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samtastic's review against another edition
1.0
28.75/100
Man, this book was a challenge to get through. The concept on the surface was really interesting but I don’t know if it was told in the best way. Going back and forth between characters and dates was confusing; especially since near the end we all of a sudden jump months and years at a time.
There also was unnecessary background fluff that didn’t enhance the story or characters. We spend chapters hearing about the business model and startup plan of little rascals (Hannah’s childcare service) just to never hear about it again halfway through the book.
There are multiple subplots in this that in my opinion also don’t “bring anything to the table”. The author must have felt rushed for deadlines because these subplots were hastily wrapped up in the last few chapters of the book. One of which (Jonathan’s mother) suddenly started up in the last 10% of the book and had no real momentum in the main plot to justify it.
This book should have finished with the two finally meeting without going into this slap-dab romance. Johnathan could confess to the rejection publication letter, reread the manuscript realized he actually liked it he’s just always been bitter and then published the book in Simons memory.
Man, this book was a challenge to get through. The concept on the surface was really interesting but I don’t know if it was told in the best way. Going back and forth between characters and dates was confusing; especially since near the end we all of a sudden jump months and years at a time.
There also was unnecessary background fluff that didn’t enhance the story or characters. We spend chapters hearing about the business model and startup plan of little rascals (Hannah’s childcare service) just to never hear about it again halfway through the book.
There are multiple subplots in this that in my opinion also don’t “bring anything to the table”. The author must have felt rushed for deadlines because these subplots were hastily wrapped up in the last few chapters of the book. One of which (Jonathan’s mother) suddenly started up in the last 10% of the book and had no real momentum in the main plot to justify it.
This book should have finished with the two finally meeting without going into this slap-dab romance. Johnathan could confess to the rejection publication letter, reread the manuscript realized he actually liked it he’s just always been bitter and then published the book in Simons memory.
moonpaintedlady's review against another edition
4.0
It's been a minute since I've read it so I don't remember much. But I do remember enjoying it.
nicoletgroen's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jlpearce13's review against another edition
5.0
4.5☆ I expected a light and fluffy read but got a much more challenging, thoughtful book instead, even though it still wrapped up nicely in the end. Although it was easily predictable, I thoroughly enjoyed reading a book popular and set in Germany; it may still be Eurocentric but at least it's not US-centric. I should have guessed sooner that'Harry Potter' at the beginning was definitely Simon and that Jonathan's mom died instead of abandoning him; I also should have realized how oblivious Hannah really was. The translation was generally pretty good but I bet it's even better in German.
sabine4242's review against another edition
4.0
I find in general the non-American vaguely romantic but not women's lit tend to be more my speed. Much of the romance is secondary to bigger issues of finding your happiness, challenging yourself to live every day to the fullest, etc. A little cheer and optimism in a sometimes surprisingly dark book. I enjoyed the structure and the overall flow. Although a bit slow to find its rhythm, I was really sucked in and couldn't put it down for the latter half, I was enjoying it too much. A somewhat gentle read that makes you feel and think. (And a pleasant surprise from one of the monthly free Amazon ebooks). Translated from German, I believe.
triciawil's review
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
lpruijn's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
ingypingy2000's review against another edition
4.0
I got this as one of Amazon's First Reads and I was pretty sure I wouldn't read it anytime soon, but I thought it'd be a good "back-up" if I ever needed one. Lo and behold, that time came quite quickly...and I'm glad it did! This was a very sweet and easy read. No major drama (well, there's definitely drama, but nothing so roller coaster-ish that it upsets the even tone of the book), a good dose of "feel good" soul finding, and enough "happily ever after" that you finish with a smile.
Overall, a sweet and easy read.
Overall, a sweet and easy read.
a_ab's review against another edition
4.0
This was a pleasant surprise. Based on the cover I expected light inoffensive fluff, and while it's not entirely light, it is uplifting, and I didn't find anything offensive in it, but it most certainly didn't feel like fluff.
It turned out to be quite a rare find in contemporary literature: This novel is well written, well paced, well thought out, and doesn't resort to sex and violence for impact and high stakes! I am impressed.
I did not love the 2 main characters whose stories we are told in the alternating chapters. But they were real, relatable, consistent and human. With believable development and understandable choices, at least most choices. They were people I could thoroughly believe in.
It's not a perfect book: there are some sloppy plot points and scenes or descriptions which overstay their welcome, but the flaws are minor enough to be overlooked in light of the overall impression.
It turned out to be quite a rare find in contemporary literature: This novel is well written, well paced, well thought out, and doesn't resort to sex and violence for impact and high stakes! I am impressed.
Spoiler
The book tackles emotional baggage, grief, dealing with a terminal illness, homelessness and suicide, and it manages to do it both intimately, but in a non-invasive way, with great tact and insight.I did not love the 2 main characters whose stories we are told in the alternating chapters. But they were real, relatable, consistent and human. With believable development and understandable choices, at least most choices. They were people I could thoroughly believe in.
Spoiler
However, I still think that both of them deserved someone different in their lives as a partner, not better - just different. But since they both could use a short relationship different from what they had known before, I didn't mind the hastily thrown together "happy ending".It's not a perfect book: there are some sloppy plot points and scenes or descriptions which overstay their welcome, but the flaws are minor enough to be overlooked in light of the overall impression.