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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
I am not sure about the four star rating because of the last chapters.
I admired the full development of both characters and was, for once, captivated by both story lines. Often I dislike one of the story lines as it interrupts the one I like most.
Now, about my pet peeves. I am highly disgruntled when people decide for someone else that the feelings the other has is a lesser kind of love. How dare you! I am glad the therapist in this novel did not say this, although they hinted in a good relationship you have to disclose everything, including trauma's that are better left alone. The notion survivors have to talk to heal, are more nuanced in modern medicine. It may satisfy the sensational lust of the audience, and NJ did try to balance realistic behavior of her character with the curiosity of the reader.
I disliked the whole epiphany of what happiness is and living a whole life and sharing trust and feeling true love. It is IMO different for every human being and cultural consensus makes a lot of authors write cliché endings. Add to that the hastily reconnecting with blood relatives and the ending suffers twice.
I admired the full development of both characters and was, for once, captivated by both story lines. Often I dislike one of the story lines as it interrupts the one I like most.
Now, about my pet peeves. I am highly disgruntled when people decide for someone else that the feelings the other has is a lesser kind of love. How dare you! I am glad the therapist in this novel did not say this, although they hinted in a good relationship you have to disclose everything, including trauma's that are better left alone. The notion survivors have to talk to heal, are more nuanced in modern medicine. It may satisfy the sensational lust of the audience, and NJ did try to balance realistic behavior of her character with the curiosity of the reader.
I disliked the whole epiphany of what happiness is and living a whole life and sharing trust and feeling true love. It is IMO different for every human being and cultural consensus makes a lot of authors write cliché endings. Add to that the hastily reconnecting with blood relatives and the ending suffers twice.
Jersey and Koa's story was a gorgeously written, deeply emotional journey of two souls getting a second chance at happiness. I'm always amazed by how Nicky James pulls emotions out of me while reading, connecting me strongly to each of her characters and allowing me to walk in their shoes for the entirety of our time together. This book was no different, and I felt transported into the lives of Jersey and Koa, first as kids and then as adults decades later.
For 95% of the story, I had no idea what event had shaped Koa into the person he was when he and Jersey met, but the impact of that unknown tragedy colored every aspect of his interaction with the world around him. Like Jersey, I felt drawn to Koa, even when his inner demons pulled him far from reality, and we both grew to crave his smiles and laughter. So much of Koa was unknowable due to the past he'd sealed off, and it made me ache to see how bleak his worldview was at times. Jersey had experienced his own series of traumatic events throughout his life, and in a way that made the two of them more equipped to understand each other as adults than they had as teenagers. Their reunion was a slow, sometimes painfully awkward rekindling of friendship, but some unspoken hope kept the two of them from giving up and walking away for good. Koa's thought process was so different from my own, and I found it fascinating to see the world through his eyes and understand what motivated him. He was both deeply philosophical and incredibly detached from the rest of the world, and for a long time I believed that barrier would prevent him from ever opening himself up to love. Jersey was a lot more persistent than most, and little by little I saw the two of them carve out a place for each other in their lives. I wouldn't say that their story was particularly happy--too much of what defined these men was painted in shades of sorrow, trauma, and regret for that--but it was a cleansing, healing journey with an ending that felt wonderfully freeing. Jersey and Koa did open up to each other, sharing things they never had with another person, and seeing them support each other through the highs and lows of life was deeply moving. I have no doubt about the strength of their love after finishing their story, and while their joy was a quiet, private affair, it didn't affect me any less when I read those final few words.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
For 95% of the story, I had no idea what event had shaped Koa into the person he was when he and Jersey met, but the impact of that unknown tragedy colored every aspect of his interaction with the world around him. Like Jersey, I felt drawn to Koa, even when his inner demons pulled him far from reality, and we both grew to crave his smiles and laughter. So much of Koa was unknowable due to the past he'd sealed off, and it made me ache to see how bleak his worldview was at times. Jersey had experienced his own series of traumatic events throughout his life, and in a way that made the two of them more equipped to understand each other as adults than they had as teenagers. Their reunion was a slow, sometimes painfully awkward rekindling of friendship, but some unspoken hope kept the two of them from giving up and walking away for good. Koa's thought process was so different from my own, and I found it fascinating to see the world through his eyes and understand what motivated him. He was both deeply philosophical and incredibly detached from the rest of the world, and for a long time I believed that barrier would prevent him from ever opening himself up to love. Jersey was a lot more persistent than most, and little by little I saw the two of them carve out a place for each other in their lives. I wouldn't say that their story was particularly happy--too much of what defined these men was painted in shades of sorrow, trauma, and regret for that--but it was a cleansing, healing journey with an ending that felt wonderfully freeing. Jersey and Koa did open up to each other, sharing things they never had with another person, and seeing them support each other through the highs and lows of life was deeply moving. I have no doubt about the strength of their love after finishing their story, and while their joy was a quiet, private affair, it didn't affect me any less when I read those final few words.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
I loved this book. It made me read it slow. Koa my goodness. Jersey, boy o boy. I loved the way it was written. I don't typically reread books, but I could see myself reading this again.
emotional
relaxing
sad
slow-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
After several books that failed to launch, I came to Nicky James for some depth, and she did not disappoint.
Considering I hate the flashback style, I still really enjoyed this.
Considering I hate the flashback style, I still really enjoyed this.
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
i usually love nicky james’ books but had so much trouble connecting with the characters in this one.