Young Adult
Pages: 448
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: December 27, 2011

Marcie has been dragged away from home for the summer--from Idaho to a family summerhouse in New Hampshire. She's left behind her friends, a group of freaks and geeks called the Leftovers, including her emo-rocker boyfriend, and her father.
By the time Labor Day rolls around, Marcie suspects this "summer vacation" has become permanent. She has to start at a new school, and there she leaves behind her Leftover status when a cute boy brings her breakfast and a new romance heats up. But understanding love, especially when you've watched your parents' affections end, is elusive. What does it feel like, really? Can you even know it until you've lost it?

Love & Leftovers is a delightfully poetic, written-in-verse novel that follows a girl's path through understanding her parents and ultimately understanding herself. It is not a very deep story through it does touch some strong subjects like homosexuality and depression.

I love the fusion of poetry and plot that verse novels provide. There's just so much weight and careful selection in each word, and such an elegant rhythm to the story, that they end up being almost a different category of books for me. I loved Marcie's voice and her journey through these tough times she's been forced into. The book is more like her poetry journal which made it even more special.

The characters were not fully developed, but it felt right in the short space that verse ends up providing. I really enjoyed the bits and pieces of her dad's new relationship, and her relationship with Danny. The ending left my heart full, and my head filled with gorgeous words. So, this one is a short sweet read that contemporary fans will enjoy. I can't wait to read more from Sarah Tregay.