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mj0's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.75
When I say this is one of my favourite books I've ever read, I really mean it.
The characters in this book are *chef's kiss* I think everyone can relate to both character in different ways - at times you feel determined to smile at every single person you see that day (like I imagine Zoe would, everyday), but also depressed and even worthless just like Tristan. Sometimes I found Zoe was so positive at times that I would cringe, but it was also why I loved her so much. I envy anyone who is like Zoe (can we be friends please?). As for Tristan... Despite his terrible flaws, I couldn't help but admire the way he still powered on, despite his depression. Hell, despite everything that he's experienced. Because mental illness, in any form and in my opinion is so much difficult than any physical injury. Because it seems that it would be something you are able to control, except when you just can't.
And Madeville... she wrote that so well. As a person who has struggled with mental health (but not close to what Tristan was going through) reading this gives me a new perspective: not just how to deal with mine, but how to help others cope.
This novel made me cry, and even though the person reading this may not care, books rarely make me cry. Sad? Yes. Despair? Yes. Happy too? Yes. But to the point of tears. No, almost never.
Zoe is actually bisexual as well (although briefly referenced), and there is another lesbian character, which I liked.
And finally, while I love this book with entire heart, there are a few moments in the book that I did hate, and there were a few... improbabilities (I really don't know if that's the right word...), and that was what prevented it from getting 5/5 stars. (It's not insta-love though, that's not what I'm referring to.)
The characters in this book are *chef's kiss* I think everyone can relate to both character in different ways - at times you feel determined to smile at every single person you see that day (like I imagine Zoe would, everyday), but also depressed and even worthless just like Tristan. Sometimes I found Zoe was so positive at times that I would cringe, but it was also why I loved her so much. I envy anyone who is like Zoe (can we be friends please?). As for Tristan... Despite his terrible flaws, I couldn't help but admire the way he still powered on, despite his depression. Hell, despite everything that he's experienced. Because mental illness, in any form and in my opinion is so much difficult than any physical injury. Because it seems that it would be something you are able to control, except when you just can't.
And Madeville... she wrote that so well. As a person who has struggled with mental health (but not close to what Tristan was going through) reading this gives me a new perspective: not just how to deal with mine, but how to help others cope.
This novel made me cry, and even though the person reading this may not care, books rarely make me cry. Sad? Yes. Despair? Yes. Happy too? Yes. But to the point of tears. No, almost never.
Zoe is actually bisexual as well (although briefly referenced), and there is another lesbian character, which I liked.
And finally, while I love this book with entire heart, there are a few moments in the book that I did hate, and there were a few... improbabilities (I really don't know if that's the right word...), and that was what prevented it from getting 5/5 stars. (It's not insta-love though, that's not what I'm referring to.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug use, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Minor: Car accident and Medical content
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