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4.17 AVERAGE
4.17 AVERAGE
didn’t love this as much as most others seem to, but maybe i just wasn’t in the right headspace to read about death/grief?
A Song This Book Reminded Me Of: Death with Dignity by Sufjan Stevens
The concept of a death doula was a very alluring one, but I thought this book and its characters lacked depth. For someone who is surrounded with a complex and layered issue such as death, Clover comes across as melodramatic and immature in a way that makes her unenjoyable as a main character. I was not a fan of the Sebastian subplot, although I do see what it provided in terms of character development, just think it could’ve been done in a better way. Some aspects I did enjoy was Clovers friendship with Sylvie, and the fact that she is in her 40’s, never too late to make change! This book cautions against getting stuck in your ways, and turning your back against your dreams and ambitions. It encourages it’s readers to stay open to the mystery of life. To me, however, a lot of the philosophical/spiritual revelations Clover had were very elementary.
This is the story of a lonely death doula. About 40% through this book I thought: I’m gonna give this 4 stars because the story is good but I want more about people on their death bed. I finished it and it gets 5 full stars. It took me to an unexpected place and I appreciated the lessons.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Im normally not attracted to “slice of life” stories but this was a sweet and easy read. I really appreciated seeing a romantic plot with characters over 20years old. It got a little “Sunday special” corny at the end, but overall a nice low-stakes read with a nice take on grief, starting fresh, and trying new things. A perfect, summer or pool-side book
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I want to read this book every single year as a reminder to “be cautiously reckless”. Grief is such a hard experience to talk about, let alone feel, and the author talks through grief in such a comforting way. I would recommend this book for anyone who has ever lost someone, or for anyone who wants to live life a little more recklessly.