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annabananadel's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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? No
5.0
“Remember nothing lasts forever. You have to hold on to the good things, knowing you may be on borrowed time with them. And with the bad, recognize that eventually it will pass.”
Leaning towards a 5 stars because this book literally gave me the feels. I even teared up at some point from remembering my own grandmother. I definitely did not expect this book to make me to tear up and that’s what really got it. I think it's been a long time since I actually teared up to pages that does not contain death. I wasn't warned that it would pull through your heartstrings. So yes, this book is worthy of it being rated five stars.
Noelle and Theo are just the cutest couple. From high school academic rivals to just simply enemies who banters whenever they see each other. You can't deny that these two have a connection and attraction so there's really no doubt that these two would get together during or once the trip was over. Lowkey, the premise of the story is really heart-wrenching and that's really how I was hooked into reading more. Not only did they tackle grief after a loved one passed away, they also tackled how to move on from it. Then there was the situation with Theo's family and how he was being gaslighted to being not enough by his own father. Usually, it's people outside your family that demotivates you, like how Enzo was with Noelle during their one year of "mentorship". In Theo's case, it was his father who just wanted Theo to be successful that there was no limit. He kept forcing Theo to be best when the best was already achieved - which led Theo to think he wasn't good enough. Bruh, imagine if people who are earning so much to think they're unsuccessful, what more for people who hasn't achieved anything? But it's fine, because Theo has Paul who already thinks the world of him. This trip consisting of this trio was just a blast that kept me reading more and more even when I can't anymore due to my lack of sleep!
This book made me miss my grandparent so much to the point that we scheduled a visit home just to see them. It really made me guilty for not spending as much time as I should have been with them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death
Moderate: Death of parent and Gaslighting
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