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verisarg's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual assault
nyquillll's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.75
I did like how the book touched on complex themes of (trigger warnings) domestic violence and trauma, the effects of domestic violence on a child, alcoholism, death of a parent/parent-figure, the importance of being able to communicate in more than one language (i.e., not everyone speaks English) - how knowing other languages helps you connect with more people, how people deemed "abnormal" or "different" are often ostracized and ignored, how hard it is to love people when the fear of losing them is so strong, how the world is built for a very specific type of person to be able to navigate it (i.e., able-bodied), how people in power abuse their authority and position to keep that power, and (theoretically) how two people who feel so broken can come together (and separate to learn more about themselves individually) to figure out how they can feel whole again.
I think the most poignant aspect of this book is its attempt to focus on how language is a very important component related to accessing the world around us and participating in social relationships. When we can't communicate ourselves to those around us, it limits our ability to create a sense of self and build community. From this story, we see this theme echoed, and also shows the importance of knowing more than one language. I especially liked that the end of the book didn't end with Archer miraculously regaining speech and deciding to speak again, but that Bree recognized the importance of speaking with people in the language of their hearts, and for Archer, that became sign language.
**
Graphic: Ableism, Bullying, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Grief, Murder, and Stalking
Moderate: Addiction and Alcoholism
Quotes I highlighted:mariahlynnpeck's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Grief, Murder, Vomit, Death of parent, and Alcoholism
folkofthebook's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
And sometimes, that’s all it takes—one person who’s willing to listen to your heart, to the sound no one else has ever tried to hear.
i was in the mood for something romantic, a little dramatic and angsty, with some classic small town vibes, and this delivered.
archer and bree were very sweet. they were patient with each other's needs, were able to bond & comfort each other through their traumas, and seemed to be in sync (for the most part). archer managed to make me chuckle occasionally as well. most of the family drama was a bit predictable for me but still enjoyable. i didn't go in with super high expectations and this gave me what i expected for a contemp/dramatic romance.
It suddenly occurred to me that Archer Hale had taught himself an entire language, but hadn’t had a single person to talk to. Until me.
Loving another person always means opening yourself up for hurt. I don’t want to lose more than I already have, either, but isn’t it worth it? Isn’t it worth giving it a chance?
She asked me the sign for love and I spelled out your name.
Graphic: Gun violence, Death of parent, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
Moderate: Murder, Sexual assault, and Car accident
Minor: Vomit, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief
kattsram's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Car accident, Gun violence, and Death
alex_bousquet's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Moderate: Death of parent, Car accident, Medical trauma, Ableism, Death, Grief, Alcoholism, and Sexual content
Minor: Addiction, Drug use, and Violence
agreen1727's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Drug use, Alcoholism, Car accident, Murder, Death, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, and Death of parent
taylajade13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, Car accident, Bullying, and Sexual assault
Minor: Drug use
jackieranson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Minor: Violence, Death, and Murder
paperbacksandsnacks's review against another edition
- 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
It was so tragic but as with most tragic things there was such beauty within it. The characters were so well fleshed out. Archers back story… every time they flashed back I was crying. Honestly I was crying for a lot of the book.. I think the message of this book about how everyone needs a friend and to give people a chance is such an important one. Archer is mute but people have isolated him his whole life and thought he was a freak just for being different. All that resulted in was a loss on their side because they didn’t get to know such a smart and determined person. His character progression was gorgeous and done so well. The innocence that Archer has is portrayed wonderfully. As a man who has grown up in one house without interacting with anyone but his uncle he has a lot to learn and figure out. And Mia wrote that exploration incredibly.
And then we have Bree. A girl looking for a distraction who ends up finding a home. The things she does for Archer and the way she brings him out of his shell, honestly what a human. Especially as she’s also in the process of trying to rediscover and heal after her own traumatic event.
The supporting, older members of town were also so fun to read about. The way both Archer and Bree came together with their mutual trauma and lack of family was so sad but also they were able to utilise all they’d been through to help each other. I’ve never met a book with so much trauma and heartache, that was also filled with such love and unwavering support.
This book was way more than romance. There was big family drama and mysteries, friendship. Small town drama. And a lot of beautiful lessons. The writing was stunning and honestly, I started this book before bed. It’s currently 4.15am and I am writing this review after reading the book in one very sleepless sitting. I could not put it down. Pacing isn’t even fast. But it’s just addictive and gripping. I was laying in bed sobbing. I loved it. And truly that’s the best thing I can say about it. Fate is a beautiful thing, and I think we could all stand to believe in it a little more.
BRB. I’m going to go and wish on a dandelion.
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Grief, Sexual assault, Car accident, Gun violence, Rape, Medical content, and Sexual content