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4.31 AVERAGE
4.31 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-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:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-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
slow-paced
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
Something Wild & Wonderful is another entry on a list of books that brought me a lot of joy lately.
I loved Alexei and Ben's first meeting, and how they were instantly in tune with each other. Alexei telling Ben about different kinds of birds they encountered on the Pacific Crest Trail, Alexei meeting Ben's family, meaningful conversations, how much they learn about each other, but also about themselves on the Trail; the whole thing was a really enjoyable experience.
Ben was a sweetheart and I wanted to hug him every time he appeared, but it's Alexei who stole my heart as soon as I started reading his point of view. He had to deal with so much in his life: his religious background, looking for a new community, his family situation, and his feelings for Ben, and reading about him opening up about his experiences hit me hard.
I was a little bit apprehensive about the slow pacing, because almost the whole story happens during a hike, but once I started reading it, I found the relationship development really compelling. There were moments when I wished Alexei and Ben communicated better, as making numerous assumptions led to a lot of unnecessary heartbreak. However, since everything ended well, I didn't mind the miscommunication all that much.
Another aspect I really appreciated was Alexei receiving an official autism diagnosis. Finding out about being neurodivergent was an important step on his journey to learn to love himself and I really liked that for him.
When I borrowed the book from the library somehow I managed to overlook the fact that this is a second book in the "Nashville Love" series, so now I have to read books one and three. Well, I already can't wait!
I loved Alexei and Ben's first meeting, and how they were instantly in tune with each other. Alexei telling Ben about different kinds of birds they encountered on the Pacific Crest Trail, Alexei meeting Ben's family, meaningful conversations, how much they learn about each other, but also about themselves on the Trail; the whole thing was a really enjoyable experience.
Ben was a sweetheart and I wanted to hug him every time he appeared, but it's Alexei who stole my heart as soon as I started reading his point of view. He had to deal with so much in his life: his religious background, looking for a new community, his family situation, and his feelings for Ben, and reading about him opening up about his experiences hit me hard.
I was a little bit apprehensive about the slow pacing, because almost the whole story happens during a hike, but once I started reading it, I found the relationship development really compelling. There were moments when I wished Alexei and Ben communicated better, as making numerous assumptions led to a lot of unnecessary heartbreak. However, since everything ended well, I didn't mind the miscommunication all that much.
Another aspect I really appreciated was Alexei receiving an official autism diagnosis. Finding out about being neurodivergent was an important step on his journey to learn to love himself and I really liked that for him.
When I borrowed the book from the library somehow I managed to overlook the fact that this is a second book in the "Nashville Love" series, so now I have to read books one and three. Well, I already can't wait!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Alcohol
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Toxic relationship, Blood
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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