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jenny_bean_reads's review against another edition
challenging
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book. Based on the wait to get this book from the library, I'm not the only one. Let me tell you, I wish I had just bought it because I don't know how I managed to survive without reading it this long! To be honest, I will probably still buy a copy, or put a special edition on a wishlist for future birthdays/Christmases.
Witty banter, excellent relationship development in several departments - familial, friendship, and romantic. I absolutely loved the inclusivity of neurodivergence in the main character, Samantha (Sam).
Like the author says in her note at the start of the book, I can't imagine not having books to escape into, and I loved that Sam was so willing to give audiobooks another try after Bennett (Ben) started reading a book to her.
Though I do not have dyslexia that I'm aware of, I appreciate the hell out of the representation of both dyslexia and ADHD. From the barriers to overcome, the coping mechanisms to help them live in a world hostile to the way their brains work, and the way different people treat them is top notch. If only all people could be as kind and thoughtful as Ben, Emily, and Tyler.
Speaking of Ben, his willingness to figure out what he had done wrong on his own was fantastic. When he realized how he had overlooked her disability and made it hard for her to communicate, he showed up, owned it, and apologized. I was equally delighted in Sam's willingness to hear him out and accept his apology.
As someone who can have a negative internal dialogue, reading Sam's dialogue change from intensely negative and self-attacking to a tentatively more positive was huge growth and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing that come from her arc.
I will definitely be buying Emily's story when it comes out in May.
Witty banter, excellent relationship development in several departments - familial, friendship, and romantic. I absolutely loved the inclusivity of neurodivergence in the main character, Samantha (Sam).
Like the author says in her note at the start of the book, I can't imagine not having books to escape into, and I loved that Sam was so willing to give audiobooks another try after Bennett (Ben) started reading a book to her.
Though I do not have dyslexia that I'm aware of, I appreciate the hell out of the representation of both dyslexia and ADHD. From the barriers to overcome, the coping mechanisms to help them live in a world hostile to the way their brains work, and the way different people treat them is top notch. If only all people could be as kind and thoughtful as Ben, Emily, and Tyler.
Speaking of Ben, his willingness to figure out what he had done wrong on his own was fantastic. When he realized how he had overlooked her disability and made it hard for her to communicate, he showed up, owned it, and apologized. I was equally delighted in Sam's willingness to hear him out and accept his apology.
As someone who can have a negative internal dialogue, reading Sam's dialogue change from intensely negative and self-attacking to a tentatively more positive was huge growth and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing that come from her arc.
I will definitely be buying Emily's story when it comes out in May.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism and Abandonment
Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, Infidelity, and Car accident
coffeekitaab's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
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
3.0
I am in my 30s and was taken aback when I realised I am reading my first dyslexia friendly book, for adults. I want to commend Jenn McKinlay for that firstly. Through Sam's experiences in the book, you realise the importance of making activities accessible to all, especially an activity like reading for leisure but also when the benefits of reading are well known. I loved the stats regarding visual learning vs listening as a way to thwarting the taboo surrounding audio books as a form of reading. Inclusivity is key. Both Ben and Sam felt likeable, I enjoyed reading about Sam and Tyler's relationship as a brother and sister and that growth and bonding through cooking and communication. It was a cute story overall and covers issues like problematic parents and also (trigger warning) death of a parent. There are some others to check/minor mentions before you read the book. A few negatives for me was the random/abrupt placement of chapters ending (in the middle of a "scene"/conversation between two characters), Ben abandoning Sam at the end felt untrue to his character and a sudden red flag, which was a shame. This book had an interesting plot line and as you came towards the end there was a true sense of the arc of growth as the story gradually progressed. It was an absolute learning experience about Sam's dyslexia and it made me sad there is not more information about so I appreciate the author making us aware. I think the bits that threw me off towards the end (porential incest plot twist for example) made this a 3/3.5 star for me. Thank you @netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Alcohol