Parents' Guide to

Save the Date

By Amanda Nojadera, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Wedding mishaps fuel funny tale of family, friendship, love.

Book Morgan Matson Contemporary Fiction 2018
Save the Date Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

See all
age 15+

Based on 2 parent reviews

VIBookcrate
VIBookcrate Adult
April 28, 2019
age 14+

Good Read

I love Morgan Matson’s writing. She writes the perfect amount of humour into her books that offset the deeper issues that the characters are facing. In this case – our main character Charlie is beginning to realize that the people in her life are not perfect, and her life isn’t exactly as it appears to be. Through the course of her sister’s wedding, and her mother’s retirement – Charlie and her family are all brought together, even her distant brother Mike, for one last epic family weekend before the family home is sold. Charlie (is the youngest) has always idolized her older siblings and wants nothing more for a perfect family bonding weekend. From the very start, NOTHING goes according to plan! Charlie feels like her perfect weekend is slipping through her fingers and it is up to her to keep everything together. As the weekend progresses – secrets are revealed, fights are rehashed and weddings are interrupted BUT by the end of the book Charlie begins to see her family as they really are, flawed. She realizes that she has built them up into impossible versions of themselves and it isn’t their fault. It is a wonderful story of growing up and letting go of the things that you thought were true. There are minor uses of foul language and some sexual situations that may not be suitable for younger readers. Suitable for older teens and young adults.
kelli S.
kelli S. Adult
August 23, 2018
age 15+

read the 1st chapter

the 1st chapter is little more revealing than I was lead to believe.

This title has:

Too much sex
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Charlie Grant can't wait for her older sister to get married this weekend at their house in Connecticut, because it means that all four of her older siblings will be home for the first time in years. But what Charlie hopes will be one last perfect weekend filled with love and laughter before their parents sell the house is slowly turning into a disaster. From a broken house alarm and a missing tuxedo to unexpected wedding guests and a surly neighbor, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong. With the help of the wedding planner's surprisingly cute and charming nephew, Bill, Charlie and the Grants just might be able to SAVE THE DATE. Over the course of three days, Charlie will discover important truths about herself, her family, and her future.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (5):

This fun, lighthearted contemporary YA novel is a perfect read for fans of romantic comedies. Save the Date is full of chaotic laugh-out-loud moments and charming, relatable characters, so teens won't be able to put it down. The entertaining Grant Central Station comics are a great addition to the story, especially the final strip, which provides an emotional conclusion that's full of unconditional love. Although the romance is sweet and slightly predictable, readers will love Charlie's growth as she starts to appreciate her family's flaws and understand that reality is better than perfection.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how romance is portrayed in Save the Date. Does it seem realistic and relatable? Do young adult romance novels help readers sort out their feelings and learn how to communicate, or do they create false expectations about teen relationships?

  • What messages do you take away from Save the Date about taking risks and going outside your comfort zone?

  • How do the characters demonstrate perseverance? Why is that an important characteristic?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended book lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate