That’s what made this book an instant fave. And the profound message Nina Lacour had hidden within the conversations of Marin and Mabel. About how sometimes you end up abandoning yourself when something bad happens to you. About the hard parts in life that shape you. This story is about loss, tragedy, and grief. Why did she up and leave? Slowly but surely everything started clicking and making sense. With each page turned, I was filled with more questions of what had happened to Marin. Summer with Marin who is a completely different person, happier (past chapters). Winter snowstorm in a big university campus that Marin happens to be alone because everyone is on Christmas/New Year vacation (present chapters). The setting also takes a big role with the tone. This book is told in alternating chapters of present and past time. And Mabel isn’t coming over to just check on her but also to confront her (not in a bad way at all). Till her best friend from her old life, Mabel, comes to visit. I had tears in my eyes! This story is about a girl, Marin, who one day leaves everything from her old life behind. The tone is set from the very first page till the last page. So maybe by Fall, I’ll buy her other books. But!!!! I have to slow down on my book buying and read the ones I have on my shelf first lol. This is my first Nina Lacour book and I have to say that I now want to read everything by this author. However, this book is really short and I feel like I would give everything away by going into detail. I usually separate my reviews with summary/plot, writing, characters, and thoughts. Mabel is coming to visit, and Marin will be forced to face everything that’s been left unsaid and finally confront the loneliness that has made a home in her heart. Now, months later, alone in an emptied dorm for winter break, Marin waits. But even thousands of miles away from the California coast, at college in New York, Marin still feels the pull of the life and tragedy she’s tried to outrun.

No one knows the truth about those final weeks.

Marin hasn’t spoken to anyone from her old life since the day she left everything behind. Until you leave with only your phone, your wallet, and a picture of your mother. You go through life thinking there’s so much you need… Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers

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