The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

Book Details:

Pages: 519

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Released: May 3rd 2016

Synopsis:

Andie had it all planned out. When you are a politician’s daughter who’s pretty much raised yourself, you learn everything can be planned or spun, or both. Especially your future. Important internship? Check. Amazing friends? Check. Guys? Check (as long as we’re talking no more than three weeks). But that was before the scandal. Before having to be in the same house with her dad. Before walking an insane number of dogs. That was before Clark and those few months that might change her whole life. Because here’s the thing—if everything’s planned out, you can never find the unexpected. And where’s the fun in that?

Review:

The Unexpected Everything, was in fact a very unexpected read for me because I absolutely loved this book! It was my first Morgan Matson book, and let me just say if the rest of her books are as enjoyable as this I will be so happy! Not only were the characters relatable, realistic, with great writing, but the message was important. This book was super cute, and fluffy. The writing style made it so easy to read even though the book was so long (approximately 500 pages). When i first got the book I was unsure if I should start of with this as my first Morgan Matson book because it is so large, and it honestly intimidated me. Yes, it takes some time to get into at the beginning, but after about 100 pages the pace picks up, and you just fly right through it. So let me go more in depth.

The main character we follow is Andie and she is a daughter of a politician. Her father is a congressman and is always working and as they years go by their relationship becomes worse. They drift apart. It is almost as if they don’t even know each other. I also think that is what intrigued me about this book. The perspective of a child of a political is rare in books. I would imagine it must be hard because politeness roles are important and difficult. The book definitely depicted how the life of a politicians child may be, very well. Throughput the book I was really rooting for Andie and her father’s relationship to mend and I wanted them to get closer. I thought that Andie’s father was so hard working, respectful, and such a great father (besides him working all the time, when he was at home he did a great job).

Andie loves math and science, and she is also really good at them. She had her whole summer planned out to go to a great camp with math and science for her resume, but things occur that keep her from going. Dreams are crushed, plans are ruined and her father’s work is affecting her life.

Andie also has such a great group of friends that reminded me of my own! They were supportive of each other, and even through disagreements and a ridiculous argument from time to time they came together as one strong unit. They were all so quirky, and loving.

I loved the transformation all of the characters went through. Andie learned to take risks, to jump at opportunities, and to cherish those you love. She learned that, "if everything’s planned out, you can never find the unexpected” and life is full of ups and downs, and unexpected things. Things don’t always go as planned but sometimes that’s okay. Bri learned that keeping secrets from people even if doing it with the right intentions is wrong. Trust is extremely important but how can that be achieved if you lie. Toby realized that friendships and the relationships you have with others are important, and are always there. I think one of the best transformations was Andie’s dad. He went from being an inflexible politician to becoming a father. A parent; a person who cares for his/her child and wants to be there for them and wants them to succeed. Wants the best for them and expects the best of them. He cherished any moment with Andie and that is so important. I have to say again I loved their dynamic.

Which leads me to the next dynamic I LOVE!! The love interest; Clark!!! First let me just say that his first name is Clark (like superman) and his middle name is Bruce (like Batman), and the best thing is he is a writer. A very attractive, caring, smart writer!! He is just the best. Clark is a writer who was homeschooled, and pretty much graduated high school at 14 years old. He is a best selling author of a fantasy series yet he is struggling with his writer’s block. He also doesn’t have a great relationship with his family. Morgan Matson showed a great portray of some writers and it was believable because she is a writer who most likely went through those type of experiences. Clark is such a nerd and was fantastic.

All of the characters changed for the better it was a coming of age story for everyone. I loved how even though this was a contemporary, the romance aspect of the book wasn’t the main and important part. It was the relationships in general between family and friends that mattered also.

All together this was a great story with fluffy writing, great developed characters and relationships, lots of cute puppies, summery vibes, and a great message! I would defiantly love this book, despite the slow pace at the beginning. There are few flaws. I can’t wait to read more by Morgan Matson!

4 stars