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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
I have no idea what I expected from this book..but it was definitely not what I read. Chapter after chapter, page after page, it just kept on getting better. A memorable book at it's finest.
I sincerely apologize to Cody for not reading this book sooner. You were right, but you always are.
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Wow. Wow wow wow wow wow.
I started and finished this book in one day, which I was not expecting. It was just such a beautifully woven story. Amelia's journey through such intense grief and her connection with others and their experience with grief was exactly my experience when I was feeling my own grief after the loss of our baby a few years ago. You carry around this thing with you and have to learn how to move forward while feeling so completely on the outside of everything you used to have before. The tapestry Schumacher creates with the stories we tell borne of our grief--whether true or fiction--, the relationships we create within and outside of those stories, and ohmygoodness THE WHALES... it is just so heartbreakingly beautiful. It reminded me so much of when we lost Olivia and one of my college professors reached out and asked what she could do for help. I asked her for a list of books that would help me figure out how to feel, and she gave me a list and I dove right in. It helped so much to know others had experienced something so earth-shattering and had created something beautiful out of it.
I wish this story had made it on to the list she gave me, but it was published a few years after my loss. Still, though, it has filled a space in me that I had almost forgotten was there. It has taken the pieces of my heart and rearranged them and put them back in a better order than before. I know this review is all over the place, but I just cannot say enough good things about this book. It is definitely worth a read.
I started and finished this book in one day, which I was not expecting. It was just such a beautifully woven story. Amelia's journey through such intense grief and her connection with others and their experience with grief was exactly my experience when I was feeling my own grief after the loss of our baby a few years ago. You carry around this thing with you and have to learn how to move forward while feeling so completely on the outside of everything you used to have before. The tapestry Schumacher creates with the stories we tell borne of our grief--whether true or fiction--, the relationships we create within and outside of those stories, and ohmygoodness THE WHALES... it is just so heartbreakingly beautiful. It reminded me so much of when we lost Olivia and one of my college professors reached out and asked what she could do for help. I asked her for a list of books that would help me figure out how to feel, and she gave me a list and I dove right in. It helped so much to know others had experienced something so earth-shattering and had created something beautiful out of it.
I wish this story had made it on to the list she gave me, but it was published a few years after my loss. Still, though, it has filled a space in me that I had almost forgotten was there. It has taken the pieces of my heart and rearranged them and put them back in a better order than before. I know this review is all over the place, but I just cannot say enough good things about this book. It is definitely worth a read.
“ everything is silly, dear. Life is too brief to be anything else”
One of the most distinctive and gorgeous writing styles out there
One of the most distinctive and gorgeous writing styles out there
Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher follows Amelia, who is struggling after her best friend dies after the two girls had a major blow up over their favorite author N.E. Endsley. After her friends death, Amelia receives a mysterious book in the mail of a limited edition copy of the Orman Chronicles by N.E. Endsley, she believes it was sent by her best friend and is searching for answers. Her search for answers leads her to a bookstore in Massachusetts where she makes friends, tries to find closure, and may even find love.
I really appreciated the way this book deals with grief in both of the main characters. I also loved all of the side characters such as Val, Alex, and even Wally! Plus, I'm always a sucker for characters that are writers and/or love books, so having the majority of the book take place in a bookshop was amazing. Definitely recommend!
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really appreciated the way this book deals with grief in both of the main characters. I also loved all of the side characters such as Val, Alex, and even Wally! Plus, I'm always a sucker for characters that are writers and/or love books, so having the majority of the book take place in a bookshop was amazing. Definitely recommend!
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
funny
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
If you've ever been consumed by grief or known someone who has... if you've ever taken a risk, taken the safe path, or been lost along the way... if you've ever felt broken or put back together... this book is for you.
So, I want to start this by saying that I was so very excited to read this book. It has been on my radar for at least six months. I’ve been really into reading books that deal with grief since I lost my mom last august. I didn’t have any idea what this book would entail nor did I have my hopes set anywhere other than for it to be a really good book.
However. I feel like I read a different book than most people. Because this book was purely “just ok” to me.
