A stack of books with Review in a box

A stack of books with Review in a box, cover for Start Here

Title: Start Here

Author: Trish Doller

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Publication date: August 13, 2019

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Start HereSummary

Finley was the glue that held Willa and Taylor together. Sailing from Ohio to Key West was her idea, after all. But after Finley passes away from cancer, Willa and Taylor are left on their own. All they have is their sailboat and a bunch of clues from their best friend. And now, they want to continue the trip in Finley’s honor.

After a rocky start to their trip, the two embark on a two thousand mile adventure to try to figure out how their relationship works without Finley. Actually, if it’s worth saving at all. With unexpected twists and turns, they take a trip that they’re never going to forget. Along the way, they have to learn what their lives look like without their best friend, and how to forge their way into a future that they’re unsure of.

Review: Start Here

Thank you to Simon Pulse for sending me a copy of this book to review! Quite honestly, it is the perfect summer read. Reading about Willa and Taylor’s sailing adventures will inspire you to have adventures of your own. Maybe not necessarily this summer, but Willa and Taylor’s story is inspiration to live life to the fullest.

The relationship between Willa and Taylor is the best thing about this book. They’re two friends drawn together by their love for Finley. Both of them are grieving for their best friend, and they don’t realize that no one else understands how they feel. They need each other in order to figure out their grief.

Throughout the book, there are multiple times where it seems like they won’t be able to figure it out. There’s too much that’s happened between the two of them. However, working through various conflicts and difficulties makes them realize that maybe they can be friends, even for just a small time.

There’s lots of adventure in this book, too! Also, there’s romance and lots of beaches and descriptions of beautiful places. Together, Willa and Taylor learn that they’re capable of more than they ever thought. By the end, they’re able to admit things about themselves that before the trip they would have never even admitted to themselves. Seriously, I loved this book! You’ll definitely want to pick it up when it comes out this August. Include it on your Summer TBR!

4.5/5 stars

By Amanda

An avid young adult reader and reviewer, I'm also a coffee connoisseur and a playlist curator. Current teen librarian-in-training.