Friday, January 13, 2012

Mini Review: Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

Young Adult
Hardcover, 448 pgs.
Published December 27th, 2011 by HarperCollins
Source: Purchased

My wish
is to fall
cranium over Converse
in dizzy, daydream-worthy
love.

When her parents split, Marcie is dragged from Idaho to a family summerhouse in New Hampshire. She leaves behind her friends, a group of freaks and geeks called the Leftovers, including her emo-rocker boyfriend, and her father.

By the time Labor Day rolls around, Marcie suspects this "vacation" has become permanent. She starts at a new school where a cute boy brings her breakfast and a new romance heats up. But understanding love, especially when you've watched your parents' affections end, is elusive. What does it feel like, really? can you even know it until you've lost it?

Love and Leftovers is a beautifully written story of one girl’s journey navigating family, friends, and love, and a compelling and sexy read that teens will gobble up whole.
I'm gonna keep this one short and sweet since there are so many reviews out there right now.  Just want you to get the general idea of my feelings for this one.


I love verse novels and this one totally lived up to my expectations!  The style flowed well, the characters stood out and the plot was well done.  

Marcie is a person I 'got'.  I loved her personality and her thought process.  I loved how she worked so hard to be so perfect for everyone.  Supporting her mother while dealing with her father being gay and trying to support him as well, to her long distance relationship and friendships, and then feeling lonely and taking any sort of love and attention she can get.


I loved that I didn't know who Marcie would be with.  Or if she would maybe end up alone.  I had no idea how it would play out.  I loved both guys even while I felt suspicious when she did.  I loved how it all went and thought it was brilliant.  


Definitely a winner guys!  I highly suggest you pick it up!
4/5 stars

12 comments:

Jenny said...

I have not read a book in verse yet, I think I'm a bit intimidated by them. Like they'll go right over my head and I'll be that girl that didn't understand the brilliance of it all o_O. Maybe this would be a good one to start with though:) Thanks Candace!

Giselle said...

I've never read a verse novel before so I'm not too sure about them but I'm really interested in this one I may give it a try!

Giselle
Xpresso Reads

Candace said...

Jenny and Giselle,
Oh man, you guys are missing out! It's simple really, they just take out all the extra's and it's just the meat of the story. I do have to say that my first recommendation for verse novels is Lisa Schroeder. The Day Before is my most favorite of hers, but all her stuff is amazing. This book is really good, but when I think of The Day Before this book pales in comparison.

Missie said...

I'm so lame Candace because I have yet to read a verse novel, but if I'm gonna try one, it seem like L&L would be a good place to start. I like how you've described it. It seems like it has a clear story line instead of being sometime of obscure poetry.

Thanks for the recommendation. :)

Alexa said...

I love verse books but I have read many reviews that were all over the place on this one. I have read many great reviews and just as many negative reviews on it. I'm torn so maybe I shall just wait to see if my library is going to get this one.

Thanks for the great, to the point, review!

Mary @ BookSwarm said...

I've both loved and hated verse novels (poetry is just not my thing). But this one sounds cute--think I'll have to check it out.

Somer S said...

I love verse novels. In fact I'm reading one right now
(Audition). I just got Love and Leftovers from B&N. Can't wait to dig in!

The Princess of Storyland said...

I'm glad you liked it! I personally LOVED this book! I like a lot of other people used to be really scared of verse novels. I thought I wasn't intellectual enough to get them. I actually love them because they are so simple! It's all about the story telling! No fluff or needless descriptions that go on, and on. Just the true heart of the story told in a simple yet beautiful way!

Natalie (Mindful Musings) said...

You're right: it seems like there are a TON of reviews of this one out and about right now. I'm glad you were able to connect with the main character though. That's a must have in my book (no pun intended)!

LoriStrongin said...

It's been a while since I've read a good book told in verse, and ditto that I've been hearing a lot of good things about this one. Might just have to go check it out.


Smiles!
Lori

Cortney Pearson said...

Just finished this one the other night. I LOVED it! Such fantastic writing and what a great love story. I'm like you, I "got" Marcie. Great character.

Lori said...

This is on my To Buy Soon list so I'm happy to hear that you liked it a lot! :)

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