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waterbear0821's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
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
5.0
I am a Rainbow Rowell stan and Snowbaz obsessive so I know my perspective is biased, but Wayward Son deserves so much more love than it gets. The whole premise of “what happens after the happy ending, when the dust settles and you have to figure out how to live again?” is just brilliant and beautiful. And it’s clear how much Rowell loves these characters. Normally I get so frustrated by the romance trope of “poor communication skills as plot device” but in Rowell’s hands we really see and understand how these characters we love struggle with their trauma and the ways they feel about themselves. Plus this book really fleshes out Penelope and Agatha in lovely, complicated ways. Also I love a road trip novel. I’m from Nebraska, lived in Chicago, I love Las Vegas and I’ve made that whole trip many times, so the whole book is just a nice shot of nostalgia for me. Also Euan Morton narrates and is just phenomenal.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Animal death, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Xenophobia
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