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
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