Reviews tagging 'Chronic illness'

Shark Heart: A Love Story by Emily Habeck

24 reviews

laura_berger's review against another edition

adventurous emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Chronic illness and Grief

Moderate: Domestic abuse

Minor: Alcoholism, Pregnancy, and Drug use

eviemayhem's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I chose this as my Book of the Month, unsure if I would like it. As someone who has both lost a child and has a turbulent relationship with my mother, the premise spoke to me and I'm so glad I gave it a chance. The book is beautifully written; lyrical and flowing like a river. It is hard to believe this is the author's first book. There were so many points where I wanted to cry, and at times I didn't want to finish because my heart was breaking for Lewis and Wren. As someone who lives with a chronic disease, it is easy to see the story fold out from both sides: Someone living with a disease that is changing them at their core and that they can't stop, and the person giving up themselves to take care of a loved one. 

Bring a box of tissues.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Terminal illness, Pregnancy, Chronic illness, Medical content, Abandonment, Violence, Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Confinement, and Death of parent

Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Ableism, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, and Pedophilia

I tried to get the content tags right, but some of these things are so nuanced, that medical trauma, medical content seemed the closest I could find.

luverbyrd's review against another edition

emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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Content Warnings

Minor: Chronic illness, Death, Pregnancy, Abortion, Terminal illness, Physical abuse, and Suicidal thoughts

cosmun's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-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

5.0

When I was reading the synopsis of this book, I laughed out loud. A husband turning into a great white shark??? It sounded equally ridiculous as it was intriguing. Shortly into the story, I knew this was going to be a five star read for me. Not only is the prose gorgeous, poetic and creative, the story was absolutely beautiful. Though having a loved one turn into a great white shark is not relatable….many have experienced watching a loved one through illness. This book expertly captures the feeling of grief, guilt, and longing for more time. I absolutely loved this. Though the story is mainly about Wren and Lewis, there are several love stories throughout, friendships, parent/child relationships, romantic relationships. All of them were a joy.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, and Chronic illness