Today I am very excited to help celebrate an amazing book. I am even more excited to celebrate it on it's release day! It is the release date for the newest Morgan Matson novel which always gets me in the mood for summer. Since Simon and Schuster Canada thinks (and I agree) that summer is meant for reading, they decided to host an epic blog tour featuring three books that are made for your beach tote. The #ThreeScoopsOfSummer tour (because nothing goes with summer better than ice cream) has already featured Siobhan Vivan's The Last Boy and Girl in The World so be sure to stop by and visit each of the stops.
As mentioned, I am thrilled to celebrate The Unexpected Everything today! I'd like to start off by wishing Morgan Matson and The Unexpected Everything a happy book birthday!
As part of the tour I was given the chance to interview Morgan (queue fangirl freakout). She dished on emojis, summer, and road trip playlists.
1. I’ve heard that emojis are used in The Unexpected Everything. What is your favourite emoji to use?
Yes! The emojis are a big part of the book. I use this one a lot -
and this one too
and this one too
Lately, I’ve started using the cat faces a lot. I’m partial to this one at the moment
And during the holidays, I use the Santa
instead of a smiley.
instead of a smiley.
2. Your books remind me of summer. What is your favourite summer memory?
That’s so great to hear! I love summer (which is maybe why I write about it so much!) Summer to me, is long days by the lake or ocean, flip flop tan lines, fireflies, and iced latte or an ice cream cone. That’s summer to me!
3. This novel, based on the synopsis, seems to be about going outside your plan and finding the unexpected. What was the last unexpected thing you did?
I took an impromptu trip to Hawaii recently. It was spur of the moment, and the opportunity came along, so I jumped on it. It was a fantastic trip so it makes me want to do unexpected things more often!
4. Your novels always make me think of road trips as well. What song is a must have on any road trip playlist?
It changes, depending on the road trip, and what kind of destination it is. But a classic road trip song that shows up on a lot of my mixes is “Nightswimming” by REM. Such a good sing-along song too.
5. If a genie were to great you three wishes, what would you wish for?
-the ability to time travel
-for there always to be a Starbucks where I am
-three more wishes
6. Favourite beach read that should be in everyone's tote bags this summer?
The Last Boy and Girl in the World by Siobhan Vivian!
A huge thank you to Morgan for taking the time to answer these questions and for Simon and Schuster Canada for setting this up.
I've had to chance to read The Unexpected Everything, and below is my review. Hopefully it entices you to add it to your own summer reading list.
Release Date - May 3, 2016
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 528 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**
Andie had it all planned out.Friendships. Summer. Ice cream. Lazy summer days. Sweet romances. Road trips with perfect playlists. These are just some of the things that I associate with a Morgan Matson novel. The Unexpected Everything, as expected, holds some of these charms within it's pages. It also holds adorable dogs, the cutest book boyfriend I've had the pleasure to read about this year, and a story that shows going outside your comfort zone can lead to new experiences.
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?
There is a saying that life is what happens when you're busy making other plans. Andie would consider this a foreign concept. Carefully laid plans, and boundaries are her defense mechanism and her way of life. Morgan Matson explores what happens when someone like this is forced to go outside that plan. Those carefully controlled experiences, and that defined future are all she knows. This novel really shines by allowing the reader to take Andie's journey with her. Every single page of this book is needed to chart Andie's journey, stumbles and all, through a life changing summer. The characterization in this novel is pitch perfect and not just with Andie. Each of the side characters stand out, and gain a place in the reader's heart. I, personally, would devour a set of companion novels that focused on each of Andie's best friends. Each girl has a story that I would love to read, especially Toby's. I can picture a rom-com laced story filled with road trips, big romantic gestures, and finding love in surprising places.
Andie's story is one of self exploration. Andie has to look at what it means to not be in control, and the reasons behind her drive to have everything so structured. The romance is only part of Andie's journey as everything from her family, friends, and her own perceptions play a part in the changes that happen to her. There is a lot that Andie discovers, and admits, to and about herself that I found refreshing. This, at it's heart, is a story of a girl letting go of things that could be holding her back. Things that due to fear, due to not listening to her inner voice, and due to expectation may leave her missing out on some pretty great detours along her journey. The book balances having drive, and focus versus using it as a crutch or defense mechanism to protect yourself. It shows the wonder in the unexpected, but also allows that taking risks can be risky. Morgan Matson adeptly points out that sometimes the things that seem scary are not as big as we make them out to be, and that we shouldn't let these hold us back. Andie's story will be instantly relatable because you can understand what she is going through. You've either been her, or know someone who has. It also helps that she makes mistakes. She is not perfect and she backslides along the progress she is making.
The romance is, as expected, perfectly swoon worthy. Clark is now my favourite of Morgan Matson's book boys and I predict many will love him too. There is something really refreshing in how natural, and realistic their relationship (and the ups and downs it experiences) is. Morgan, as mentioned, is an expert at balancing the various relationships in our lives within her story. The romance doesn't take the focus, but it's present enough for you to be invested. I, also, loved that Andie was more than just her romance. This story is really Andie's story and that means all parts of her.
If Since You've Been Gone left you wanting to dare all your friends, The Unexpected Everything will have you planning scavenger hunts. It's a novel that pairs perfectly with summer and demands to be read with ice cream. It's the kind of novel that will make you want to live in the moment and (sometimes) go off script - you never know who or what you might be missing.
Simon and Schuster is also offer up a prize pack for this blog tour. To enter be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter below. It is open to Canadian residents, and be sure to read all rules and restrictions.
This is very exciting. I'm reading The Unexpected Everything this month and I'm so excited. It seems like a perfect book to read with summer creeping around the corner.
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