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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, Domestic abuse, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, and Murder
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: Alcoholism, Death, Domestic abuse, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
beba_marie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Grief
ceruleanshelves'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: Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual assault, Car accident, and Murder
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, and Grief
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: Ableism, Alcoholism, Death, Sexual content, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, and Death of parent
Minor: Addiction, Drug use, and Violence
cassiereadsbooks_'s review against another edition
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Murder
lindsaymck'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? It's complicated
4.75
Bree’s connection to and desire to understand and love Archer is contagious and I credit that to powerful storytelling. The truths behind both Archer and Bree’s traumas are sprinkled throughout the book, but in a way that makes SO much sense. It is as if the reader is being told these painful stories as we gain the trust of the people sharing them. We learn of Bree’s experiences sooner because she is further along on her path to healing and she is able to support Archer in gradually revealing what happened to him and how it forever changed his life.
Archer experiencing new things for the first time (and Bree’s perspective about how honored and hungry she is for those “firsts”) is really original and incomparable to any other relationship I’ve read about. The way we see these “firsts” and the other pivotal moments of their relationship through both POVs is what I wish every author would do!
Two parts in particular will stay with me long after I close this book. The first:
“Bad things don’t happen to people because they deserve for them to happen. It just doesn’t work that way. It’s just… life. And no matter who we are, we have to take the hand we’re dealt, crappy though it may be, and try our very best to move forward anyway, to love anyway, to have hope anyway… to have faith that there’s a purpose to the journey we’re on. And try to believe that maybe more light shines out of those who have the most cracks.”
The second is when Bree shares with Archer how her mom’s embroidery helped give her perspective when life becomes chaotic.
“Sometimes I think of those little pieces of fabric whenever life feels messy and difficult to understand. I try to close my eyes and believe that even though I can’t see the other side right then, and the side I’m looking at is ugly and muddled, there’s a masterpiece that’s being woven out of all the knots and loose strings. I try to believe that something beautiful can result from something ugly, and that there will come a time when I’ll get to see what that is.”
This book is special and one that I know I will think about. The use of sign language and the author showing the difference between speech and sign by italicizing the signing was something I really appreciated and enjoyed. The ending was a TRIP, but no spoilers!
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Gore and Grief
Minor: Alcoholism and Rape
ellie_girl2929'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
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Car accident, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
elisa_atkins'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
4.0
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, and Grief
brandie_abbie19's review against another edition
Graphic: Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Grief, Car accident, and Murder