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squishymini's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
emilymerry's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
Moderate: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Stalking, Suicide attempt, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, and Classism
theunfinishedbookshelf's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Self harm, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
ameliahel's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Randomly picked this up, purely because I liked the cover, but ended up loving it - I loved the development of Jodie and Simon’s friendship and their characters individually, beautiful story!!
isabel01's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
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
5.0
I absolutely adore this book, it’s emotional and triggering and really opens your eyes to other people’s circumstances!
From the beginning there was something special about Simon and Jodie was inspiring in her own way.
10/10 would recommend!!
From the beginning there was something special about Simon and Jodie was inspiring in her own way.
10/10 would recommend!!
stephreads_'s review against another edition
5.0
I genuinely don’t even know where to start with this book. From the start I was just so into the story and the characters. Jodie and Simon are just wonderful and Harris had written this in such a brilliant way that I felt I knew everything there was to know about both of them. It’s definitely a book that will stay with me for a very long time and is up there with my all time favourites.
The story does cover some triggering topics such as child abuse, suicide, domestic abuse, mental health. This does lead to some difficult chapters however, I feel that they’ve been done so brilliantly and it’s so clear that a lot of thought and passion has gone into this.
Reading this book I learnt how both Simon and Jodie tackled their life throughout their difficult and heartbreaking past, having different coping mechanisms and ways to deal with their struggles. Albeit this wasn’t always easy for them.
I loved how going through each chapters really just showed how they both took each day at a time. Both working at Prince Burger. The whole brick gate which did make me laugh! Simon is definitely an awkward character and is quite a private person, whereas Jodie is sarcastic and despite her past I really felt she was full of determination. They both formed such a great support network and a strong friendship bond between themselves. Aside from the difficult topics and chapters, there is definitely some uplifting and happy moments. I wasn’t expecting the twist that came at the end, but everyone has various ways of dealing with life struggles.
An all round incredibly written book. I couldn’t recommend this enough, I hope my review encourages you to pick up this story and get to know Simon & Jodie.
The kindle version is currently 99p, hardback is out now, paperback out 20th January 2022.
The story does cover some triggering topics such as child abuse, suicide, domestic abuse, mental health. This does lead to some difficult chapters however, I feel that they’ve been done so brilliantly and it’s so clear that a lot of thought and passion has gone into this.
Reading this book I learnt how both Simon and Jodie tackled their life throughout their difficult and heartbreaking past, having different coping mechanisms and ways to deal with their struggles. Albeit this wasn’t always easy for them.
I loved how going through each chapters really just showed how they both took each day at a time. Both working at Prince Burger. The whole brick gate which did make me laugh! Simon is definitely an awkward character and is quite a private person, whereas Jodie is sarcastic and despite her past I really felt she was full of determination. They both formed such a great support network and a strong friendship bond between themselves. Aside from the difficult topics and chapters, there is definitely some uplifting and happy moments. I wasn’t expecting the twist that came at the end, but everyone has various ways of dealing with life struggles.
An all round incredibly written book. I couldn’t recommend this enough, I hope my review encourages you to pick up this story and get to know Simon & Jodie.
The kindle version is currently 99p, hardback is out now, paperback out 20th January 2022.
stephbookshine's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed Sarah J. Harris’ previous story, The Colour of Bee Larkham’s Murder, but I absolutely LOVED this one!
We follow Simon – socially stunted by his upbringing and unusual thought patterns – and Jodie, who has been fighting against neglect and abuse all her life, as they slowly get to know one another and find that they can affect each other’s lives, both in positive and in negative ways.
This is a story all about finding a balance in life, the give and take of friendship, and the dangers of repressing feelings and not communicating and/or keeping secrets. The plot does go to some very dark places, but the final impression is one of light, warmth and hope, and Sarah J. Harris avoids the obvious, romantic finale by keeping the focus firmly on friendship and family.
I was completely hooked and totally immersed!
I lived and breathed this book. I cried; I smiled; I gasped and, more than once, I hissed audibly with rage.
If you enjoy incredibly emotional and uplifting stories about accepting each other’s differences, overcoming our inner and outer struggles in life, and the creating of a family from love and understanding instead of blood, then you will adore Simon, Jodie, Zak, and the Prince Burger crew!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
We follow Simon – socially stunted by his upbringing and unusual thought patterns – and Jodie, who has been fighting against neglect and abuse all her life, as they slowly get to know one another and find that they can affect each other’s lives, both in positive and in negative ways.
This is a story all about finding a balance in life, the give and take of friendship, and the dangers of repressing feelings and not communicating and/or keeping secrets. The plot does go to some very dark places, but the final impression is one of light, warmth and hope, and Sarah J. Harris avoids the obvious, romantic finale by keeping the focus firmly on friendship and family.
I was completely hooked and totally immersed!
I lived and breathed this book. I cried; I smiled; I gasped and, more than once, I hissed audibly with rage.
If you enjoy incredibly emotional and uplifting stories about accepting each other’s differences, overcoming our inner and outer struggles in life, and the creating of a family from love and understanding instead of blood, then you will adore Simon, Jodie, Zak, and the Prince Burger crew!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
drizcoll's review
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
merchant_of_mishaps's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I enjoyed the book, but also I was thrown for a WHOLE LOOP when about 60% in the reveal happened I did not know we were gonna be deep diving into intense truama all those flashbacks damn near killed me, I went into this expecting a more lighthearted book and just got served some nice pain, I still liked it don't get me wrong but that was just like an ice bucket over my head. Literally insane, but do read it if you are aware of the TWs and it still intrests you :)
jess_lovesreading's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0