Review: Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

Title: Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

Published: December 27^th, 2011 by Katherine Tegen Books

Source: Library

Format: Hardback

Challenge(s):

Grade rate: A

My wish is to fall cranium over Converse in dizzy daydream-worthy love.
(If only it were that easy.)

Marcie has been dragged away from home for the summer- from Idaho to a family summerhouse in New Hampshire. She’s left 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 “summer vacation” has become permanent.  She has to start at a new school, and there she leaves behind her Leftover status when 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, really?  Can you even know it until you’ve lost it?

Love & Leftovers is journey navigating family, friends, and love, and a compelling and sexy read that teens will gobble up whole.

My Review

Love & Leftovers is the second book I’ve read written in verse and just like Chasing Brooklyn before, I love it! 

Marcie is a typical teenager, she is a little insecure and has a great group of friends in high school that call themselves to be the “Leftovers”.  She lives in Boise, Idaho (where I went to college, btw) with her mom and dad, until tragedy strikes and she temporarily moves to New Hampshire (or so she thought).  Unfortunately Marcie had to deal with many issues that are really hard for anyone (and even worst for a teenager!) and she did the best she could under the circumstances.  

I didn’t like J.D. too much, he was handsome, but seemed kind of one-dimensional to me.  I liked Linus more, although he too made some unfortunate decisions triggered by hurt (a very common mistake I assure you). Linus is a unique character and a musician that puts his emotions into song.  Katie had me a little confused and I can’t help but not liking her.  I know that Marcie made some poor choices, but so did Linus and Katie.   I liked Marcie’s dad and Danny too, but her mom, not so much.

I am glad everything worked out at the end for almost everyone in the story.

The plot was simple and masterfully executed.  What we are reading is Marcie’s diary that she writes as poems.  If you have never given books written this way a chance, you should, they are very easy to read and follow.   The writing was amazing,  well-paced, and full of emotions.  

Love & Leftovers is a great read, please give it a chance because is worth it :)

About the cover:  I like the cover, is simple and gives the impression of a young girl and boy hugging or kissing.  The papers in the background can be songs, poems or just making reference to school.  I like the red shoes and title.

Have you read any books written in verse?  How do you like them?