4.16 AVERAGE

emotional inspiring sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
Plot or Character Driven: Character
adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful 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: No

3,5

Amelia Unabridged was gorgeously written, creating a lush landscape readers can immerse themselves in. It was a beautiful story of friendship, loss, grief, love, and finding oneself. Unfortunately, despite the beautiful writing, there were a few things that didn't work for me. I was enchanted at the beginning of the book, but my interest seemed to falter around 60% of the way in. The romance was sweet, but it felt rushed and a bit too much like "instalove" for me. I also didn't really care for the romance because it seemed like they both idealized each other more than they should have. I did, however, enjoy the strong friendships between Amelia and Jenna and Nolan and Alex. I also loved that this book so clearly understands the experience of what it's like to truly and wholly love books. Additionally, Amelia's struggle with identity and figuring out what she wanted to do in life was one that can resonate with many readers, including me. I can see why so many people fell in love with this book, but ultimately it fell flat for me. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

trigger warnings + content warnings: death, car crash, drowning, grief, anxiety, parental divorce, infidelity (mentioned)

When one of your Bookstagram besties said this is one of her top 2021 books and it’s 10 days into Jan - you know you have to read this book!

Jenna and Amelia are unexpected friends, friends that came to be when Amelia needed someone the most. Books are their biggest bonding point, especially the Orman chronicles by N. E. Endsley. But Jenna’s sudden death changes everything and sends Amelia on an unexpected journey. One can only hope she can find what she needs.
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This. Book. Wrecked. Me. In the best way possible. Putting into words everything this book is is difficult. It’s a book that I think will stick with me for quite a while.
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Immediately, your heart will go out to Amelia. Her family situation is rough. Jenna’s parents want the best for both Jenna and Amelia but Amelia doesn’t want to wear out their generosity. The chapter where Jenna passes? Have your tissues ready. It was raw, and as someone who lost a friend to a car accident last year, it hits home hard.
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Amelia meets so many people who are unexpectedly what she needs at exactly the right time. She has such a profound impact on them as they do her. Her whole journey is beautifully deep.
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This book will make you feel, and I love it for that. It’s also a book about books - who doesn’t love that?! This may be one of the best YA books of 2021, I’m calling it now. 5 stars, no hesitations.
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I have voluntarily read and reviewed and advanced copy of this book. Thank you to @netgalley and @wednesdaybooks for this opportunity.
emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

The writing was so atmospheric and beautiful. It’s the kind of writing that truly sweeps you into the story without being flowery.

This story of grief is truly beautiful. I am excited to pick up Schumacher’s next book.

Just the perfect amount of cheese.

I loved how many emotions you felt in this book and you were never sad for long. I didn’t think the cheesiness of the story would work for me but the end tied it up perfectly for me.