Take a photo of a barcode or cover
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