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4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
Well, this book was a DELIGHT! I thought I would read it as a palette cleanser between more serious books and it did do that well. However, the discussions of neurodiverse individuals and their struggles and the silent judgment of low expectations, if you will, just broke my heart and also made me learn things I probably should already have known as an old broad who has spent the last 20+ years in education! I love Tilly. I love love love Oliver. The settings were so joyous and the cast of characters that populate this story are just funny and quirky and sweet and LOVE!!!! ♥♥
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved this!! The characters were so deeply charming and relatable. I do agree with the common criticism that the ending was rushed, and I think this book would have benefited from 30-50 more pages where we get to see a little more growth and how some things ended, but it didn't ruin the book for me how it seemed to for others.
With the FMC being ADHD, the MMC being autistic, and me being both, some of the passages in this book felt like they were taken straight from my brain. The author called this book "a love letter to neurodivergent brains," and I agree with that sentiment completely. I loved the emphasis on learning how to accommodate and communicate with each other and how that isn't a burden but a blessing.
I specifically felt represented in the way the author wrote the FMC being underestimated and treated badly for things she couldn't control. I loved the part where she said her ADHD isn't a fixable thing, it is not a separate entity from her brain or something she can just turn off, it is her. It is in her genetics the same way her hair color and nose shape is. Her whole relationship with her mother just hit home with me.
Overall I really loved this YA romance novel and will definitely read more by this author!
And as always this review is subject to change as I think on it :)
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
I love Mazey Eddings, and her first YA offering is so lovely. Tilly heads to Europe to intern with her sister for a summer, ready to leave her complicated relationship with her parents behind. She meets Oliver, sparks fly, etc.
These two neurodivergent kiddos are so cute, and the writing is so compassionate and fully of feelings. Will read everything by this author!
I love Mazey Eddings, and her first YA offering is so lovely. Tilly heads to Europe to intern with her sister for a summer, ready to leave her complicated relationship with her parents behind. She meets Oliver, sparks fly, etc.
These two neurodivergent kiddos are so cute, and the writing is so compassionate and fully of feelings. Will read everything by this author!
Tilly was so relatable and this story was so cute!! A lot of people are on here saying that they didn’t like the ending, but I thought it tied things up nicely. However, that is just my opinion. I am aware that others may perceive it differently. I also loved Oliver’s character. The way he slowly opened up to Tilly and got more comfortable around her was really endearing, and I love how Tilly slowly grew less awkward and more comfortable in her own skin as she got to know Oliver better. I also loved how the book showcased a supportive family like Oliver had vs a family that struggles to understand neurodiversity like Tilly’s. It allowed me to see the impact it has on neurodiverse people like Tilly and Oliver. Tilly’s mother had a nice redemption as well, and I thought that starting to rebuild that relationship near the end of the book was a great thing for Tilly and her mother. The only downside of finishing this book is that I don’t want to let it go. So, with that, I will pass this book to my dear mother, and let her enjoy this book. Hopefully she loves it as much as I do :)
Mazey Eddings is a national treasure. We should all be reading her. I have loved all of her books for their spunky and struggling (in the best, most heartfelt, and hilarious ways) heroines. This book has one of my favorite heroines because she’s heading into adulthood, has ADHD, and is unapologetically herself. I love the way Eddings shows such empathy for neurodivergent characters. Tilly is so so so sensitive, and has a sensitive person, I really get all of the emotional highs and lows she feels. And there’s no way to not just love her. She tries SO hard, and is comically earnest. Can we talk about her awful British accent? The best. There’s also Ollie, who is such a lovable guy. He’s autistic, and the perfect match for Tilly even if it takes them awhile to open up to each other and learn how to communicate. Once they do get together, so is so much swooniness in the way they are patient with each other, and really work hard to care for each other. And of course this takes place in multiple European cities. Just so fun. Even if you don’t have ADHD, or are not autistic, there’s so much to relate to and love about this book. These are two really fun and incredible human beings just trying to grow up, and love each other. Highly recommend.
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes