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micheala's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a weird book for me. It's really close to reading as a contemporary rather than speculative book, despite the premise being that our main character is a ghost.
The main character, Wallace, is profoundly unlikable at the beginning. This is primarily a character study of watching Wallace learn how to be a decent person (and learn to acknowledge how terrible of a person he was when he was alive).
I ended up listening to this on audiobook, which really helped get me to the point in the story that Wallace begins to change. I did like the plot that was happening with the other ghosts we get introduced to, even though that was clearly not the point. The point of this story is exploring the relationship each individual has with death, from both sides of the grave.
I do wish we got to find out more about the ghost world outside of the tea shop.
The main character, Wallace, is profoundly unlikable at the beginning. This is primarily a character study of watching Wallace learn how to be a decent person (and learn to acknowledge how terrible of a person he was when he was alive).
I ended up listening to this on audiobook, which really helped get me to the point in the story that Wallace begins to change. I did like the plot that was happening with the other ghosts we get introduced to, even though that was clearly not the point. The point of this story is exploring the relationship each individual has with death, from both sides of the grave.
I do wish we got to find out more about the ghost world outside of the tea shop.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Murder, and Suicide
One of the ghosts was stabbed to death, one of the ghosts committed suicide and we talk about a past ghost who was a little girl who died after a fight with an illness (hospitalization)kalin_grace's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Cancer, Car accident, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
sennaje's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Grief, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicide
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, and Murder
Minor: Blood, Car accident, Emotional abuse, and Sexual harassment
lindseythelibrarian's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
sad
- 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 story deals with a lot of difficult topics surrounding death so make sure to check the Trigger Warnings if you are at all concerned.
The story:
Regardless of the difficulty of this story, it is still sweet and enjoyable to read. This story is definitely one focused on character development and does have a plot but it's found more toward the last third of the book. However, all the characters are so enjoyable, different, and alive that I found it to be such an enjoyable read.
Audiobook:
I thought the narrator was just delightful. The deepness of Hugo's voice, the lightness of May's--the variety and character he brought to every single voice in this story was fantastic.
One small issue I had:
There was ONE problematic aspect that I identified in this book and it's (TW bt for the spoiler <spoiler>the fact that Cameron killed himself to be with Wallace, his suicide ultimately seems like it was rewarded. This might be something I would not want someone going through this kind of grief to read. I mean, he technically did not kill himself to be with the love of his life, but it still seemed like cause and effect.</spoiler>
Recommendation:
Overall, if you are not concerned regarding the TW, I would suggest you read this book if you enjoy Klune's other writings, like enjoyable characters and following their growth, and want to be transported to a cozy tea shop.
The story:
Regardless of the difficulty of this story, it is still sweet and enjoyable to read. This story is definitely one focused on character development and does have a plot but it's found more toward the last third of the book. However, all the characters are so enjoyable, different, and alive that I found it to be such an enjoyable read.
Audiobook:
I thought the narrator was just delightful. The deepness of Hugo's voice, the lightness of May's--the variety and character he brought to every single voice in this story was fantastic.
One small issue I had:
There was ONE problematic aspect that I identified in this book and it's (TW bt for the spoiler <spoiler>the fact that Cameron killed himself to be with Wallace, his suicide ultimately seems like it was rewarded. This might be something I would not want someone going through this kind of grief to read. I mean, he technically did not kill himself to be with the love of his life, but it still seemed like cause and effect.</spoiler>
Recommendation:
Overall, if you are not concerned regarding the TW, I would suggest you read this book if you enjoy Klune's other writings, like enjoyable characters and following their growth, and want to be transported to a cozy tea shop.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Cancer, Child death, Death, Grief, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicide
chichisode's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
i trust TJ Klune with my life when it comes to reading materials. amazing and complex character development as always.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death of parent, Death, Suicide, Murder, and Grief
Moderate: Chronic illness, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, and Animal death
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