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The Summer of Impossible Things

The Summer of Impossible Things by Rowan Coleman


*I received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis (from Goodreads)
Thirty years ago, something terrible happened to Luna’s mother. Something she’s only prepared to reveal after her death. Now Luna and her sister have a chance to go back to their mother’s birthplace and settle her affairs. But in Brooklyn they find more questions than answers, until something impossible – magical – happens to Luna, and she meets her mother as a young woman back in the summer of 1977.
At first Luna’s thinks she’s going crazy, but if she can truly travel back in time, she can change things. But in doing anything – everything – to save her mother’s life, will she have to sacrifice her own?

Review
Before reading any further, please turn this on as a soundtrack.

I didn't really know what to expect when I picked up the book. I though the synopsis was interesting and it pulled me in. I did not expect such a wonderful, heartfelt story about mothers and daughters and family love. Plus, time travel and disco!

The setting in Brooklyn, and especially in 1970's Brooklyn, was so fun. There's such a rich history there and Coleman really brings it to life. Reading the descriptions of the 1970's made it feel more vibrant and colorful than today.

I liked Coleman's use of time travel. There are so many theories about how it could work and I like that she just made her own rules and stuck to them. I didn't feel like there were any plot holes or paradoxes.

The beginning was a little slow as all the pieces had to come together. But once that happened, I couldn't put the book down. It was incredibly well-paced with no unnecessary filler or distracting bits.  The story sucked me in and I could barely turn pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next!

Luna was an excellent main character. The love she has for her mother just shines through the pages. I love how selfless she is, and how she learns to take a little time for herself. She also cares for her sister, Pia, who is recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. We see how their mother's depression and eventual suicide affected them throughout their lives.

What really got me emotional was when Luna gets to interact with her mother again, as a young woman. How cool would that be? Luna got to see the vivacious and happy person her mother was before the huge tragedy that takes place, and it is knowing and seeing that which makes her determined to change the past.

Plus, the ending of the book was so good and satisfying. I love a happy ending and this one just worked.

All in all, a real gem of a book. I'd highly recommend!


Rating
I give this book 4.5 stars


Details
Genre: Fiction.
Language: Some, not frequent.
Sex: Sexual assault and rape feature heavily in this book, though nothing is every graphically described. Other than that, just some super cute kissing.
Violence: Mild.
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