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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-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:
Yes
(3.5) I think I would’ve liked this book more if I didn’t absolutely loathe Julia with the passion of 1,000 burning suns. I kept getting drawn into the story and the characters, and then we would jump back to Julia’s perspective and I would get so angry. Overall, I’m not convinced the author of this book has sisters, because the relationship between the sisters was both idealized beyond reality but also shockingly lacking in consideration.
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
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
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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 didn’t love this book, but I didn’t hate it either. I listened to the audiobook version, and I think my experience may have been affected by the narrator. The pacing of her delivery felt slow and drawn out, and even after adjusting the playback speed, it still didn’t feel natural to me.
The story itself started off a bit slow, but once I got into the middle, it became more engaging. By the end, I was unexpectedly emotional and even found myself choked up. Napolitano weaves in a number of heavy, thought-provoking themes—family bonds, mental health struggles, love, loss, and forgiveness—which give the novel real depth.
Overall, while the narration wasn’t my favorite and the beginning dragged a little, the story did leave an impression. I can see why so many readers connect deeply with this book, even if it wasn’t quite a five-star read for me. I rounded up to 4 stars
emotional
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
challenging
emotional
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
This book was beautifully written. It’s a slow read but captivating and definitely worth reading. The character development is incredible and I truly felt as though I knew each character deeply. This was a heartwarming, inspirational story that will rip your heart out and put it back together. This really puts life in perspective by telling the story of one family and the unconditional love that exists throughout mistakes, heartbreak, betrayal and loss. This will stick with me.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was a bit hard to get into but once I did I loved it.