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annamay1021's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death of parent, Rape, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Death
grettypop's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4/5 stars - no spice
Mallory Blessing is dying (this is not a spoiler, you find this out on page 1). On her deathbed, she asks her son, Link, to call up one person Link had no idea had any connection to his mother, Jake McCloud. Jake is the husband of the soon-to-be first female president of the United States.
So how do those two know each other? Well, Mallory and Jake have met 28 years ago, and have agreed to meet up for one weekend a year, every single year, to "catch up". Yes, theirs is a love affair. And we follow this through 28 summers, along with learning about the life, growth, and troubles of each of the characters involved.
I was very torn on what to rate this book, because of my conflicting feelings. I do NOT condone cheating, and while this book definitely romanticizes it and makes it seem "acceptable" and "everyone does it", my moral compass felt off the entire time.
Also I was extremely annoyed with the whole Mal & Jake thing... Why do you CHOOSE to make yourself unhappy?! - as my therapist would say. "Just be with each other!" - I screamed at them.
With that said, I devoured this book. I laughed, cried, and felt along with each of the characters. The book felt fast paced, sprinkled in with real life events that happened in each of those years that lead up to the heartbreaking conclusion you KNOW is coming. I loved this book, but I could not relate to these characters. If you find love, why wait?! Hold onto it!!
Mallory Blessing is dying (this is not a spoiler, you find this out on page 1). On her deathbed, she asks her son, Link, to call up one person Link had no idea had any connection to his mother, Jake McCloud. Jake is the husband of the soon-to-be first female president of the United States.
So how do those two know each other? Well, Mallory and Jake have met 28 years ago, and have agreed to meet up for one weekend a year, every single year, to "catch up". Yes, theirs is a love affair. And we follow this through 28 summers, along with learning about the life, growth, and troubles of each of the characters involved.
I was very torn on what to rate this book, because of my conflicting feelings. I do NOT condone cheating, and while this book definitely romanticizes it and makes it seem "acceptable" and "everyone does it", my moral compass felt off the entire time.
Also I was extremely annoyed with the whole Mal & Jake thing... Why do you CHOOSE to make yourself unhappy?! - as my therapist would say. "Just be with each other!" - I screamed at them.
With that said, I devoured this book. I laughed, cried, and felt along with each of the characters. The book felt fast paced, sprinkled in with real life events that happened in each of those years that lead up to the heartbreaking conclusion you KNOW is coming. I loved this book, but I could not relate to these characters. If you find love, why wait?! Hold onto it!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Death of parent, Pregnancy, Cancer, Toxic friendship, Death, Toxic relationship, and Terminal illness
brittanyisbooked's review
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
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? Yes
4.25
I thoroughly enjoyed this as a beach read, but I wasn’t a huge fan of how the story ended. Honestly, never have I ever rooted for an affair to happen. I just loved Mallory so much that I wanted her to be happy. I hated what Jake was doing, but there was always so much joy when they were together. I wish it would have gone differently, but I also felt like it was written in that tragic way some books just are.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Toxic relationship
Minor: Child death and Chronic illness
ambersbooks's review
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Here’s the deal: I hated the choices being made by the main characters. I hated their relationship. And yet I couldn’t stop cheering for them and the ending had me in tears. So I love/hate this book, and it’s on my favorites list. How’s that for nonsensical.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Toxic relationship, and Death
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