Final Thoughts? (sorry it's a bit late!)

[Sydney | sydneys.books]

*taken from my GR review, does contain spoilers*

I absolutely LOVED TUE! It was my final read of Morgan Matson's current four releases, and I was absolutely blown away! My first favorite forever remains Amy & Roger's Epic Detour; this one is probably in the final slot, but mostly because it was her most predictable read and it delved a lot into politics-- and I loathe politics. Andie, our main character, is funny, relatable, and problematic, missing a mother, and thanks to her father's government position, her friends are really more like her family. One thing I adore about Matson's writing is how REAL her characters are! Their flaws are clearly defined but we love them despite, just as we do real people. She writes realistic fiction, yes, but it's the most realistic fiction I've ever read. Clark is our love interest, and from the first meeting I liked him. Awkward, shy, a bit dorky, introverted-- I knew he was not only perfect for Andie, but also perfect for me. (Funny how that turns out.) ;) When it is revealed that he is also the writer of the fantasy books I was turned on even more. Writer, reader, sweet, compassionate... He was basically a dreamboat. As Andie fell In love, I fell in love. I also especially loved how his books brought the characters together: Andie and her father bonded over the books with late night ice cream; Andie and Clark wrote the third book together using their own fictional representations of themselves (Karl and Marjorie); the four best friends forgave each other over the Wyatt scandal on the bus to his signing in New Jersey; and so many more. What I would give to read those books myself! And Clark wrote them at 14 so clearly he is talented.

Another bonding between Andie and Clark were their daddy issues. I won't delve into them (they are ever so complicated) but relationships are always charred when jealousy, secrets, and lies burn through them. I enjoyed seeing (most of) those relationships being mended throughout. My most favorite part of this book was either the dog-walking dates (honestly it sounds romantic to me), or the walks during which Andie listened to Clark's books on audiobook; the scavenger hunts they girls do annually (but this year with their boyfriends!) that sound so fun, competitive, and overall amazing; or Andie's dad bringing her ice ream when she cried over Clark's character's death (I have never screamed ME so loudly before). Overall, this book brought me all the feels and I always am up for a Morgan Matson reread!

For more thoughts see our Instagram discussion under the #theunexpectedreads and don't forget to join our August readalong!!