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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
This book did make me cry at the end. It was hard to get through I think a lot due to the cancer part of the story was really hard for me. I liked the writing style though and I liked that Central Park had its own chapters.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
I have never connected with a book so emotionally before. I've cried end at the of a book or during an emotional scene. And while emotional reaction to happenings in the book do occur, it wasn't that which gripped me. As I listened to the audiobook (beautiful narration!), in chapter one, I thought: this writing is so beautiful - I would love to write like this! Chapter 2? I was literally SOBBING because of how gorgeous the writing was, how the smash details of the world and of people were noticed… appreciated… And then I remembered this is the story of a dying wife and her husband, and I cried even more. Its note that I should as that I’m in a healthy place emotionally and have been blessed to not be facing the loss of a loved one at this time… there was no external reason for me to get so emotional other than the worrying itself and the connection I made to it. This is so very usual for me.
All of this to say, I’ve seen reviews that found it boring or repetitive or something else like this. I can see it, but that wasn’t my experience. The best was to explain it is that it’s like poetry with out rhyme… it is art about the human experience in word form. I hope you love this book even half as much as I did. It was book #47 of the year for me and is definitely my favorite in the lit fic category.
All of this to say, I’ve seen reviews that found it boring or repetitive or something else like this. I can see it, but that wasn’t my experience. The best was to explain it is that it’s like poetry with out rhyme… it is art about the human experience in word form. I hope you love this book even half as much as I did. It was book #47 of the year for me and is definitely my favorite in the lit fic category.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Chronic illness, Death, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Racism
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I told a friend, “this book sucks…” as I went on I included all these spoilers.
Although it reads like a transaction, the end still finds a way to ruin you.
It was good and id recommend it, but I’m happy most love stories are not written like this.
Although it reads like a transaction, the end still finds a way to ruin you.
It was good and id recommend it, but I’m happy most love stories are not written like this.
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Jessica Soffer's "This Is a Love Story" presents a poignant exploration of love in its many forms, weaving together a tapestry of human experiences through a unique blend of stream-of-consciousness narration and mini stories. The narrative captures the complexities of falling in and out of love with ourselves and others, revealing the deep emotional currents that connect us.
While the book is undeniably real and resonant, it often leans heavily into sadness, which can feel overwhelming at times. The repetitive nature of fragmented thoughts, each beginning with “you remember,” serves as both a distraction and an intriguing device that pulls you through the story. This stylistic choice creates a rhythm that emphasizes nostalgia but can also disrupt the flow, making it challenging to fully engage with the characters' journeys.
Soffer’s prose shines when it delves into intimate moments of vulnerability, yet some readers may find themselves longing for more cohesive connections between the pieces. Overall, "This Is a Love Story" is an insightful reflection on love's intricacies but may leave some craving clarity amidst its emotional depth.
While the book is undeniably real and resonant, it often leans heavily into sadness, which can feel overwhelming at times. The repetitive nature of fragmented thoughts, each beginning with “you remember,” serves as both a distraction and an intriguing device that pulls you through the story. This stylistic choice creates a rhythm that emphasizes nostalgia but can also disrupt the flow, making it challenging to fully engage with the characters' journeys.
Soffer’s prose shines when it delves into intimate moments of vulnerability, yet some readers may find themselves longing for more cohesive connections between the pieces. Overall, "This Is a Love Story" is an insightful reflection on love's intricacies but may leave some craving clarity amidst its emotional depth.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Didn’t like the point of view the book was written in
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes