sheenah684's review
3.0
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
This started out slow for me. I struggled to get into the story, but after the first 40 pages or so, I was finally hooked. I enjoyed Josie's point of view during her time with Max before Christmas. Again, when the story switched to Max's POV, I had a hard time feeling immersed. I liked the story and the writing, but I felt my attention wander.
This started out slow for me. I struggled to get into the story, but after the first 40 pages or so, I was finally hooked. I enjoyed Josie's point of view during her time with Max before Christmas. Again, when the story switched to Max's POV, I had a hard time feeling immersed. I liked the story and the writing, but I felt my attention wander.
nerdylibrarian's review
2.0
Round up to 2.5 stars. Honestly, I didn't find this enjoyable. The plot just dragged with not much really happening. I figured out pretty early on what was going on. I don't know, I just didn't connect with this story and I got bored and had to force myself to finish it.
jennycost's review
4.0
I should have read the reviews before I started this one!! I listened to the audiobook version and cried all the way home from work! I had no clue what was going to happen. I haven’t decided how I feel about the book yet!
valkyriescorner's review
4.0
This book started with a funny meet cute! With a few time jumps the characters kept meeting in different stages of being ready for a relationship. I kept rooting for them to be together. Josie also works through love and loss, an insightful way to remember those who have been lost.
The end f gutted me. It was completely out of pocket. For that reason you lose a star. Making me cry like that.
The end f gutted me. It was completely out of pocket. For that reason you lose a star. Making me cry like that.
skyeslibrary's review
5.0
I finished Always, in December 36 hours ago, and I’m still not quite sure how to put into words everything it is and what it has done to me.
Simply — it’s one of the most beautiful books I’ve read, and it’s one I know I’ll think about forever. This book made me experience such deep levels of emotion that, at moments, it literally took my breath away.
Always, in December has broken me in the best way, and I don’t know if I’ll ever fully recover.
When we meet Josie and Max, they are two downtrodden people just trying to make it to the next day. But within days of connecting, they’ve helped the other experience passion, joy, and hope. Over the course of a year, we watch as life brings them together and pulls them apart, culminating in an unforgettable ending that will have you deep in your feels.
Emily Stone’s writing style is stunningly ethereal, and she has done an incredible job creating complex characters that go on tough journeys in their own ways. She doesn’t shy away from the grittiness of grief, but she spectacularly fills you with hope.
I don’t think I will ever be able to justifiably express the beauty and poignancy that is Always, in December; but I’ll be forever grateful I picked it up and held on through the end. Max Carter and Josie Morgan are two characters I have tucked close to my heart, and I’ll love them forever.
Thank you, Emily, for this masterpiece!
Simply — it’s one of the most beautiful books I’ve read, and it’s one I know I’ll think about forever. This book made me experience such deep levels of emotion that, at moments, it literally took my breath away.
Always, in December has broken me in the best way, and I don’t know if I’ll ever fully recover.
When we meet Josie and Max, they are two downtrodden people just trying to make it to the next day. But within days of connecting, they’ve helped the other experience passion, joy, and hope. Over the course of a year, we watch as life brings them together and pulls them apart, culminating in an unforgettable ending that will have you deep in your feels.
Emily Stone’s writing style is stunningly ethereal, and she has done an incredible job creating complex characters that go on tough journeys in their own ways. She doesn’t shy away from the grittiness of grief, but she spectacularly fills you with hope.
I don’t think I will ever be able to justifiably express the beauty and poignancy that is Always, in December; but I’ll be forever grateful I picked it up and held on through the end. Max Carter and Josie Morgan are two characters I have tucked close to my heart, and I’ll love them forever.
Thank you, Emily, for this masterpiece!
jesstob's review
4.0
Great read. But don't be fooled by the cover or the Christmas 'romance' tag. This one is deep and you'll feel big feelings... I'm still crushed.
saradent's review against another edition
2.0
I went into this book blindly but assumed it was a sweet, Christmas romance. If I had read the synopsis, then I would have known better. This book is definitely not that. I didn’t love the writing. The story moved painfully slow for me, and I should have DNF’d it. If I had to describe this book for what it actually is, this entire story is miscommunication. Sure, you see some personal growth for the female main character, but that alone is not worth it to read in my opinion.
(Ebook)
(Ebook)
cass_saag's review against another edition
2.0
If there is one book I wish I could erase from my entire brain and from existence, it would be this fricking novel. If you’re a masochist then you will love this book. And I’m thrilled for you. But for the normal people who don’t enjoy sobbing in the middle of the day on a Thursday, this book can f right off. Absolutely the worst book I’ve read of 2022 and I will not be discussing it further.