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loveambreen's review
DNF @ 30%. This book is clearly written by someone who has never met an autistic person.
imonyourside's review
5.0
While some of the supporting characters come off as unbelievable, Annika’s experience and perspective open up a part of your brain that’s certain to make you a better person. I loved her character and watching her growth unfold. The story reminded me in some ways of Eleanor Oliphant and the importance of being kind. September 11th 2001 plays a foreboding, background character in a very real and moving way. This book had highs, lows, and laughs. Highly recommend.
melinda_and_her_books's review
5.0
I was given an ARC from Vilma's Book Blog Group on Facebook and I absolutely loved it. I loved Annika and Johnathan's relationship. I also kind of related to the story since I deal with anxiety and my daughter is diagnosed with high functioning autism and anxiety.
meggie82461's review
5.0
I finally got around to reviewing this!! And I really, REALLY loved this story! It wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, and I mean that in the best possible way! I already know I’ll remember it for a long time. I also know that I'll recommend it to people on GR and in real life, which isn't very common. This is one of those reads that I think everyone could get something positive from. I know it's early, but I can see this one being one of my favorites of 2020!
I will call. I’ll apologize. Ask him if we can start over. “Clean slate,” I’ll say. Such is my desire to replace the memories of the girl he used to know with the woman I’ve become.
This story is a second-chance romance for Annika and Jonathan. They began dating their senior year at the University of Illinois, which is my alma mater. Annika also was an English major, which, you guessed it... also my major! I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t part of the reason I loved this book so much. The nostalgia factor weighed heavily throughout, especially at the end, which I will NOT spoil. It’s after ten years when they reunite, as they’re both living and working in downtown Chicago. It’s a chance meeting in a grocery store, and it’s a testament to the author that you can feel the mixture of pain, relief, and tentative joy they both feel upon seeing each other again. Second chances romances can be hit-or-miss for me, but what makes this particular one so rewarding is that they both have learned from their mistakes. I really, truly believe that their relationship needed the time apart to grow individually, and it isn't often that an author convinces me of that.
"It's like everyone around you has a copy of the script of life, but no one gave it to you so you have to go in blind and hope you can muddle your way through. And you'll be wrong most of the time."
Annika isn’t the easiest person in the world to be in a relationship with... past or present. It’s clear from early on that she’s different, which is great in some ways, but not in the ways that help foster numerous relationships- especially for a young person. The college years are set in the early 90s, which means that there isn’t nearly the awareness when it comes to a person's differences. Really, that just makes people like Jonathan (and Janice, Annika's best friend) even more remarkable, because they were able to look past Annika’s “weirdness” and see all of the wonderful qualities she had to offer. But it was a tightrope walk that even I found myself struggling with- where do you draw the line between understanding and pity? It’s really hard to view someone as an equal when it’s almost like you’re “caring” for them. It was okay for Janice to be a maternal figure (and to be clear, I loved everything about Janice and their friendship), but it was different for Jonathan. In theory, he wanted an equal, but he also protected and sheltered Annika at every turn during college. I didn't blame him in the slightest, but... he didn't seem to realize what he was doing, and that he couldn't have it both ways. Oh, and speaking of sheltering... Annika's parents were amazing human beings as well. Again, the reader has to remember to view them through a different lens, because they would've had a fraction of the resources that a parent now would have. All Annika's mother had was instinct and faith, and truthfully, she nailed parenting. Again, none of these people are perfect, but they tried their hardest and that makes it impossible not to love them all- including Annika. Finally, even though this story is told in alternating POV (past and present), Annika steals the show. She is such a compelling personality, and the fact that she holds nothing back only makes her more fascinating. And no, she didn't have a lot of friends, but the handful of people that loved her would've given their lives for her... is that really so bad? Most people would want quality over quantity when it comes to personal relationships anyway, right?
"I'm trying to explain that the way you navigate the world will never be more important than the type of person you are."
"How can you want to be with someone like me? How were you able to fall in love with someone who acts the way I do?"
"It was easier than you think."
Sure, there's a little bit of angst, but that's only because you know how round one ends between these two. But like I said, it becomes clear before long that this time around, they're different- especially Annika. She has gained some independence and self-confidence, and she's ready to be Jonathan's equal. As always, the world throws them some curveballs, but she's ready for them this time!
“Seeing you was like seeing a ghost. I wasn’t sure it was you at first.”
“I knew right away it was you,” she says. “And I’ve been grateful ever since.”
I will call. I’ll apologize. Ask him if we can start over. “Clean slate,” I’ll say. Such is my desire to replace the memories of the girl he used to know with the woman I’ve become.
This story is a second-chance romance for Annika and Jonathan. They began dating their senior year at the University of Illinois, which is my alma mater. Annika also was an English major, which, you guessed it... also my major! I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t part of the reason I loved this book so much. The nostalgia factor weighed heavily throughout, especially at the end, which I will NOT spoil. It’s after ten years when they reunite, as they’re both living and working in downtown Chicago. It’s a chance meeting in a grocery store, and it’s a testament to the author that you can feel the mixture of pain, relief, and tentative joy they both feel upon seeing each other again. Second chances romances can be hit-or-miss for me, but what makes this particular one so rewarding is that they both have learned from their mistakes. I really, truly believe that their relationship needed the time apart to grow individually, and it isn't often that an author convinces me of that.
"It's like everyone around you has a copy of the script of life, but no one gave it to you so you have to go in blind and hope you can muddle your way through. And you'll be wrong most of the time."
Annika isn’t the easiest person in the world to be in a relationship with... past or present. It’s clear from early on that she’s different, which is great in some ways, but not in the ways that help foster numerous relationships- especially for a young person. The college years are set in the early 90s, which means that there isn’t nearly the awareness when it comes to a person's differences. Really, that just makes people like Jonathan (and Janice, Annika's best friend) even more remarkable, because they were able to look past Annika’s “weirdness” and see all of the wonderful qualities she had to offer. But it was a tightrope walk that even I found myself struggling with- where do you draw the line between understanding and pity? It’s really hard to view someone as an equal when it’s almost like you’re “caring” for them. It was okay for Janice to be a maternal figure (and to be clear, I loved everything about Janice and their friendship), but it was different for Jonathan. In theory, he wanted an equal, but he also protected and sheltered Annika at every turn during college. I didn't blame him in the slightest, but... he didn't seem to realize what he was doing, and that he couldn't have it both ways. Oh, and speaking of sheltering... Annika's parents were amazing human beings as well. Again, the reader has to remember to view them through a different lens, because they would've had a fraction of the resources that a parent now would have. All Annika's mother had was instinct and faith, and truthfully, she nailed parenting. Again, none of these people are perfect, but they tried their hardest and that makes it impossible not to love them all- including Annika. Finally, even though this story is told in alternating POV (past and present), Annika steals the show. She is such a compelling personality, and the fact that she holds nothing back only makes her more fascinating. And no, she didn't have a lot of friends, but the handful of people that loved her would've given their lives for her... is that really so bad? Most people would want quality over quantity when it comes to personal relationships anyway, right?
"I'm trying to explain that the way you navigate the world will never be more important than the type of person you are."
"How can you want to be with someone like me? How were you able to fall in love with someone who acts the way I do?"
"It was easier than you think."
Sure, there's a little bit of angst, but that's only because you know how round one ends between these two. But like I said, it becomes clear before long that this time around, they're different- especially Annika. She has gained some independence and self-confidence, and she's ready to be Jonathan's equal. As always, the world throws them some curveballs, but she's ready for them this time!
“Seeing you was like seeing a ghost. I wasn’t sure it was you at first.”
“I knew right away it was you,” she says. “And I’ve been grateful ever since.”
rjyc's review
2.0
Got about 30% of the way through before I put it down and never picked it back up again.
Biggest issue, for me, being the characters felt dull and uninspired. I can't personally vouch for how effective the author was at fleshing out an autistic character, but I personally feel the way Annika was portrayed was pretty icky. Annika is "autistic" in the way that a neurotypical person might think an autistic person may behave. A lot of her behaviour romanticized, a lot of her quirks subject to Jonathan's lustful gaze. It honestly made my skin crawl.
Thanks, but no thanks.
Biggest issue, for me, being the characters felt dull and uninspired. I can't personally vouch for how effective the author was at fleshing out an autistic character, but I personally feel the way Annika was portrayed was pretty icky. Annika is "autistic" in the way that a neurotypical person might think an autistic person may behave. A lot of her behaviour romanticized, a lot of her quirks subject to Jonathan's lustful gaze. It honestly made my skin crawl.
Thanks, but no thanks.
jlmngm02's review
3.75
**Delaying rating this book while I gather my thoughts.
Wow this was a rollercoaster. The first 2/3rds of the book were so great. I connected with Anika and her story, and genuinely really was rooting for her. I loved the way the book depicted the messiness of a first relationship and how Jonathon and her navigated that together. I also enjoyed the relationship Anika had with Janice and her unwavering support in her.I will say I absolutely hated how the book brushed over the fact that Anika's mom went behind her back to ask Janice to look out for her. I know that it was not done in a manipulative or negative way, but that just really rubbed me the wrong way. I wish the book explored more of the hard conversations Anika and Jonathon needed to have in the present I think the book would have been more impactful if their reunion was a bit more developed. It just felt like they both forgave each other so fast in a way that was unrealistic
I also have conflicting thoughts about Jonathon in general. It felt in many instances in the book like he was infantilizing Anika and that made me really unsettled. Also I feel like their initial connection wasn't really described. He basically thought she was attractive and her ASD just made her seem more quirky to him?? I don't know, I wish that the book explained better that aspect of the relationship I did love the ways that the book highlighted a supportive relationship and first love. There were a lot of very cute moments that were heartwarming.
Now to talk about the elephant in the room. UM WHAT WAS THAT ENDING. It felt like the last fifth of the novel was a different book and I HATED IT. I understand the connection to Jonathon recognizing that his work isn't all that matters but WHY did he have to be in the South Tower during 9/11?? To be honest it just felt like it was used as a plot device to show Anika's growth and I found it to be distasteful. Ultimately it really negatively impacted my reading experience and made me feel like I was reading two different novels. Also the ending felt so rushed. All of a sudden Jonathon is fine?? And the little detail of the father and son Anika picked up felt so out of place. I felt like I got whiplash with that ending, and unfortunately that is what is leaving a lasting impact on my perception of the book.
Wow this was a rollercoaster. The first 2/3rds of the book were so great. I connected with Anika and her story, and genuinely really was rooting for her. I loved the way the book depicted the messiness of a first relationship and how Jonathon and her navigated that together. I also enjoyed the relationship Anika had with Janice and her unwavering support in her.
rebeccameikle's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
alexa336's review
4.0
I just liked it. The characters were charming and the story (even the latter chapters where it takes a real life a event) is compelling and I rooted for these characters.
veu_'s review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
kyrstin_p1989's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was not what I thought it would be in the best way possible. The main character, Annika, is neurodivergent and is written so beautifully and carefully. Her struggles are real and sincere and her interactions with others are tinged with frustration as she tries to determine what others mean, what they want from her, and how to interact with them. This is a second-chance love story, where the lovers spend some time apart before falling back into one another’s arms years later. The ending was unexpected and made me yell “no, no, no” and almost spike the book out my car window, but, the conclusion was happy so it turned out okay. This book is an underrated book about a person on the spectrum and I think more people should read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Suicide attempt, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Dementia, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Fire/Fire injury, Ableism, Bullying, Animal death, Pregnancy, Medical content, Medical trauma, Grief, Miscarriage, and Violence