Themes in "Second Chance Summer"
One of the themes in this book is to appreciate what you have before its gone. Over the course of the story, Taylor loses people, relationships, and the simply joy she received when she was younger just by being outdoors. The most important loss Taylor experiences is that of her father. Taylor and her dad had always been close and she often took for granted the little things like him coming after her when she'd run away (which happened countless times) and taking her out for ice cream. Although Taylor is about to lose one of the most influential people in her life, their entire family is trying to act like everything is normal."'Look,' my dad said, his tone softening a little, 'I appreciate what you are all trying to do. But while we still can, I would like to have as normal a summer as possible. Okay?'" (Matson 83). All of the members of the Edwards family have a different way of showing it but they all wish they would have shown their love for their father more while he was here. This book is another fine example of why we need to appreciate our loved ones.
Another theme in "Second Chance Summer" is that its never too late for a second chance. This theme was pretty obvious considering the title of the book and the vast amount of second chances Taylor is given with her family, friends, long-lost-loves and a new take on life. Not only is Taylor given a second chance with all of these people, but she also gets a second chance at defining herself. Taylor has never had any special talent and has always seemed pretty average. Taylor defined herself by how many friends she had and how she was spending her Friday nights. Now, Taylor has a chance to discover herself and define her character by what really matters. This book comes full circle when Henry and Taylor became boyfriend and girlfriend again in the end of the story. "'I Think so too.' I glanced up and saw that it was getting dark quickly; I could see the very first stars starting to appear. 'Come on,' i said. I smiled at him as I threaded my hand through his. 'Lets go home'" (Matson 468).
Another theme in "Second Chance Summer" is that its never too late for a second chance. This theme was pretty obvious considering the title of the book and the vast amount of second chances Taylor is given with her family, friends, long-lost-loves and a new take on life. Not only is Taylor given a second chance with all of these people, but she also gets a second chance at defining herself. Taylor has never had any special talent and has always seemed pretty average. Taylor defined herself by how many friends she had and how she was spending her Friday nights. Now, Taylor has a chance to discover herself and define her character by what really matters. This book comes full circle when Henry and Taylor became boyfriend and girlfriend again in the end of the story. "'I Think so too.' I glanced up and saw that it was getting dark quickly; I could see the very first stars starting to appear. 'Come on,' i said. I smiled at him as I threaded my hand through his. 'Lets go home'" (Matson 468).