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laurenleigh's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’ve wanted to read more of Rebecca Makkai ever since falling hard for The Great Believers. This was a lighter, cuter story that was still just as full of heart. It’s about a children’s librarian who gets on this unexpected road trip with a slightly troubled kid growing up in an oppressively Evangelical family. The morality of this road trip (kidnapping?) becomes an interesting question, and I was constantly questioning whether I liked or agreed with this main character. Whether or not I like her though, my flip-flopping aligns me with her, as she herself can’t decide whether or not she’s a good person, whether she’s making the right choice. While listening to the story was a good format (I felt like I was right there in the car, listening to a 10 year-old boy singing), I disliked the narrator’s too-sweet voice. Regardless, I love Makkai’s style and could still fully appreciate her writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Homophobia
Moderate: Stalking, Suicide attempt, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Eating disorder
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