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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
(I rounded this up from a 4.5 ⭐️)
What a cute, cozy, and heartwarming read! The first few chapters I thought I was in for a cheese-fest, but the more I read and got to know the characters and their stories, I found it to be more relatable and enjoyable. The dialogue was increasingly funny and quippy, and I have a soft spot for any book that can make me literally laugh out loud.
Highly rec for a end of year read!
What a cute, cozy, and heartwarming read! The first few chapters I thought I was in for a cheese-fest, but the more I read and got to know the characters and their stories, I found it to be more relatable and enjoyable. The dialogue was increasingly funny and quippy, and I have a soft spot for any book that can make me literally laugh out loud.
Highly rec for a end of year read!
lighthearted
slow-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
My book club choice this round. I've been listening to Becca's podcast for a few years now and was excited to hear about her journey to write and publish this book. I honestly did not know if I would like this book because Becca's book recommendations don't always fit my taste. But I was happily surprised to enjoy this book. It was the perfect escape to read as a lead-up to the busy holiday season.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
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
Becca Freeman's "The Christmas Orphans Club" is a refreshing departure from the traditional holiday narrative. Seamlessly blending festivity with humor and genuine heart, this book transcends the boundaries of a typical Christmas tale.
Set against the vibrant tapestry of New York City, we journey with four close-knit friends: Hannah, Finn, Theo, and Priya. Each year, they come together to celebrate Christmas, a tradition that began when Hannah and Finn, as college students, found themselves away from family during the festive season. As their lives evolved, so did their group, welcoming Theo and Priya into their tradition. But as they gear up for what could be their last Christmas together, with Finn's impending move to LA and Hannah's struggles with her boyfriend David's integration into the group, emotions run high.
Freeman's depiction of New York is both immersive and nostalgic, sprinkled with delightful nods to familiar spots. For podcast aficionados, there are also subtle 'Easter eggs', making the reading experience even more personal and engaging.
What truly sets this book apart is its emphasis on the beauty of platonic relationships. However, romance isn't entirely off the table. Two intricately woven subplots offer moments of swoon-worthy romance, proving Freeman's prowess in balancing both friendship and love in her narrative.
Freeman's prose is both warm and evocative. Her characters exude authenticity, drawing the reader into their world and making it difficult not to become emotionally invested in their journeys. By the time you turn the last page, you'll be left with a mélange of emotions and a deep appreciation for the chosen families we build over time.
In conclusion, "The Christmas Orphans Club" stands as a poignant testament to friendship, love, and the intricate dynamics that emerge as lives evolve. Freeman's debut is nothing short of dazzling, solidifying her position in the realm of sophisticated, feel-good fiction. Highly recommended for a heartfelt festive read.
Set against the vibrant tapestry of New York City, we journey with four close-knit friends: Hannah, Finn, Theo, and Priya. Each year, they come together to celebrate Christmas, a tradition that began when Hannah and Finn, as college students, found themselves away from family during the festive season. As their lives evolved, so did their group, welcoming Theo and Priya into their tradition. But as they gear up for what could be their last Christmas together, with Finn's impending move to LA and Hannah's struggles with her boyfriend David's integration into the group, emotions run high.
Freeman's depiction of New York is both immersive and nostalgic, sprinkled with delightful nods to familiar spots. For podcast aficionados, there are also subtle 'Easter eggs', making the reading experience even more personal and engaging.
What truly sets this book apart is its emphasis on the beauty of platonic relationships. However, romance isn't entirely off the table. Two intricately woven subplots offer moments of swoon-worthy romance, proving Freeman's prowess in balancing both friendship and love in her narrative.
Freeman's prose is both warm and evocative. Her characters exude authenticity, drawing the reader into their world and making it difficult not to become emotionally invested in their journeys. By the time you turn the last page, you'll be left with a mélange of emotions and a deep appreciation for the chosen families we build over time.
In conclusion, "The Christmas Orphans Club" stands as a poignant testament to friendship, love, and the intricate dynamics that emerge as lives evolve. Freeman's debut is nothing short of dazzling, solidifying her position in the realm of sophisticated, feel-good fiction. Highly recommended for a heartfelt festive read.
I finally got around to listening to this audiobook which I highly recommend whether it’s the Christmas season or not. I’ve been a fan of the Bad on Paper podcast for years and could see Becca’s personality and tastes reflected in her writing, which probably made me love it even more.
If you’re looking on a story that revolves around friendship in your 20s-30s, you’ll love this one. I found the characters and their conflicts believable. I was hooked from the first chapter
If you’re looking on a story that revolves around friendship in your 20s-30s, you’ll love this one. I found the characters and their conflicts believable. I was hooked from the first chapter
4.5…simply delightful- exactly the perfect Christmas read I wanted…I’ve been seeing a lot of this book on bookstagram and now I know why. (Ok within the first chapter I knew why, it’s enjoyable). I heard it’s great as an audiobook and I’ll definitely listen to it next Christmas or the year after.
* Biased review as I love Christmas in NYC
* Biased review as I love Christmas in NYC
Whenever I read a book that centers around two people and their relationships (with other people) I always end up way more interested in one couple than the other and skipping whole parts about the other person. That's what happened here. The Theo/Finn relationship was more interesting, but then again, it could've easily been resolved the literal day they met. Hannah's relationship, on the other hand, was really annoying. She treated her own boyfriend like he was unimportant and she was whiny and selfish. Still, the book had some cute moments.
I just keep coming back to this quote: “We weren’t surprised when our mom passed. The cancer took over her body in increments. First her lungs, then her brain, then everywhere. When she died, it was like reaching the destination on a long road trip. Everyone was tired, cranky, and sick of the other passengers in the car. We were sad, but there was also relief.”
Very sweet, a lovely Christmas themed novel that's mostly about friendship and found family with a little bit of romance at the end. I did want to occasionally give Hannah a shake, and maybe a referral for therapy, but the character growth felt mostly earned by the end. I would have liked to see more of Hannah and Finn's friendship in the early years though.