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wad3mil3sgarru2's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
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