I thought the plot moved way too fast (this app takes place in a matter of a couple months), it was unrealistic (just the timing of how things happen, how people meet, how people deal with their emotions so quickly, etc) and it kind of just felt forced (the connections between characters, the reason behind the Orman books, etc).
I didn’t connect with any of the characters. It’s hard to when you meet them, learn their story/flaws, and then BOOM they’re fixed all in the matter of ~150 pages.
I’m just super bummed that this book was so... meh.
I absolutely think people will fall in love with this book because it’s easy to read in one sitting, but you can’t convince me that it wasn’t too quick, too unreal, too... everything.
However. I feel like I read a different book than most people. Because this book was purely “just ok” to me.
I thought the plot moved way too fast (this app takes place in a matter of a couple months), it was unrealistic (just the timing of how things happen, how people meet, how people deal with their emotions so quickly, etc) and it kind of just felt forced (the connections between characters, the reason behind the Orman books, etc).
I didn’t connect with any of the characters. It’s hard to when you meet them, learn their story/flaws, and then BOOM they’re fixed all in the matter of ~150 pages.
I’m just super bummed that this book was so... meh.
I absolutely think people will fall in love with this book because it’s easy to read in one sitting, but you can’t convince me that it wasn’t too quick, too unreal, too... everything.
Amelia has loved Orman ever since Jenna handed her the first copy the fateful day her dad showed his true colors. However, it turns out Nolan seems to be more of a jerk as he refuses to complete the trilogy or show up to promised book conference Q&A sessions. This won’t stop the two friends from having their own amazing summers before college—until a car crash kills Jenna.
Now Amelia finds herself headed to a mysterious bookstore far from Texas from where a limited edition Orman book just happened to be sent to her. This adventure is full of tragic waters, surprising adventures, discovery, and recognizing grief. There might even be the fairytale of romance wrapped into the plot.
For those who wish their fandom dreams could come true, those who pursue their passions, or those looking for a real-life magical read, this one’s for you. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
Now Amelia finds herself headed to a mysterious bookstore far from Texas from where a limited edition Orman book just happened to be sent to her. This adventure is full of tragic waters, surprising adventures, discovery, and recognizing grief. There might even be the fairytale of romance wrapped into the plot.
For those who wish their fandom dreams could come true, those who pursue their passions, or those looking for a real-life magical read, this one’s for you. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
Read my full review here: https://www.howdidthatbookend.com/amelia-unabridged-ashley-schumacher/
Many thanks to Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listener’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Amelia’s story was beautiful and heartwarming. In the wake of her best friend’s death, Amelia goes to Michigan to track down the source of an unexpected gift from Jenna. When she meets Nolan, the two are able to lean on each other through their grief and find who they are on the other side.
I loved all of the characters in this book. I think any booklover will be able to find a bit of themself in Amelia’s character, which made her very easy to relate to. Val was the mother figure we all need in our lives, Nolan the perfect grumpy enigma, and Alex the loyal best friend. I loved Jenna and Amelia’s friendship in the beginning, too.
My favorite parts were the descriptions of Val’s bookstore, where N.E. Endsley spends his time. If there is a place like this in real life, it certainly has become a bucket list destination for me.
If you’re looking for a book to take you away from real life and make you both smile and cry, then this is the story for you!
Many thanks to Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listener’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Amelia’s story was beautiful and heartwarming. In the wake of her best friend’s death, Amelia goes to Michigan to track down the source of an unexpected gift from Jenna. When she meets Nolan, the two are able to lean on each other through their grief and find who they are on the other side.
I loved all of the characters in this book. I think any booklover will be able to find a bit of themself in Amelia’s character, which made her very easy to relate to. Val was the mother figure we all need in our lives, Nolan the perfect grumpy enigma, and Alex the loyal best friend. I loved Jenna and Amelia’s friendship in the beginning, too.
My favorite parts were the descriptions of Val’s bookstore, where N.E. Endsley spends his time. If there is a place like this in real life, it certainly has become a bucket list destination for me.
If you’re looking for a book to take you away from real life and make you both smile and cry, then this is the story for you!