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akshade's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.5
Although the main storyline behind the book is very sad, the story as a whole was rather sweet. I loved the relationships that developed and how the characters were able to express real emotions given triggering situations.
I listened to the audio and at the end was a conversation between narrator and author. I love that Taylor doesn’t see this as a sad book and I get her reasoning. It made me like the story that much more.
Graphic: Grief, Car accident, and Death
Minor: Death of parent and Pregnancy
tannerlauren's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Pregnancy and Death
abicaro17's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Drug use, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, Blood, Death, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Body horror, Car accident, Cursing, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, and Sexual content
meeklovestoread's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This rating is on the lower side (I almost rated it a 3.75). Definitely not my favorite of hers but still a good book regardless. I think what kept me from rating it higher mainly was that I really didn't like Ben's character and found myself dreading the past chapters because I didn't really like him that much. I found him pretty immature a lot of times especially
As you may be able to guess I enjoyed the future chapters way more than the past ones. Elsie's grieving period is probably the most relatable thing I've read in a long time. The not eating/not taking care of yourself for days, the letting life pass you by because you don't see the point in living without that special person beside you, perceiving their memory as much as you can, etc. I may not have experienced the death of a loved spouse, but, I have experienced heartbreak and TJR's depiction was spot on to how I felt.
Another thing I admired about the future chapters was the gradual relationship forming between Elsie and Susan (loved Susan). It was nice to see them deal with these things together and the ups and downs of it all. What I also admired most was how this book addressed the criticisms that surround grieving people who didn't spend much time with their loved one(s). I'm not sure if this is a spoiler, but the main character, Elsie, only spends six months with her husband when he passes and is only married to him for nine days out of those six months, but her grief is often minimized by others due to her lack of time with him. I'm glad this book clarifies that grief holds no bounds; to miss a person is to still miss them whether you knew them for three weeks or 30 years.
And I can't help but mention the MVP of this book, Mr. George Callahan! He was my favorite character and had my heart this entire book! I loved him and his backstories! The way he loved his wife (how precious😥).
Graphic: Grief and Car accident
Moderate: Alcohol and Car accident
Minor: Pregnancy and Violence
emilyandthewhippet's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Grief, Car accident, and Death
Moderate: Alcohol, Vomit, and Death of parent
Minor: Pregnancy, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Medical content
kdailyreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Grief, Car accident, Death, Alcohol, and Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer and Cursing
Minor: Pregnancy and Abortion
jfield351's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Car accident
Minor: Sexual content and Pregnancy
mallory10100's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Car accident, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Mental illness
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Cursing, Eating disorder, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
Minor: Infertility, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, and Vomit
i loved this book so much, and the format of the alternating chapters was very emotionally effective. highly recommend!!