Saving June by Hannah Harrington

"If she'd waited less than two weeks, she'd have been June that died in June.

But I guess my sister didn't consider that."

Harper was always the disappointment in the family, the one who could have tried harder. June was always the good, over achieving one, the one her parents were proud of. But June killed herself and left Harper behind.

After the shocking discovery of her sisters suicide, the collapse of her family and the stranger who glares at her. Harper decides to do one last thing for her sister, steal her ashes and bring her to California, where her dream life could have been.

With the help of her friend Laney, and the strange boy who somehow has links to June, the three of them head off on a journey. Along the way there are tears, hookups, knuckle fighting and maybe love. But there are still things Harper wants to know about June, but in the process will she, herself be able to find peace?

I really enjoyed this book. I think the reason why I enjoyed it because I could relate very well to both Harper an June. Suicide affects many people, not just the person committing it. And for those left behind it can seem very difficult to understand such actions. That someone could get that sad, that sadness could invade every aspect of their life to be left with such an option to find a release. Partly why I enjoyed this book so much is because it made me think, made me ponder. And I know many people may not enjoy this book the amount I did, but I think they just don't understand it, or don't like the reality of it. 

This book was about more than just suicide though, it was about life, an living it.

"There is so much beauty in just existing. In being alive. I don't want to miss a second"

I loved this quote. It is easy to get carried away on focusing on the negative aspects in life, in the unfair, unruly, seemingly unrelenting thing it is to exist that we let good beautiful things pass is by. I read somewhere that 'If we continually hold on to things that make us sad, we will never be happy'. And quotes are a big thing to me. I could loathe a book or a poem - or whatever else, but if I find a poignant insightful quote or line or sentence, then reading it wasn't a waste. Writing speaks to me far more than art ever could. And I know a picture can say a thousand words, but I like finding the right words.

I feel I may have gotten a bit off topic. This books isn't just about suicide or being sad. It's about love, making mistakes, forgiveness. I encourage you to read it. I rated it 5 stars on my goodreads account (should probably write a review on there too) 

Let me know in the comments if you read this book, and whether you enjoyed it or not. Also if my review encourages you to read it :)