Reviews tagging 'Abandonment'

When We Were Infinite by Kelly Loy Gilbert

5 reviews

ghostlyprince's review against another edition

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challenging emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

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jessy_reads's review

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dark emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

If it was only based on enjoyment, this book would have gotten 4.5 stars. This book was great. When I started reading, I had no idea what I was getting into, but this is exactly the type of story that I love reading. I'm so glad I picked it up. After only a few pages, I fell in love with the group of friends, their unique personalities, and the way they shine just that bit brighter when they are together. Add to that Gilbert's beautiful writing, simple yet mesmerizing, and this story seems to be made just for me.

Unfortunately, I wish I could have gotten to read more about Jason's recovery and Jason's father's motives. This is what led to the lower rating than the premise of the story and the writing deserved. The ending was not entirely satisfying to me, but I know that it is very difficult for me to find a book focused on mental health that has a satisfying ending. Wrap it up neatly, and it seems unrealistic. Give a realistic ending by letting the character continue to suffer, and it won't feel like an ending. 

Still, I loved this story. I loved the characters and just wanted to get to know them intimately. I loved their discussions, which I could recognize myself in. I loved how concerned they were for Jason, how considerate, while feeling so powerless too, and it is something that each of us can relate to. Finally, I thought Gilbert was able to achieve a nice balance between darkness and the "romantic" scenes. It is hard to do, build a romance while also showing the darkest side of the characters, but their friendship had built a solid foundation for the next step romantically. I loved getting to know Beth and Jason. 

So, didn't know what i was getting into, but I'm so glad I picked this up! This is exactly my jam. 
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wenwanzhao's review

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dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.75

The narrator will stress you out! Every ten pages I was thinking, “someone please help her.” Very captivating book though. 
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xoodlebooks's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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melaniereadsbooks's review

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challenging emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This book was extremely hard for me to read because of the content! I also really could not connect with the main character in any way. She was so one-track-minded about staying with her friends that she didn't even have a real personality for almost the entire book. Then I thought the ending stretched out too long and this book could have been a lot shorter.  The writing was pretty good, but everything was just so slow.
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