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ashleysills's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
4.75
I don’t read a lot of contemporary fiction these days, but I really enjoyed this one! It’s the author’s sophomore novel and I was extremely impressed by the writing, character development, and depth of emotion.
This story follows Audrey, an 18-year-old girl about to start college, through the “worst summer ever.” Her mom, Camilla, is a popular wellness influencer and Audrey has always felt more like a promotional opportunity than a daughter. When her mother asks her to go on tour for the summer, Audrey gives in against her better judgement, hoping she might be able to understand just what she means to her mom… and where her place is in the world.
I’d consider this book upper YA or new adult, as the main characters are 18 and older and engage in more mature activities, though the mental health struggles discussed can be understood but teens and beyond.
This book had so many layers — Audrey’s complicated relationships with her mother, Ethan, Silas, and most importantly, herself, made for a satisfying, eye-opening and cathartic finish.
I felt so seen as Audrey described all the things she believed about herself and her anxieties and fears. I may not have a complicated relationship with my mother, but I do understand what it’s like to not know who you are without the people and places that shaped you, and this is a core theme of The Someday Daughter.
I saw a couple of reviews complaining that Audrey was annoying because instead of using her words to describe how she feels, she runs away. I want to point out that this is a huge part of Audrey’s character as we first meet her. This is a real struggle that many people face and I, for one, want real characters! Yes, I want characters that grow and don’t remain exactly the same from the beginning to the end, but I want characters with real-life struggles.
Lastly, I saw people mention that the plot twist at the end was dramatic, and I have to say I slightly agree, but I can also understand why Audrey felt the way she did, so it didn’t bother me too much. I’ve seen worse third act shenanigans, haha.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did if you choose to read it! 🫶🏻 Thank you to @netgalley and @harperteen for the eARC!
This story follows Audrey, an 18-year-old girl about to start college, through the “worst summer ever.” Her mom, Camilla, is a popular wellness influencer and Audrey has always felt more like a promotional opportunity than a daughter. When her mother asks her to go on tour for the summer, Audrey gives in against her better judgement, hoping she might be able to understand just what she means to her mom… and where her place is in the world.
I’d consider this book upper YA or new adult, as the main characters are 18 and older and engage in more mature activities, though the mental health struggles discussed can be understood but teens and beyond.
This book had so many layers — Audrey’s complicated relationships with her mother, Ethan, Silas, and most importantly, herself, made for a satisfying, eye-opening and cathartic finish.
I felt so seen as Audrey described all the things she believed about herself and her anxieties and fears. I may not have a complicated relationship with my mother, but I do understand what it’s like to not know who you are without the people and places that shaped you, and this is a core theme of The Someday Daughter.
I saw a couple of reviews complaining that Audrey was annoying because instead of using her words to describe how she feels, she runs away. I want to point out that this is a huge part of Audrey’s character as we first meet her. This is a real struggle that many people face and I, for one, want real characters! Yes, I want characters that grow and don’t remain exactly the same from the beginning to the end, but I want characters with real-life struggles.
Lastly, I saw people mention that the plot twist at the end was dramatic, and I have to say I slightly agree, but I can also understand why Audrey felt the way she did, so it didn’t bother me too much. I’ve seen worse third act shenanigans, haha.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did if you choose to read it! 🫶🏻 Thank you to @netgalley and @harperteen for the eARC!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual content, and Alcohol
🌶️ One mildly descriptive, consensual fade-to-black scene at the end of chapter 45, passionate kisses with vague thoughts of wanting more ⚠️ Underage drinking, semi-frequent cursing (s***, f***, d***), death of a parent, descriptive anxiety attacksallisonisabel's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
4.5
Thank you to Netgalley and Ellen O’Clover for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When I say I devoured this, it’s an understatement.
I’m going to be honest, YA contemporary is not usually my genre. I picked this book up because as a Hopkins student myself, I got the chance to meet Ellen O’Clover when she spoke to my Hopkins writing club via zoom, and she was genuinely one of the nicest most helpful people ever. That said, I loved this book.
It goes without saying that as a girl with anxious, perfectionist tendencies, and as a pre-med Hopkins student to boot, I saw myself in Audrey. I am her, she is me. From the jump, Audrey as a character was so crisp in my mind. The words on the page felt like reading her diary, so raw and real and with such a clear voice. The book was engaging, the subject matter nuanced and thoughtful, and the characters were so endearing. The romance was loving and adorable, and I genuinely appreciate authors modeling relationships with healthy dynamics and communication for younger readers—communication between Audrey and Silas that is.
Any criticisms I have lie in very minor things. I found the “twist” to be a bit predictable and the relationship to feel slightly rushed at the end, but it is a YA novel, and I’m willing to forgive it these things.
Overall, I can vouch not only for this book as a tender story, a love letter to all of us type A, anxious perfectionists, but I can also vouch for how genuine and kind the author is. I look forward to reading more of her work.
When I say I devoured this, it’s an understatement.
I’m going to be honest, YA contemporary is not usually my genre. I picked this book up because as a Hopkins student myself, I got the chance to meet Ellen O’Clover when she spoke to my Hopkins writing club via zoom, and she was genuinely one of the nicest most helpful people ever. That said, I loved this book.
It goes without saying that as a girl with anxious, perfectionist tendencies, and as a pre-med Hopkins student to boot, I saw myself in Audrey. I am her, she is me. From the jump, Audrey as a character was so crisp in my mind. The words on the page felt like reading her diary, so raw and real and with such a clear voice. The book was engaging, the subject matter nuanced and thoughtful, and the characters were so endearing. The romance was loving and adorable, and I genuinely appreciate authors modeling relationships with healthy dynamics and communication for younger readers—communication between Audrey and Silas that is.
Any criticisms I have lie in very minor things. I found the “twist” to be a bit predictable and the relationship to feel slightly rushed at the end, but it is a YA novel, and I’m willing to forgive it these things.
Overall, I can vouch not only for this book as a tender story, a love letter to all of us type A, anxious perfectionists, but I can also vouch for how genuine and kind the author is. I look forward to reading more of her work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol, Cancer, Medical content, and Self harm
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