Review: Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta

Release Date: May 9th 2006
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages:   243 
Source: Purchased
Rating: ★★★1/2

A compelling story of romance, family, and friendship with humor and heart, perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Lauren Myracle.

Francesca is stuck at St. Sebastian’s, a boys' school that pretends it's coed by giving the girls their own bathroom.  Her only female companions are an ultra-feminist, a rumored slut, and an impossibly dorky accordion player.  The boys are no better, from Thomas, who specializes in musical burping, to Will, the perpetually frowning, smug moron that Francesca can't seem to stop thinking about.

Then there's Francesca's mother, who always thinks she knows what's best for Francesca—until she is suddenly stricken with acute depression, leaving Francesca lost, alone, and without an inkling of who she really is.  Simultaneously humorous, poignant, and impossible to put down, this is the story of a girl who must summon the strength to save her family, hersocial life and—hardest of all—herself.

It's no doubt that this book is hilarious. Boys and Girls they are like two different worlds. And when they collide with each other it always brings humor and misunderstanding. This book had brought me back to my high school years when I had no idea what's going on in the boy's head. It was just a big puzzle that I tried to understand (what they think, why they act a sudden way or what it means, seriously). And by all mean, I am not an expert about the opposite sex now that I am older. They are still mysterious but I am not that confusing anymore if you know what I meant.

I like Thomas, he's funny and I think he's way better than Will. I don't like Will and I have no idea what is so appealing about him. I did like him at first though and thought he's shy and cute. But as the story went on, I lost interest in him. I love Francesca, she is strong and real. I just don't like the idea of her and Will be together or the fact that she finds Will attractive. The friendship is so beautiful and I am glad that Francesca had found real friends at last. I love all her friends: Justine, Siobhan, Tara, Thomas and Jimmy they are all amazing and so caring. 

The only problem that I had with this book is her parents. I just don't understand how her mother can shut down everything like that. Did she see how it's affecting her family? Depression, yes I knew what she's been through (found out at the end and that's why I didn't hate her much) but still I don't like her. Life is so short and Mia (her mother) just AGH ...she drove me crazy because it's not like she had lost everything, she still has her loving family. I was screaming inside for Mia to please just open her eyes and look around because she is still lucky than a lot of people out there who don't even have anyone else to lose.  They are completely alone in this world. Her dad (Robert) is unbelievable. He thought he protected the kids by keeping a secret. Seriously all I saw was family falling apart. And if Robert thought they are still kids then what's the hell he was doing when he asked Francesca to make the call for Mia. I don't think I ever read a book that I dislike the parents so much. As a conclusion I like the book but too bad I just do not love it.