Love and Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

My wish is to fall cranium over Converse in dizzy daydream-worthy love.

(If only it were that easy.

Marcie has been dragged away from home for the summer--from Idaho to a family summerhouse in New Hampshire. She's left behind her friends, a group of freaks and geeks called the Leftovers, including her emo-rocker boyfriend, and her father.

By the time Labor Day rolls around, Marcie suspects this "summer vacation" has become permanent. She has to start at a new school, and there she leaves behind her Leftover status when a cute boy brings her breakfast and a new romance heats up. But understanding love, especially when you've watched your parents' affections end, is elusive. What does it feel like, really? Can you even know it until you've lost it?

This book is adorable. It is one of the cutest in-verse novels I’ve read. This is one of the most promising contemporary debuts I’ve read in awhile. Though having the novel in verse makes it a quick read, this story doesn’t skimp on emotions. Love and Leftovers is the type of story that I think everyone can relate to. Whether your struggling with crushes or trying to fit in, you’ll be able to relate to the characters.

I felt so bad for Marcie that she had to just up and move because of a fight her parents had. I couldn’t imagine being uprooted like that. I think I would have handled it much worse than she did. I didn’t agree with some of her choices (particularly the ones she made in the relationship department), but she eventually matured and grew out of them. Linus was adorable. He had his bad moments, but he made up for them towards the end of the book. I was a big fan of the Leftovers. I liked that they didn’t each have a group that they fit in to, so they made their own little clique. It was a great mix of different personalities.

Overall, I really enjoyed Love and Leftovers. It was refreshing to read a light book in verse (compared to Lisa Schroeder or Ellen Hopkins). I recommend Love and Leftovers, especially to people looking for a cute, quick read.

FTC- Publisher.