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owlphabetical's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.5
This is just as wonderfully soothing as everyone says it is. Though it's not all sweetness and light
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Forced institutionalization, and Death of parent
readbycarina's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, and Abandonment
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
theespressoedition's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
3.5
Since reading this book, I have had multiple conversations with other readers, trying to comprehend my own thoughts about the story.
First and foremost: what age range is this book intended for? As I was reading the book, I felt as if I was reading middle-grade. The writing is quite light and juvenile (and I don't mean this in a negative way, just that it felt geared toward a younger audience). However, there were sexual references and heavier themes thrown in that felt more like something I'd find in YA. In fact, I was under the impression prior to reading that the book was, in fact, a YA novel. But of course, we have to take into account the fact that the protagonist is in his late 30s or early 40s (I don't know if his age is ever mentioned, but the love interest's is, and he's in his 40s). So, if we go by those standards, the book is adult. All of this kind of messed with my mind?!
If we go by the standards that this is an adult novel, it is good but not great. The maturity level is quite low and the decisions the protagonist makes feel a bit rash and unnecessary. I didn't find him to be particularly likable.
The children, however, were wonderful. I loved each of their personalities and hilarious quirks. I also appreciated the way the book begged us to think more about accepting people and standing up for those who are part of minorities or who aren't treated with kindness and respect. It definitely spoke to that very well.
In all, I enjoyed the book but I didn't love it. I felt a bit confused by the age thing and maturity level but I also really liked the representation and message. It was a solid like.
First and foremost: what age range is this book intended for? As I was reading the book, I felt as if I was reading middle-grade. The writing is quite light and juvenile (and I don't mean this in a negative way, just that it felt geared toward a younger audience). However, there were sexual references and heavier themes thrown in that felt more like something I'd find in YA. In fact, I was under the impression prior to reading that the book was, in fact, a YA novel. But of course, we have to take into account the fact that the protagonist is in his late 30s or early 40s (I don't know if his age is ever mentioned, but the love interest's is, and he's in his 40s). So, if we go by those standards, the book is adult. All of this kind of messed with my mind?!
If we go by the standards that this is an adult novel, it is good but not great. The maturity level is quite low and the decisions the protagonist makes feel a bit rash and unnecessary. I didn't find him to be particularly likable.
The children, however, were wonderful. I loved each of their personalities and hilarious quirks. I also appreciated the way the book begged us to think more about accepting people and standing up for those who are part of minorities or who aren't treated with kindness and respect. It definitely spoke to that very well.
In all, I enjoyed the book but I didn't love it. I felt a bit confused by the age thing and maturity level but I also really liked the representation and message. It was a solid like.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, and Abandonment
Moderate: Fatphobia
Minor: Hate crime
nebraskanwriter's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.5
This book touched my heart so deeply, it reached inside of me and warmed me to my core. All of the children were so precious, even Lucifer. What a lovely, feel good story. It made me feel warm and cozy, like sitting next to a nice fire.
This was my face the entire time reading it: 🥺
This was my face the entire time reading it: 🥺
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Xenophobia, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
kjm_x's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Xenophobia
Minor: Ableism, Confinement, Cursing, Hate crime, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
bigofheartdumbofass's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
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
5.0
I tore through this thing in 2 days. One of the sweetest, brightest most uplifting books I've ever read. The love story is so sweet and watching the main character as he grows to love the children is such a treat. This book is full to the brim with joy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Religious bigotry, and Abandonment
kamiellen's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"And what a party it was. There was food—so much so that Linus thought the table would collapse under the weight of it. There was roast and hot rolls and salad with cucumbers that crunched between their teeth. There was cake and pie and bowls of tart raspberries they could dip in cream.
And music! All kinds of music. There was a record player sitting on the counter, and the day the music died was bright and loud with Ritchie and Buddy and the Big Bopper singing from beyond. Lucy was in charge, and he never failed to disappoint.
They laughed on this day. Oh, how they laughed. Even though Linus thought his heart was breaking, he laughed until there were tears in his eyes, until he was sure his sides would split. As the sun began to set and the lanterns grew brighter, they laughed and laughed and laughed."
• • •
On paper, this book was right up my alley: gay romance, misfit children, magical beings, a home on the sea, a small town, outdoor adventures, cynicism becoming optimism, confronting discrimination, sticking it to the man... And the truth is, I liked it! Bit I didn't love it. It didn't blow me away. As heartwarming as it was, I felt that the world-building was lacking, some of the character development was lackluster, and the writing was littered with clichés—and that really reduced the impact of the story for me. Nevertheless, we love gay happy endings!
And music! All kinds of music. There was a record player sitting on the counter, and the day the music died was bright and loud with Ritchie and Buddy and the Big Bopper singing from beyond. Lucy was in charge, and he never failed to disappoint.
They laughed on this day. Oh, how they laughed. Even though Linus thought his heart was breaking, he laughed until there were tears in his eyes, until he was sure his sides would split. As the sun began to set and the lanterns grew brighter, they laughed and laughed and laughed."
• • •
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Colonisation, and Classism
inke410's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
This other said he was inspired by the Indian residential school system and the Indigenous people imprisoned there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Racism, Slavery, Xenophobia, and Colonisation
chelseylb1988's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Xenophobia, and Abandonment
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Torture, and Cannibalism
kbairbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
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
5.0
Yes. Just yes. I saw someone describe this in a similar way but it is a warm and bright and COLORFUL and happy queer hug. I fucking loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Child abuse
Moderate: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cannibalism and Car accident