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ccornejo's review against another edition
2.0
I did not enjoy this book as a whole. Although I thought it was written well, the overall feeling of the book is depressing. Maybe it was too soon after the loss of a loved one in hospice. The front of my copy states "...it reminds us how kind people can be"-Rachel Joyce. Im not sure she read the same book as me cause that was not my takeaway.
karenleagermain's review against another edition
2.0
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an advanced copy of James Hannah's novel, The A-Z of You and Me, in exchange for an honest review.
PLOT - Ivo is only in his early 40's, yet his life is coming to an end. As he spends his last weeks in a hospice, a nurse gives him a game to play: he must recall memories with associated body parts for each letter of the alphabet. Beginning with "A", Ivo recalls a childhood memory involving an Adam's Apple. Ivo remembers his life, love, and regrets, as his pain medication makes his mind increasingly foggy, and he succumbs to his disease.
LIKE- I like the concept of The A-Z of You and Me. The idea of connecting body parts to recalled memories, generates compelling stories and it provides an interesting framework for the novel. The book deals with Ivo's relationships and often poor choices with regard to friends and experiences. To that end, the story is filled with memorable secondary characters; people that you wouldn't want to know in real life, but make for a good story. There is a very sweet memory involving knitted hearts hung in trees in the middle of the night. It's magical and cinematic.
DISLIKE- I just didn't connect with Ivo, which is a huge problem. He's definitely a character that has made some bad choices, but he's still the protagonist, and I felt that I should be rooting for him. It's clear that his health isn't going to improve, but I wanted to care about his final decisions to make peace with his past. I felt indifference towards Ivo, which is almost worse than disliking a character. I can't quite pinpoint the issue causing my indifference, possibly character voice?
RECOMMEND- No. Ultimately my disconnect from Ivo makes Hannah's debut novel a no-go as far as recommending it. Although, if Hannah's second novel catches my interest, I'd give him a second chance as a writer. The A-Z of You and Me isn't terrible, it just didn't have the emotional impact that I anticipating.
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PLOT - Ivo is only in his early 40's, yet his life is coming to an end. As he spends his last weeks in a hospice, a nurse gives him a game to play: he must recall memories with associated body parts for each letter of the alphabet. Beginning with "A", Ivo recalls a childhood memory involving an Adam's Apple. Ivo remembers his life, love, and regrets, as his pain medication makes his mind increasingly foggy, and he succumbs to his disease.
LIKE- I like the concept of The A-Z of You and Me. The idea of connecting body parts to recalled memories, generates compelling stories and it provides an interesting framework for the novel. The book deals with Ivo's relationships and often poor choices with regard to friends and experiences. To that end, the story is filled with memorable secondary characters; people that you wouldn't want to know in real life, but make for a good story. There is a very sweet memory involving knitted hearts hung in trees in the middle of the night. It's magical and cinematic.
DISLIKE- I just didn't connect with Ivo, which is a huge problem. He's definitely a character that has made some bad choices, but he's still the protagonist, and I felt that I should be rooting for him. It's clear that his health isn't going to improve, but I wanted to care about his final decisions to make peace with his past. I felt indifference towards Ivo, which is almost worse than disliking a character. I can't quite pinpoint the issue causing my indifference, possibly character voice?
RECOMMEND- No. Ultimately my disconnect from Ivo makes Hannah's debut novel a no-go as far as recommending it. Although, if Hannah's second novel catches my interest, I'd give him a second chance as a writer. The A-Z of You and Me isn't terrible, it just didn't have the emotional impact that I anticipating.
Like my review? Check out my blog!!!
portybelle's review against another edition
3.0
I know I'm in the minority here but I just couldn't get on with this book. It took a while for me to get my head around how the narrative was constructed but when I did I realised it was very cleverly written, gradually revealing Ivo's story and how he has ended up in a hospice not wanting contact with any friends or family. Although I felt some sympathy for the situation Ivo is currently in - who wouldn't? - I found it hard to connect with him as a younger man, throwing away all his chances when he could have had a great life with girlfriend Mia. I did very much like the character of Sheila, the hospice nurse. She was so lovely and caring and just the kind of person you would hope to have looking after yourself or a relation were you ever in that position. I really wanted to love this book having heard so much about it but I just couldn't engage with it.
3.5 stars from me.
3.5 stars from me.
brittknee52's review against another edition
The slow of pace I may go back at some point
yvannastar's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
budde526's review against another edition
3.0
You know where it is going the whole time but you get drawn into Ivo's story and can't help but think of what other possibilities he could have! Loved the A to Z flow if the story - a great layout for a novel.
l3nduhhh's review against another edition
Oh Sheila. Hospice nurses really are just the best!
What an interesting beautiful way to write a book!
Fave Quotes:
“Surround yourself with as many people like that as you can—that’s what I think. Energy givers. Life lovers. People who make you feel most like yourself.”
“People can go through their whole lives without rethinking something..”
What an interesting beautiful way to write a book!
Fave Quotes:
“Surround yourself with as many people like that as you can—that’s what I think. Energy givers. Life lovers. People who make you feel most like yourself.”
“People can go through their whole lives without rethinking something..”