Reviews

Out On a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young

lynzibee's review against another edition

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

5.0

kimthroughbooks's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative 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

dakotamyers2010's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-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

4.25

jc3's review against another edition

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3.75

if you want to read a book about a french canadian who went to UW (AFM program ofc) this is for u 

lilyya's review against another edition

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5.0

5 stars

❛ ❛ I’d have found him there, in that dark period. Sat with him in it. Until very recently, I was there too. Perhaps that’s all Bo and I are. Two people leaving behind the worst, looking forward to the good to come. ❜ ❜


the book evoked the feeling of a substantial, big hug. a big and sweet embrace with the right characters to depict this singular and unique story with their perfectly-imperfect flaws, their day-to-day struggles and battles. I planned to give the book a four point five star rating, but after reading the author's note, which made me cry, I realized it deserves all the stars. It’s my first book by Hannah and certainly not the last.

"I aged out of my insecurities to some extent. I found my own rhythm. I figured out who I was outside of the hold-ups and resentment I held. I started to build my identity in things that grew confidence. Who I was instead of who I wasn’t or couldn’t ever be. I stopped hiding parts of myself away."


the writing was splendid, prefect. moreover, I enjoyed being completely immersed in Win's head and experiencing her rational fears and doubts and the blemished facets of her personality, while trying to navigate through the considerable changes and shifts that were occurring in her life; as trusting a new person and welcoming him- Bo- in her selective cocoon, accepting her soon to be and attributed role of not your typical mother. her thoughts were relatable one too many times and vividly crafted and caricatured by the impeccable metaphors and delightful writing.

"I wish I knew you then."


Bo had his own demons and sordid past but what was truly outstanding about his character was that we can't help but admire how his beautiful and kind spirit wasn't tarnished despite the tragic and tormented events he had endured. he was a ray of sunshine with a pure soul even without reading his own perspective, he was a well-crafted and realistic main character.

"Because even though we aren’t together, I can no longer imagine a version of my life without Bo in it. Bo is simply lovely. Plain and true and all-encompassing."


their relationship was the personification of cute. every conversation, every little attention, every declaration had me in tears. i particularly loved how they build up their camaraderie around teasing each other. the way they were able to feel comfortable with each other so that their disabilities weren't taboo subjects in their friendship and then in their couple. the surprise pregnancy arc was so brilliantly orchestrated. my heart hold a special place for those two.

"Sometimes the people who haunt us are still alive.


the friendships and side characters were truly charming. Win and her best friend Sarah’s bond was one of the best aspects of the storyline. learning more and more about their backstory and family’s historic was a delight for me.

P.S.: for a whole month i thought that this is a cowboy romance because i saw a cowboy hat on the the cover

livingasjennie's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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

filippa_pap's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

ri_ri's review against another edition

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5.0

ellie_p's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

This was like a big warm hug to my soul!

staceyleigh22's review against another edition

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5.0

♾️

If I could give this an infinity of stars, I would. 

Out on a Limb was a whirlwind of so many beautiful emotions. Win made me laugh within the first few chapters, Bo made me swoon. From the start, I knew this story would be something that would hit me hard and stay with me. 

I’ve adored Hannah’s writing, falling in love with both Next of Kin and Next to You, but Out on a Limb was a different kind of love I’m so grateful to have experienced. Having been partially inspired by Hannah’s own limb difference, Win’s story is a beautiful reflection on how meaningful life is even in times of unexpected surprises. 

Bo’s reaction to Win and her news is everything and has my entire heart. As Win and Bo navigate their new way of life, they slowly open up and let the other in. Platonic friends with fetuses. But we learn so much about Bo and Win and who they are and their pasts. Invested doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel and now I’m crying again.

Also with Hannah’s stories, she crafts the most incredible side characters who are the most complementary best friends. Let me just say that we all need a Sarah in our life who will be there for us, no questions asked (and I know a few women like this). 

Out on a Limb has been a highlight of this year—a truly special and unique story that’s both meaningful and swoony. 

I adored Win endlessly. And I admire her and her slowly opening up and allowing herself to be more vulnerable with Bo. Her independence is something I relate to so damn much. Win is so wonderful, and her goals for her camp is just so brilliant and so perfect. 

Out On A Limb is heartwarming, and sincere, and witty, and heartbreaking, and funny, and everything and more.  Win and Bo are so utterly perfect. 

Hannah made me feel everything and I cried all the tears. Sad tears. Happy tears. Tears of relief, if that even makes sense? Am I even making sense because I just loved Out On A Limb and Win and Bo so much and I don’t even know why I’m crying because I’m so happy and so overwhelmed.