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thepetitepunk's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
wonderful :) a little whimsical novel for book lovers with hope.
i noticed the top tag for this was fantasy? i guess i can see how it is fantasy, but that’s definitely not how i’d classify it. i’m also seeing this marketed as a romance / women’s fiction, and while there is a romance here (and i enjoyed it!), it’s really not entirely important to the plot. this is much more a book about family.
in a way it felt like the mysterious benedict society but for adults which was fun.
wonderful :) a little whimsical novel for book lovers with hope.
i noticed the top tag for this was fantasy? i guess i can see how it is fantasy, but that’s definitely not how i’d classify it. i’m also seeing this marketed as a romance / women’s fiction, and while there is a romance here (and i enjoyed it!), it’s really not entirely important to the plot. this is much more a book about family.
in a way it felt like the mysterious benedict society but for adults which was fun.
tminusandy's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely adored this book. I don't think I can even describe in words how much it got to me.
I can tell you that I bawled while reading the last 30ish pages. Continously.
I never knew I'd be such a sucker for magical realism but here we are! Shaffer has such a talent for dropping little hints that get you to keep reading. I began this book while at work (in a library, funnily enough - reading a book about books while working in a place full of books) and I couldn't stop turning to my coworker and telling her how invested in the story I was.
As someone who didn't have a good father figure growing up, I one hundred percent related to Lucy and her desire to be close to Jack. It felt real and meaningful to me, and the way that relationship shaped how Lucy felt about Christopher was just... so immaculately described.
The characters are fun, the story is intriguing, the ending is satisfying, even if not quite in the way you expect. The definition of a page turner. I can't wait to see what Shaffer does next!
I can tell you that I bawled while reading the last 30ish pages. Continously.
I never knew I'd be such a sucker for magical realism but here we are! Shaffer has such a talent for dropping little hints that get you to keep reading. I began this book while at work (in a library, funnily enough - reading a book about books while working in a place full of books) and I couldn't stop turning to my coworker and telling her how invested in the story I was.
As someone who didn't have a good father figure growing up, I one hundred percent related to Lucy and her desire to be close to Jack. It felt real and meaningful to me, and the way that relationship shaped how Lucy felt about Christopher was just... so immaculately described.
The characters are fun, the story is intriguing, the ending is satisfying, even if not quite in the way you expect. The definition of a page turner. I can't wait to see what Shaffer does next!
thealexarachelle's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! An adult Willy wonka-esque story that gives you all the feels.
vbarrett17's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
a wonderful debut that takes a fun, whimsical concept and intertwines it with the deep, dark reality of hardship and broken, dysfunctional families
absolutely adored the themes and representation (especially the struggles of foster care) in this book. i am looking forward to seeing future works from Meg Shaffer!
absolutely adored the themes and representation (especially the struggles of foster care) in this book. i am looking forward to seeing future works from Meg Shaffer!
megabees's review against another edition
4.5
thank GOD there are books written about old recluses who want a fun puzzle at the end of their life still!! meg shaffer i wasn’t aware of your game but i am NOW
beckyvh523's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Full of hope, sweet and clever. Fans of Katherine Center will enjoy this delightful story, because it just makes you feel good. Also big time Willy Wonka vibes.