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aryexo's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Ableism, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
jadatrack's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Medical content
Moderate: Cancer
escapismforlife's review against another edition
This book was deep. Even the romantic relationship had more depth added on top of it being a modern day love story. I mean of course with everything
Anna is dealing with in her present. And what Quan's gone through and is now getting used to while being a comfort person for Anna suddenly.
The issues dealt with are done in the most beautiful way. But there could've been further explanation at points throughout this contemporary story. Having just read this one there was little I knew though. But it seemed very concentrated on both characters being comfortable and supportive for each other . And in the end I think that was the best end for this standalone series book.
Anna is dealing with in her present. And what Quan's gone through and is now getting used to while being a comfort person for Anna suddenly.
The issues dealt with are done in the most beautiful way. But there could've been further explanation at points throughout this contemporary story. Having just read this one there was little I knew though. But it seemed very concentrated on both characters being comfortable and supportive for each other . And in the end I think that was the best end for this standalone series book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Child abuse, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Bullying, Gaslighting, and Mental illness
oliviaparc's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
this was a good book and I really liked quan and anna together but I wasn't prepared for how upset it would make me
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Mental illness, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Death of parent
bananauyu23's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting
Moderate: Terminal illness, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
stephabell716's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Overall, I really enjoyed this. This is my first Helen Hoang book and I'm now somewhat curious to try the other TKQ books. The main characters are loveable and well-written, and their love story is heartwarming and satisfying.
That said, I had some issues with other aspects of the book that at times affected my enjoyment of it, and feel like I'm trying to balance my appreciation of the story with what I consider to be great writing. For example, a huge part of the story is Anna's dad getting sick, and we hear her thoughts as she mourns his loss (both after he gets sick and when he actually passes on). However, he is barely mentioned in the first part of the book, so I felt like her thoughts about how sweet he was to her when she was a child, how great their relationship was, etc., didn't hit me as hard as they would have if his character and plot line had been set up better. I also wanted more background of Anna's career and moderate fame! I understand why Hoang didn't tell us what the viral Youtube video actually was until midway through the book, when Quan watches it, but I wish we had started off with more details about that concert and the ensuing tour, and the events that lead to Anna feeling as burnt-out as she does when THP begins.
Additionally, I felt like some of the side characters either didn't have enough depth, or Anna's relationship with them didn't have enough nuance. Priscilla was really, truly, awful for a lot of the book in a way that I found almost unrealistic (although maybe I'm being naive and overly optimistic!) Also, while I was extremely content to despise Julian and everything about him, I don't think it was necessary for his character and relationship with Anna to be quite so...bad. It really feels like the only redeeming qualities about him are the fact that he has a "good job" and that her family approves of him. Did he ever make her happy? Did he ever understand her or ask about her wishes, even a little bit? Hoang says that this book is part memoir, so if elements of these characters are based on people from her own life, I of course don't want to undermine that. But as a reader of the story, it felt a little one-dimensional at times. Julian's relationship with Anna also makes it so that, while Quan isn't her first relationship, he is her first love and first time truly enjoying sex; Quan also was never in love or (from what I gathered) had emotional sex before Anna. This makes for a very sweet story, but the realistic part of me was also thinking that this wasn't necessary. They both could have had satisfying, loving relationships with other people before meeting, and still have an exciting, meaningful relationship with each other that feels deeper/better/etc. than what they've experienced before!
A spicy thought to finish this rant: It was nice how we see that towards the end of the book, Anna actually likes giving blow jobs when she makes the choice to give them and when she's super into the person she's performing them on. Part of me wanted to see something with similar with Quan performing oral sex on her and her LOVING it. Of course it's not necessary to the book, and also some people just don't like certain sex acts no matter the circumstances, but that was a thought I had!
Additionally, I felt like some of the side characters either didn't have enough depth, or Anna's relationship with them didn't have enough nuance. Priscilla was really, truly, awful for a lot of the book in a way that I found almost unrealistic (although maybe I'm being naive and overly optimistic!) Also, while I was extremely content to despise Julian and everything about him, I don't think it was necessary for his character and relationship with Anna to be quite so...bad. It really feels like the only redeeming qualities about him are the fact that he has a "good job" and that her family approves of him. Did he ever make her happy? Did he ever understand her or ask about her wishes, even a little bit? Hoang says that this book is part memoir, so if elements of these characters are based on people from her own life, I of course don't want to undermine that. But as a reader of the story, it felt a little one-dimensional at times. Julian's relationship with Anna also makes it so that, while Quan isn't her first relationship, he is her first love and first time truly enjoying sex; Quan also was never in love or (from what I gathered) had emotional sex before Anna. This makes for a very sweet story, but the realistic part of me was also thinking that this wasn't necessary. They both could have had satisfying, loving relationships with other people before meeting, and still have an exciting, meaningful relationship with each other that feels deeper/better/etc. than what they've experienced before!
A spicy thought to finish this rant: It was nice how we see that towards the end of the book, Anna actually likes giving blow jobs when she makes the choice to give them and when she's super into the person she's performing them on. Part of me wanted to see something with similar with Quan performing oral sex on her and her LOVING it. Of course it's not necessary to the book, and also some people just don't like certain sex acts no matter the circumstances, but that was a thought I had!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Ableism
moonlitreading_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was heavier to read than the first two books in the trilogy but that didn't stop me from loving it. I felt my heart clench many times because there were certain moments or lines that hit a bit too close to home. For anyone who hasn't read this yet but plans to please check the trigger warnings before going in.
Also, Quan is the absolute love of my life
Also, Quan is the absolute love of my life
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Death of parent
ashleyxx8's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Panic attacks/disorders
nnguyen73's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Death of parent
olympian_castle's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It did have its problems but I really enjoyed the main character's growth throughout the book and the romance. The author made it extremely easy to care and love for all the character's and I'm glad they all got what they wanted in the end
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Mental illness, Grief, Death of parent, and Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Suicide and Suicidal thoughts