Scan barcode
chelseatm's review
3.0
I'm not going to lie. I definitely began this book with high expectations. 13 Reasons Why was a stand-out young adult book and really left a lasting impact on me (it's been four years since I've read it and I still recommend it to people).
I also enjoyed The Future of Us by Asher, so needless to say, I was expecting intense love with this book. Wellllllll, I was right and wrong. Yes, there was very intense love but it was not between me and this book.
What Light is a typical, basic young adult book. I don't feel it adds anything outstanding to the genre and, rather, has a paint by numbers feel to the it.
It's a light read where you know what you're getting. It's OK for what it is. There's nothing outwardly negative or anything regarding the book. I just think it's neutral for me when it comes to recommending it.
I also enjoyed The Future of Us by Asher, so needless to say, I was expecting intense love with this book. Wellllllll, I was right and wrong. Yes, there was very intense love but it was not between me and this book.
What Light is a typical, basic young adult book. I don't feel it adds anything outstanding to the genre and, rather, has a paint by numbers feel to the it.
It's a light read where you know what you're getting. It's OK for what it is. There's nothing outwardly negative or anything regarding the book. I just think it's neutral for me when it comes to recommending it.
yumnas's review
5.0
I love this book so much!! It was cute and intriguing. A must read for all romance lovers!
mysticmarisa's review
2.0
I am thoroughly disappointed with this book. It really does hurt me to say that. What Light was one of my most anticipated reads of the year because I'm such a big fan of Jay Asher's other book, The Thirteen Reasons Why. I'll admit, it's a bit unfair to compare the two, but this book just seems trivial in comparison.
I couldn't relate to any of the characters. The only ones that were really developed were Sierra and Caleb. All the rest were one dimensional and barely helped move the story along. Not to mention, Sierra seriously didn't have one flaw - which I find incredibly annoying when reading a book.
I also hated that the first five chapters or so were Sierra saying she didn't want a holiday romance. We all knew it was going to happen: the book was extremely predictable. I really didn't even understand their romance. He found her attractive and thought it would work out since she was leaving soon... What??????????
Not to mention, I didn't really find his "big secret" to be interesting enough for the story. I think it's just a me problem but I felt it wasn't that big of a deal.
Overall, it's just Christmas fluff. Don't expect anything more or less. And definitely don't read it if it's not Christmas time.
I couldn't relate to any of the characters. The only ones that were really developed were Sierra and Caleb. All the rest were one dimensional and barely helped move the story along. Not to mention, Sierra seriously didn't have one flaw - which I find incredibly annoying when reading a book.
I also hated that the first five chapters or so were Sierra saying she didn't want a holiday romance. We all knew it was going to happen: the book was extremely predictable. I really didn't even understand their romance. He found her attractive and thought it would work out since she was leaving soon... What??????????
Not to mention, I didn't really find his "big secret" to be interesting enough for the story. I think it's just a me problem but I felt it wasn't that big of a deal.
Overall, it's just Christmas fluff. Don't expect anything more or less. And definitely don't read it if it's not Christmas time.
roseleaf24's review
3.0
Quick, engaging read, and the voice was really strong. Unfortunately, the writing was not. It felt more after school special that quality literature. I've enjoyed Asher's other books, but wondered if the writing would hold up without the exceptionally creative storyline. It doesn't. There's not a whole lot of unique here, and what there is that is unique is dragged out and hashed over a few times too many.
And I will never understand the drama over long distance relationships. Sure, it's hard and can be frustrating, but distance doesn't ruin a relationship that would otherwise last. It'll force a relationship to be real or not, but it's not going to turn something real into something not. And here, it especially didn't make sense. They're high school seniors, for crying out loud. It doesn't matter whether her family will be back there or not for Christmas next year (though that is a big huge deal on its own) because they will both be going to college or moving on to the next phase of their life anyway.
I'm also frustrated that no one ever managed to tell Caleb that what happened to his family was not his fault. The fact that his mother doesn't have his sister with her all the time is not his fault. Yes, his actions were an immediate cause, but it was only because of him that she didn't leave sooner. Not his fault. Divorce is not the child's fault. Most children of divorced parents need to hear that. This one especially did. Everyone failed him -- everyone -- by not making sure he knew that. There was also a missed opportunity to talk about mental illness. Grief and depression can lead to outbursts like Caleb's, but that kind of grief and depression can certainly be temporary. The fact that no one is saying that while everyone is gossiping was disappointing to me, as I've been there and done -- not quite that -- but certainly things I regret and that I would never do if my mind had been allowed the healing it needed.
And I will never understand the drama over long distance relationships. Sure, it's hard and can be frustrating, but distance doesn't ruin a relationship that would otherwise last. It'll force a relationship to be real or not, but it's not going to turn something real into something not. And here, it especially didn't make sense. They're high school seniors, for crying out loud. It doesn't matter whether her family will be back there or not for Christmas next year (though that is a big huge deal on its own) because they will both be going to college or moving on to the next phase of their life anyway.
I'm also frustrated that no one ever managed to tell Caleb that what happened to his family was not his fault. The fact that his mother doesn't have his sister with her all the time is not his fault. Yes, his actions were an immediate cause, but it was only because of him that she didn't leave sooner. Not his fault. Divorce is not the child's fault. Most children of divorced parents need to hear that. This one especially did. Everyone failed him -- everyone -- by not making sure he knew that. There was also a missed opportunity to talk about mental illness. Grief and depression can lead to outbursts like Caleb's, but that kind of grief and depression can certainly be temporary. The fact that no one is saying that while everyone is gossiping was disappointing to me, as I've been there and done -- not quite that -- but certainly things I regret and that I would never do if my mind had been allowed the healing it needed.
mettetta's review against another edition
3.0
A sweet love story with authentic voice, but disappointing to me compared to Thirteen Reasons Why.
kingjulianjr's review
5.0
I didnt think I would like this tbh, but I really really enjoyed it. Finished it in two days. Such a lighthearted, wholesome, winter-y book.
jeweleemc's review against another edition
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25