Paperback, 224 pages
Young Adult, Contemporary
My Review:
How is the novel driven: Character, this is about Eddie's journey for answers and through her grief after her father's suicide.
My Thoughts: If I had to sum this book up in one word it would be emotional. I mean that in a good way. I felt like I was right there with Eddie the entire book, feeling all of her emotions, her grief, her curiosity, her confusion, all of it. I haven't read Courtney Summers before so I can' t compare this to her other books, but as a book taken on it's own, I think Fall for Anything is pretty amazing.
At the beginning Eddie seems pretty unlikeable, but as the book continues and the reader sees why Eddie is this way and what is causing her to pursue answers, she becomes more likeable. She is very confused, full of teen angst (though not in a predictable way) and I think this would be true of any teen trying to deal with a parent's suicide. As the story continues Eddie changes, she learns things, she deals with Culler and Milo, trying to figure out where they fit in her life. I also thought it was interesting that Eddie is not a complete outcast and to set this during the summer where school is of less importance. Eddie does fit in with people, she has friends, but Milo is her best friend and they are dependent on each other when the book begins.
I like also that Milo becomes more developed in the book. He's not just her sidekick, he has feelings as well that he has to work through. And Culler made an interesting foil to Milo and the twists and turns he offers the book really make it interesting.
The suspense thread that runs through the book of trying to find out why Eddie's dad committed suicide was also interesting. It had me on the edge of my seat and turning page after page to see if Eddie would find the answer. I think Ms. Summers does an excellent job of balancing a suspense plot along with character development to make this a very well-rounded and interesting novel.
So with all of that said, if you enjoy emotional books, this is one for you. It's not your typical happy-go-lucky YA book obviously. I think Ms. Summers deals very well with the variety of emotions and a tough subject in this book. I think through Eddie she has made a very memorable character. I know she will stay with me for awhile.
My Rating: 5.0/5.0
About the Book:
From the author of Cracked Up to Be and Some Girls Are comes a gripping story about one girl’s search for clues into the mysterious death of her father.
When Eddie Reeves’s father commits suicide her life is consumed by the nagging question of why? Why when he was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher? Why when he seemed to find inspiration in everything he saw? And, most important, why when he had a daughter who loved him more than anyone else in the world? When she meets Culler Evans, a former student of her father’s and a photographer himself, an instant and dangerous attraction begins. Culler seems to know more about her father than she does and could possibly hold the key to the mystery surrounding his death. But Eddie’s vulnerability has weakened her and Culler Evans is getting too close. Her need for the truth keeps her hanging on...but are some questions better left unanswered?
Trickster's Girl by Hilari Bell
Eggs in Purgatory by Laura Childs
Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers
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