Book Review: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

This is a stunning and moving debut by new author Hannah Harrington- I devoured this in two sittings.

Saving June follows sixteen year old Harper Scott whose perfect and adored older sister June has committed suicide. This ( obviously) has shocked Harper and her unstable family, who thought June had everything going for her. Harper meets one of June's acquaintances, Jake, at her funeral. On impulse they, along with Harpers best friend Laney, decide to take a road trip to California ( where June hoped to attend university) to scatter her ashes. Without their parents knowledge, the trio embark on a trip that will change all of them. The road trip becomes a way for Harper to work through her grief and all the questions she has regarding June's death.

This book deals with a lot of things-religion, music, imperfect families, and death. The prose perfectly captures the feelings of teenage angst and rebellion. Old school music like the Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix features heavily in the book with a list of soundtracks from the book being included in the back ( one of my favourite aspects of the book). Jake, in particular, uses music as a way of expressing his emotions. If you look deep into the characters, you see that their hidden emotions are reflected in the music they choose to play on the road trip. The book also lends itself to the mysterious side, leaving you with a couple of unanswered questions.

This book really cut straight to the heart of a gritty circumstance which I appreciate. Harrington has crafted this book with skill and I can't wait to read her next novel.

Julia

Book Review: Hot Sour Salty Sweet by Jeffrey Alford

This is the best book I have read so far for my 30 Day Book Challenge. I love everything about it, from the beautiful photographs, mouthwatering recipes, to the whole story behind the book. This time, instead of writing my review ( I'd probably use 'love' far too many times!) I thought this excerpt from the cover describes the book very well.

"Luminous at dawn and dusk, the Mekong is a river road. a vibrant artery that defines a vast and fascinating region. Here, along the world's tenth largest river, which rises in Tibet and joins the sea in Vietnam, traditions mingle and exquisite food prevails. Award-winning authors Jeffrey Alford and Naomi Duguid followed the river south, as it flows through the mountain gorges on southern China, to Burma and into Laos and Thailand...North Americans have come to love Southeast Asian food for its bright, fresh flavors. But beyond the dishes themselves, one of the most attractive aspects of Southeast Asian food is the life that surrounds it. In Southeast Asia, people eat for joy. The palate is wildly eclectic, proudly unrestrained. In Hot Sour Salty Sweet at last this great culinary region is celebrated with all the passion, colour and life that it deserves"

If you get a chance to read this book, I thoroughly recommend it. 10 out of 10! Below are some photos of recipes from the book :)

Julia