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Thursday, June 7, 2018

Don't Rush to RSVP

Save the Date
Save the Date
Author: Morgan Matson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Release Date: June 5th, 2018
Charlie Grant’s older sister is getting married this weekend at their family home, and Charlie can’t wait—for the first time in years, all four of her older siblings will be under one roof. Charlie is desperate for one last perfect weekend, before the house is sold and everything changes. The house will be filled with jokes and games and laughs again. Making decisions about things like what college to attend and reuniting with longstanding crush Jesse Foster—all that can wait. She wants to focus on making the weekend perfect.

The only problem? The weekend is shaping up to be an absolute disaster.

There’s the unexpected dog with a penchant for howling, house alarm that won’t stop going off, and a papergirl with a grudge.

There are the relatives who aren’t speaking, the (awful) girl her favorite brother brought home unannounced, and a missing tuxedo.

Not to mention the neighbor who seems to be bent on sabotage and a storm that is bent on drenching everything. The justice of the peace is missing. The band will only play covers. The guests are all crazy. And the wedding planner’s nephew is unexpectedly, distractingly…cute.

The concept of Save the Date sounded SO FREAKIN' adorable that I absolutely HAD to pick it up! Unfortunately, I wasn't wowed.  

At 400+ pages this book felt a little like a daunting task—slowly trudging along until about three-quarters of the way through. Not helping the matter, was the fact that the synopsis gave A LOT, A LOT away (Why are more and more novels doing this!? Please stop!) I wanted to love this book, but it felt predictable, drawn out, and a tad under-developed.  

I wish I could've learned more about the main character, Charlie. I can tell you a few things about herShe had a major crush on her brother's best friend, Jesse. She was trying to figure out where to go to college. She had slightly unrealistic views about her family. I honestly can't remember much more about her. (Eeek, that’s horrible of me!) 

did love the family aspect of this book though! It was so unique and fun to see the Grant Central Station comics throughout the story. Also, a weekend wedding where everyone puts aside their differences to come together was heartwarming to read about 

Can I just say that Wedding Planners are the real MVPs? They do NOT get enough credit. I would've loved to have seen more of Bill! He was such a sweetie and I adored his interactions with Charlie! I feel like there should've been an epilogue farther into Charlie's future as well.  

My advice: Don't rush to RSVP to this one but if you have a free weekend perhaps you should check it out.  

GIVE THE PAPER GIRL A SPIN-OFF! She was the breakout star! LBVS (laughing but VERY serious.) 


15 comments:

  1. I just saw another review of this that mentioned how cool the Grant Central Station comics were- that does sound like a fun part of the story. It does sound kinda long though, and yes- why are synopses giving away more and more of the story lately? Argh.

    Sorry this one was a bit average. It does sound cute but yeah maybe as a cheaper or free read. :) Nice review.

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    1. Right!? Like, STOP telling me EXACTLY what is gonna happen throughout the WHOLE story--grrrr!!

      It was cute just super long and not quite as wonderful as i was hoping =/

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  2. Bummer this one didn't work. I'm super excited to give it a chance because a. that cover and b. it does sound cute, as you mention. But goodness 400+ pages? That does sound perhaps a bit overlong for a summer contemporary!

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    1. Let me know what you end up thinking! I hope you love it!

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  3. I'm sorry you didn't like this one more. D: I've read two Morgan Matson books and LOVED both--I thought her pacing was great with those two. But this is pretty long, so that must've been an issue. D: I'm still really excited about the family dynamics, though!

    - Aimee @ Aimee, Always

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    1. I think I need to read something else by her! This one was so hyped (probably part of the peoblem?) I just couldn't help expecting A LOT. I hope you love it if you read!

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  4. Aww, I'm sorry to see this one didn't wow you! I do want to give this one a chance someday. I've read two of her previous novels and enjoyed them so I know I'll eventually make my way to this one as well.

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    1. I've heard so many good things about her other books, I'm definitely up for giving those a try!

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  5. I know exactly what you mean! I'm actually really hesitant to read the blurbs on books now. I think they'll give too much of the story away. When that happens, I feel like I need to wait FOREVER to read the book so I can forget what I read in the synopsis. Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn't.

    I've heard a lot of good things about this one, so I'm sorry you weren't wowed. 400+ pages is a daunting task, and it's hard to continue with a story you're not really enjoying. I hope your next book is more wow-mazing for you! <3


    L @ Do You Dog-ear?

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    1. In the past I would only skip the sequel's synopsis, so i wouldn't be spoiled but DARN i may have to start skipping all together!

      You are so sweet! I hope i get a wow-mazing read soon too :D

      Thank you for stopping by!

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  6. I don't mind a story being predictable, if it had entertained me. I do find Matson's books to be a little on the long side for contemporaries, but forgive it, because they are usually so much fun. Sorry this one fell a little short for you.

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    1. I'm really hoping to fall for another one of her stories!

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  7. This sounded so damn swoony - that's disappointing. Maybe because I'm prepared now for what it *isn't* I'll like it more.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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    1. Also read Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by her!

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    2. Definitely let me know what you end up thinking!

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