moonstrucksue 's review for:

The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

4.0

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I can finally say I have a favorite Morgan Matson book.

Family drama + Falling in love + Friendship + Pizza + ice-cream + Summer
Bonus: Dogs

Unexpected Everything contain all of Morgan Matson’s trademark quirks. It is usually a hit or miss for me but, this story surprised me in a delightful way.

At this rate, there is nothing relatively new from Matson. She utilized the same formula. A bunch of privileged white straight teenagers navigating their summer plans. Unfortunately, The Unexpected Everything didn’t steer clear from that.

It follows the story of Andie, the politician’s daughter who knows her boundaries, who has a plan for her life. This summertime isn’t any different. She is headed for an important internship. Though after the scandal that rocked her father’s career, she finds herself with no position.

Then, all of a sudden Andie found an alternative. Someone hired her for a part-time job, and it requires walking a ridiculous amount of dogs.

Without doubt, this is a notable improvement from Matson’s preceding works. The writing suits me, the five hundred pages didn’t bothered me. It made me feel reckless and delirious. A perfect read to unwind.

Characters

After the death of Andie’s mom five years ago, the distance between she and her dad expanded. This summer is about reconnecting with her only family. I love how Matson crafted this specific story line. There are resentment and awkwardness. But, soon enough, you’ll see the father and daughter come together. Their interactions are truly heartwarming.

This story also integrated tight knitted, and complicated friendship. It’s endearing. I would’ve have loved it more, maybe, if there’s characters of color as well.

Romance

The romance is so cute. I was initially worried, because there seems to be no sparks. Gradually, it started flying out of nowhere. Clark and Andie instantly become one of my favorite YA couples. Their relationship started with a handful of awkwardness, hesitancy, tight lipped smiles. It’s the kind of romance that is difficult to grasp at first. Where they are fumbling for the right conversations to talk about, and when the wall between them started to melt, everything are rewarding.

The Unexpected Everything made me laugh, squeal. It pulled my heartstrings at the right direction. Highly recommended to Matson’s fans, and contemporary readers.