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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
DNF at 50%. I wanted to love this book. I loved THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS IS. And I did really enjoy certain aspects of it: the naming convention of the 3 sisters, their unique personalities, the writing. But the slow pace and repetitiveness of this book made it difficult for me to maintain interest. The sisters often had interiority that seemed similar to their thoughts in previous chapters, especially, Monday. The pace was the dealbreaker for me; I kept being pulled from the book and wondering when things would get moving, especially because certain conversations seemed implicit when initially learning about the town's situation, such as Nora's failed efforts with the lawyer to get justice for the town.
The other piece of this book that made me less excited to keep reading was the subject itself: a town poisoned by water. I attribute this to my error rather than the author's--after the chaos of the last 1+ year and learning more about climate change, social activism, and other key topics, when I read fiction I want a break. I want to escape. This book didn't allow me to do it because I kept thinking of Flint, MI, and my mood would be altered (and not in a good way).
The other piece of this book that made me less excited to keep reading was the subject itself: a town poisoned by water. I attribute this to my error rather than the author's--after the chaos of the last 1+ year and learning more about climate change, social activism, and other key topics, when I read fiction I want a break. I want to escape. This book didn't allow me to do it because I kept thinking of Flint, MI, and my mood would be altered (and not in a good way).
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A compelling story - the righteous fight for the redemption of a town wronged by a wealthy corporation - told by three flawed and wonderful narrators. It took a minute for me to get into the story and used to the different narration styles, but once I did, I couldn’t put this down.
Let me dry my tears to write this review. Oh Laurie Frankel, you are without a doubt one of my all time favorite authors. Her previous book (This Is How It Always Is) is in my top favorite books of all time. When I saw this book announced, I pre-ordered it. I knew I would need to own it. I am so glad I did.
We meet the Mitchell triplets in the town of Bourne, a town that Frankel made up but feels so real you have to stop yourself from googling it. Bourne had a terrible accident happen decades ago that the citizens are still dealing with today. The sisters, nicknamed one two and three, live with their single mother in a small home in town. This is the story of their anger, their forgiveness, their hope to rebuild their town and community, and their fight for their people.
It was incredible, deep, heartbreaking, and so beautifully written. It’s rare for me that I deeply love back to back novels by an author, but this one is going on my favorites shelf right beside her other novel. Please read this one friends. I think you’ll love it.
We meet the Mitchell triplets in the town of Bourne, a town that Frankel made up but feels so real you have to stop yourself from googling it. Bourne had a terrible accident happen decades ago that the citizens are still dealing with today. The sisters, nicknamed one two and three, live with their single mother in a small home in town. This is the story of their anger, their forgiveness, their hope to rebuild their town and community, and their fight for their people.
It was incredible, deep, heartbreaking, and so beautifully written. It’s rare for me that I deeply love back to back novels by an author, but this one is going on my favorites shelf right beside her other novel. Please read this one friends. I think you’ll love it.
emotional
reflective
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:
No
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
reflective
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
So good. Reminded me of Fredrik Backman. I loved the narrative structure, the neurodiverse characters, the playful wittiness, the empathy, the topic. All of it. I felt it could have used some editing in spots, but this was a great read I would recommend to anyone.
Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for an advance digital copy and Macmillan Audio for an advance listening copy.
This story was truly remarkable. I absolutely adore Laurie Frankel’s writing style. The characters are so fleshed out and real. This was a beautiful story of family bonds and small-town heart. I felt bad for the characters in Bourne but was also conflicted with River and his family. Had things truly changed with Belsum? A lot of the conflict in the story was relatable and heartbreaking and raised some great questions. This would be a wonderful book for book clubs. Laurie Frankel may be one of my new favorites!
The audiobook was superb! Each character had a distinct voice and was written differently than the others. Highly recommend
This story was truly remarkable. I absolutely adore Laurie Frankel’s writing style. The characters are so fleshed out and real. This was a beautiful story of family bonds and small-town heart. I felt bad for the characters in Bourne but was also conflicted with River and his family. Had things truly changed with Belsum? A lot of the conflict in the story was relatable and heartbreaking and raised some great questions. This would be a wonderful book for book clubs. Laurie Frankel may be one of my new favorites!
The audiobook was superb! Each character had a distinct voice and was written differently than the others. Highly recommend
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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