Review: Fall for Anything

Fall for Anything (ARC) by Courtney Summers
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pub. Date: December 21st, 2010
Pages: 224
Age Level: 15+
Source: From publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis via Goodreads
From the author of Cracked Up to Be and Some Girls Are comes a gripping story about one girl’s search for clues into the mysterious death of her father.

When Eddie Reeves’s father commits suicide her life is consumed by the nagging question of why? Why when he was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher? Why when he seemed to find inspiration in everything he saw? And, most important, why when he had a daughter who loved him more than anyone else in the world? When she meets Culler Evans, a former student of her father’s and a photographer himself, an instant and dangerous attraction begins. Culler seems to know more about her father than she does and could possibly hold the key to the mystery surrounding his death. But Eddie’s vulnerability has weakened her and Culler Evans is getting too close. Her need for the truth keeps her hanging on...but are some questions better left unanswered?

Review
Fall for Anything is a brutally honest and heart-wrenching portrayal of what happens to those left behind when a loved one commits suicide. What's more, it shows the emotional damage done when left with the nerve-wrecking question of why.

Eddie was such a genuine and realistic character. Her confusion, longing, and heartbreak were so palpable making it very easy for me to form a connection with her. She wasn't all gloom and doom though. Despite the fact that her father had committed suicide, I found that she was actually very relatable and also had an amusing dry sense of humor that really helped lighten the mood at times. Then there was Milo, Eddie's ever loyal best friend. He was so sweet and even when Eddie would try and push him away, he was always still there for her. Now Culler, well he was, indeed, swoon-worthy but I could not shake the feeling that something just wasn't quite right about him. Then there was Beth who was seriously oh-so annoying but, in a way, I kinda grew to understand her near the very end.

One thing that made Fall for Anything such a page-turning, unputdownable story was the fact that Summers' had crafted the emotion, suspense, and longing in such a way that I found myself yearning to know why and understand Eddie's father's motives just as badly as she did. Every little detail of the plot just pulled me in deeper and deeper so that I didn't want to leave the pages. I just HAD to know! Another thing I loved about the plot was the incorporation of photography which is one of the first things that grasped my attention when reading what this book was about. However, I feel that Summers' should be aware that Canon trumps Nikon any day; of course, it could just be I'm biased. Maybe.

Summers' writing style is effective and simple but it is also very raw and straight-forward. There was such an air of authenticity throughout the writing and everything--from the emotion, to the situations, to the dialogue--rang true and was so keenly wrought.

A few chapters before the big plot reveal, the pieces started clicking into place in my mind. Honestly I thought the ending was expertly executed as well as practical. I don't think Summers' could have given Fall for Anything a more appropriate ending than she did.

All in all, Fall for Anything is one of the most powerful and gripping books to ever fall into my hands and I can honestly say that I don't think I've ever read anything quite like it before. This book is an honest to goodness must read and belongs at the top of everyone's TBR pile. I can't wait to delve into more of Summers' novels and I give her two thumbs way, way up on this one. I now have a new book to add to my ever-growing list of favorites.

Grade
Characters: A-
Writing: A-
Plot: A
Ending: A+
Enjoyment/Likability: A
Recommendable: A+

Overall: A

Cover: A-