FALL FOR ANYTHING
Standalone
Courtney Summers
BLURB
From the author of Cracked Up to Be and Some Girls Are comes Courtney Summers’s Fall or Anything, a gripping story about one girl’s search for clues into the mysterious death of her father.
When Eddie Reeves’s father commits suicide her life is consumed by the nagging question of why? Why when he was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher? Why when he seemed to find inspiration in everything he saw? And, most important, why when he had a daughter who loved him more than anyone else in the world? When she meets Culler Evans, a former student of her father’s and a photographer himself, an instant and dangerous attraction begins. Culler seems to know more about her father than she does and could possibly hold the key to the mystery surrounding his death. But Eddie’s vulnerability has weakened her and Culler Evans is getting too close. Her need for the truth keeps her hanging on…but are some questions better left unanswered?
★★★
*3 Stars*
Fall for Anything takes an honest and heartbreaking look into the aftermath of a loved one’s suicide, and vividly explores the self-blame and confusion that inevitably lingers.
While I didn’t find this story as edgy or intense as some of Summers’ others, its messages were every bit as impactful.
The plot itself moves at a slower pace and, although some mystery is incorporated, is a fairly steady, straightforward ride.
But what stood out most for me was the genuine nature of each character, which allowed me to remain fully convinced and invested at all times. The tone of this story was depressingly solemn, and the characters’ behaviors stayed true to that.
Since her father’s sudden suicide, Eddie lives a life fueled by desperate motivation: trying to uncover the reason her talented, artist father took his own life. When clues begin presenting themselves, Eddie jumps head first into a do-or-die investigation. Haunted by endless questions and ignored by a mother who’s too broken to leave her bed, giving in to this uncertain quest is something Eddie simply must do.
There is a shadow of a romance entwined, but the heart of this plot lies in Eddie’s pain and frustrations. As with all books by this author, the ending is left somewhat open, offering insinuations while still presenting gratification. I believe this particular book was this author’s early work, and while I enjoyed, I can certainly see how her unique talent has multiplied in her recent novels!
A touching read!
Book Stats:
▪ Genre/Category: Realistic Fiction/Mystery/YA
▪ Steam Caliber: Mild
▪ Romance: Very subtle
▪ Characters: Well drawn out. Pained personas.
▪ Plot: A teenaged girl struggles to uncover the reasons her father committed suicide.
▪ Writing: Superb. Polished, descriptive, and convincing.
▪ POV: 1st Person: Heroine
▪ Cliffhanger:None. Standalone.
