friend Laney and scatter June’s ashes in the golden state as her final tribute to her sister. Jake, a boy with a mysterious connection to June, wants to accompany them on their journey.

The book continues with the characters getting to know themselves and each other better through their epic cross-country road trip. They get acquainted through their musical selections and by making some detours along the way.

I appreciated the uniqueness of Harper’s character and her tough nature. Her world is shattered but she can’t bring herself to cry over June. She is torn between her divorced parents, and doesn’t feel she is able to live up to June and replace her as the support system to her mother. She is fearless though and has a great sense of humor. She is the photographer of the group and documents their adventures. Her friendship with Laney feels very realistic, even though they are complete opposites. Laney is more extroverted and reckless, but is also a devoted friend to Harper.

The romance between Jake and Harper is slow building and sweet. You get the sense that they get each other, and feel comfortable enough to be themselves even though they have just met. They have great chemistry and an easy banter that makes their scenes memorable.

And what road trip would be complete without music? Each member of the trio has different musical tastes, but Jake is the one with the most eclectic taste who likes to school the girls on different musical icons. Jake also works in a record store and plays guitar to continue the musical theme of the book. The musical element made the story even more compelling for me and I was pleasantly surprised to see Jake’s playlists at the back of the book.

The writing flows effortlessly and with an even pace. The contemporary story is realistic and the characters are well defined and believable. It has a similar vibe to Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, another road trip book with a great soundtrack. The light-hearted moments, friendship and romance balance out the grieving story so it never gets too heavy. This is an impressive first novel by Hannah Harrington and I’ll be sure to look for her other books. Saving June hits stores November 22.(less)

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Jun 28, 2010 Kody Keplinger rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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!

9 likes · like · see review

Jun 12, 2012 Soumi(in love with Puck) Roy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: owned-arcs, owned-copy, books-i-reviewed, contemporary, young-adult, mira-ink

“Sometimes people think they want to know things, but then they hear the answer and realize they'd prefer to be in the dark.”

A work of realistic fiction, Saving June is absolutely touching and I melted with emotions. When I was reading Saving June, I was speechless and I was in doubt that I will ever be able to write down my thoughts in blank pages.

Harper’s perfect older sister June committed suicide just two weeks before her graduation, and Haper was the one who found her body. Harper found he...more “Sometimes people think they want to know things, but then they hear the answer and realize they'd prefer to be in the dark.”

A work of realistic fiction, Saving June is absolutely touching and I melted with emotions. When I was reading Saving June, I was speechless and I was in doubt that I will ever be able to write down my thoughts in blank pages.

Harper’s perfect older sister June committed suicide just two weeks before her graduation, and Haper was the one who found her body. Harper found heeself questioning June’s death because June did not even left behind a goodbye note. When Harper found out her divorcing parents are even dividing June’s urn, Harper took the urn left home with her best friend Laney and Jake, an arrogant guy who used be June’s friend to California where June wanted to go, and live her dream, now its Harper responsibly to fulfill her decreased sister’s last wish. A memorable road trip to accomplish June’s unfulfilled dream, Harper discovers truth about her sister, herself and life that can turn her life upside down.

I have read many books where some characters died, but a novel completely dealt with death, loss and grief, Saving June is first one in my book shelve. I have seen death in my life and I know how it is feels like losing a person you love, I found myself immediately attached with the characters, each and everyone.

“It's so stupid because all I wanted was space and now that I have it, there's this part of me that's achingly lonely I could die.”

June has always been the golden girl, Harper was opposite to her, still there was so much connections and love, and I’m mesmerized by their sisterly bond. Devastated and alone, we witnessed Harper developed and grown mentally through the pages, felt and acted like a mature one, wiser than her age. Harper is bold, smart mouthed and definitely not perfect. Author’s creation of such realistic and flawed character is praise worthy.

“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.”

There is Jake, a guy with bad ass attitude but a soft and empathetic heart, deep and warm. His presence is comforting and heartwarming, like a music you listen to in joy and pain. He and Harper never got along, but still he always stand by her side and supported her, a shoulder to cry one, a hand to hold forever.
Another person I cann’t help but mentioning, Laney, Harper best friend in both her good and bad times. Living her own comfortable life, she set in a journey along with Harper and Jake. She also faces some devastating news in her way to California; still she never left Harper’s side, Laney reminded me of my best friend.

Taking trip with a guy Harper barely knows and slowing falling for him, the romance part was perfect and smooth, with flavor of first love. Harper not only struggles to cope with her loss and grief, she also struggles with herself and truths she discovers.

Saving June was engaging read for, an emotional journey that I will never forget. I never thought of having an adventurous road trip or taking any kind of risk like that, but sometimes you only listen to your heart and acts on your emotion, that’s life is all about. (less)

5 likes · like · see review

Feb 11, 2012 Alona rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, contemporary, favorites, netgalley, 2012

Original review posted at Off The Wall

It's not every day I read books dealing with death, loss, or anything depressive. It's the reason I didn't read this book immediately after I got a copy from Netgalley. I finally gave in and read this when I went home to Pangasinan last month.

I haven't experienced losing a loved one. So I don't really know how it feels to lose someone you've known all your life. I know it's never easy but how much painful would it be if the person didn't die a natural death...more

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Jan 01, 2012 Miss rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Miss by: Zemira Warner

Shelves: contemporary, heartbreaking-story, hot-guy-hero, realistic-fiction, music, favorites, suicide, made-me-cry

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 the infusing of soundtracks and melodies th...more

6 likes · like · see review

Jun 11, 2012 Keertana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, life-changing, swoooon, teary-eyed-reads, rainy-day-re-reads

Very rarely in my life have I come across a book where it is difficult for me to pinpoint exactly what I liked about it. Saving June falls into this rare category of books simply because it made me feel so many emotions that it is hard for me to go back and find the exact moment I began falling in love with it. Saving June was one of those books that I was so completely invested in that time lost all meaning and I forgot that I was reading a book in my bed and not on a road trip to Californi...more

13 likes · like · see review

Sep 20, 2011 Cara (Chasing Words) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: to-buy, titles-that-make-me-swoon, favorites

♥ 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 absorbing.

I want to hang out with Harper and Jake and Laney. I want to talk about Th...more

6 likes · like · see review

Sep 10, 2011 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, very-well-written, well-structured-characters, y-a, feels

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 her feelings show. So I loved the things she'd say("This doesn't m...more

3 likes · like · see review

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About Hannah Harrington

I don't like Pina Coladas, but I do enjoy getting caught in the rain.

Oh, and I'm a YA author! My first novel, SAVING JUNE, was published by Harlequin Teen in 2011, and my second, SPEECHLESS, will be released on August 28th, 2012!

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Quotes from Saving June

“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.” — 399 people liked it

“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 come out on the other side okay. Not only that, but they made some kind of twisted, fucked-up sense of the completely senseless. They made it mean something. These songs tell me I'm not alone. If you look at it at that way, music... music can see you through anything.” — 185 people liked it

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