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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
medium-paced
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒈𝒊𝒇𝒕 ⚽❤️🌊✨
That is what this book is. A gift. It’s a story that can be understood and appreciated by those who have sisterly bonds. It is for those who have ever been part of a sports team, or something similar, where the dreams are as big as their sacrifices. If you value family, friends, and being there for each other when you need each other most, then this is the book for you.
Things start off with a bang, with one sister’s greatest achievement, and the other’s most harrowing day of her life, all occurring at once. We are then taken on a journey to the past, where we learn of Mia and Cricket’s origins, as well as their mother. I love learning about where people come from and about their life’s journey to date (fictional or otherwise), so of course I was eating this story up!! We are eventually brought back to the present (a few cry sessions later), and let me tell you, every aspect of this novel was simply gorgeous - the storytelling, the oceanside setting, the relationships. I loved all of it.
The true meaning of sacrifice and the strong bonds of family (specifically, sisters) are the main concepts explored throughout the novel. I couldn’t help but get emotional whenever Mia (the older sister) had to put her hopes and dreams on standby indefinitely for the sake of Cricket’s success. How many of us older sisters have done something similar for our own families, siblings, friends, coworkers, or perfect strangers?
There is a lot of reference to soccer. The game itself, well known players, the season dynamic, training, and the like. While it can be overwhelming at times, you can sense the passion behind it and can’t help but get fired up with these characters. Cricket could also be grating at times, but I had to remind myself of the burdens on her own shoulders and that her behaviours are simply a response to this.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press for an e-ARC of this novel!
⚠️TW: Death of parent, grief, pregnancy, miscarriage, infertility, car accident, pandemic
⚽ Literary Fiction
⚽ Sisterly Bonds
⚽ Soccer ‘Goals’
⚽ Dreams & Sacrifices
That is what this book is. A gift. It’s a story that can be understood and appreciated by those who have sisterly bonds. It is for those who have ever been part of a sports team, or something similar, where the dreams are as big as their sacrifices. If you value family, friends, and being there for each other when you need each other most, then this is the book for you.
Things start off with a bang, with one sister’s greatest achievement, and the other’s most harrowing day of her life, all occurring at once. We are then taken on a journey to the past, where we learn of Mia and Cricket’s origins, as well as their mother. I love learning about where people come from and about their life’s journey to date (fictional or otherwise), so of course I was eating this story up!! We are eventually brought back to the present (a few cry sessions later), and let me tell you, every aspect of this novel was simply gorgeous - the storytelling, the oceanside setting, the relationships. I loved all of it.
The true meaning of sacrifice and the strong bonds of family (specifically, sisters) are the main concepts explored throughout the novel. I couldn’t help but get emotional whenever Mia (the older sister) had to put her hopes and dreams on standby indefinitely for the sake of Cricket’s success. How many of us older sisters have done something similar for our own families, siblings, friends, coworkers, or perfect strangers?
There is a lot of reference to soccer. The game itself, well known players, the season dynamic, training, and the like. While it can be overwhelming at times, you can sense the passion behind it and can’t help but get fired up with these characters. Cricket could also be grating at times, but I had to remind myself of the burdens on her own shoulders and that her behaviours are simply a response to this.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press for an e-ARC of this novel!
⚠️TW: Death of parent, grief, pregnancy, miscarriage, infertility, car accident, pandemic
⚽ Literary Fiction
⚽ Sisterly Bonds
⚽ Soccer ‘Goals’
⚽ Dreams & Sacrifices
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
This is one of the best books I read this year, discovered a good author!
Good things about the book :
1. The characters, the plot, the writing. Basically everything was very very good.
2. The sports metaphors and relationships were very well written.
3. Very emotional and satisfying ending
Not so good things about the book :
1. I guess not much, just that some repetitive story points in between
Good things about the book :
1. The characters, the plot, the writing. Basically everything was very very good.
2. The sports metaphors and relationships were very well written.
3. Very emotional and satisfying ending
Not so good things about the book :
1. I guess not much, just that some repetitive story points in between
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Sisterhood and soccer are central themes in this story that spans decades to ask: what would you give up for the people you love most? Throughout this read, I was impressed with the level of detail around rituals and traditions in this family, in all its forms, across the timeline. Also- lots of fun pop culture/sports history references that really made me feel steeped in the story. While predictable, the story was a lovely journey with characters whose happiness I found myself genuinely rooting for.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
As near perfect as possible. Gorgeous writing, authentic and imperfect characters that you cannot help but cheer for and fall in love with, a beautiful coming of age story. I loved this.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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:
Complicated