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mxballin's review against another edition
3.0
Whiskey and Ribbons is incredibly outside of what I tend to read, and I struggled a bit with what felt to me like soap opera levels of interpersonal relationship drama and angst, both romantic and familial.
That being said, I do think there will be a large audience of readers who will really like this book, particularly those who tend to look for very well written contemporary fiction that focuses on conflicted and complicated relationships. This book did a beautiful job of exploring the complex and complicated emotions of grief and moving past it. It also plays with different points of view in a fascinating and impactful way.
That being said, I do think there will be a large audience of readers who will really like this book, particularly those who tend to look for very well written contemporary fiction that focuses on conflicted and complicated relationships. This book did a beautiful job of exploring the complex and complicated emotions of grief and moving past it. It also plays with different points of view in a fascinating and impactful way.
karenika's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this sweet story. The characters are well developed, and I found myself rooting for each of them at different parts of the story. It's heartbreaking, honest, and a perfect read for a cozy winter day. Even though the reader knows what's going to happen, the three characters telling their stories all weave in and out together and each have their own beautiful storyline. If you like quiet, poignant, and character-driven stories, you will love this one.
garrisonabbey's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
this was a beautiful story about grief and how it affects the way we love. words cannot explain how much i love leesa’s writing.
danabeth's review against another edition
5.0
This book has the most incredible portrait of emotional intelligence, a soft-edged, honest portrayal of Christianity in real life, and those aren't even the best or most important parts of the novel.
beverleefernandez's review against another edition
5.0
A love story that captures the roller coaster of emotions one feels in this journey called life. I felt like a part of the family reading Whiskey & Ribbons because the writing is so beautiful & descriptive. The author does an excellent job developing the characters. They remind me of people in my life, no one is overly dramatic, a saint, or demonic. Whiskey & Ribbons symbolizes transition, a change from one stage of life to another. Whiskey is strong, can dull pain, make you forget your troubles for a moment. Ribbons add beauty (one opinion) or is strong enough to hold things together; it balances the recklessness of whiskey. Obviously I like the title...and the narrative. One can only wish to be surrounded by so much unconditional love. I love the idea of hope & second chances, not so much as a do-over with promises not to make the same mistakes, but a second chance at happiness after potentially destructive grief.
hayley_loves_books's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
Bittersweet and moving. This is a book that holds grief and love side by side. The story is told in three alternate but distinct narratives. Dalton and Envageline’s story is told after Eamon’s death and the aftermath of it. Eamon’s story is told before his death with the lead up to the birth of his first child.
Lines are very much blurred in this book between love, grief, brotherhood, friendship and what it means to be a family. The underlying feeling is hope and healing for the characters remaining who are adjusting to their new life.
The story is multi layered and parts of this book were exquisite but other parts were really slow so be prepared to take your time with this one. Lyrical in prose and heartbreaking in parts, it felt raw and tender. It then lost its way (in my opinion) after that and too much time was spent talking of sexual encounters and previous relationships. The story however regains momentum and I was enthralled with a reveal 3/4 the way through.
I love how the story was intwined and the narrative ran fluently between the three voices. Well worth a read for something to devour slowly and reflectively. Not to be read if you want a fast moving plot.
Bittersweet and moving. This is a book that holds grief and love side by side. The story is told in three alternate but distinct narratives. Dalton and Envageline’s story is told after Eamon’s death and the aftermath of it. Eamon’s story is told before his death with the lead up to the birth of his first child.
Lines are very much blurred in this book between love, grief, brotherhood, friendship and what it means to be a family. The underlying feeling is hope and healing for the characters remaining who are adjusting to their new life.
The story is multi layered and parts of this book were exquisite but other parts were really slow so be prepared to take your time with this one. Lyrical in prose and heartbreaking in parts, it felt raw and tender. It then lost its way (in my opinion) after that and too much time was spent talking of sexual encounters and previous relationships. The story however regains momentum and I was enthralled with a reveal 3/4 the way through.
I love how the story was intwined and the narrative ran fluently between the three voices. Well worth a read for something to devour slowly and reflectively. Not to be read if you want a fast moving plot.
bookgirlmagic's review against another edition
5.0
“Women, you are sleek and gorgeous. You hold us together, you’re the ribbons. We’re men. Dangerous only if you take us too seriously. We’re the whiskey. To whiskey and ribbons,”
This book has just locked in a spot as one of my favorite reads so far in 2018. Brilliantly written. I'm truly enjoying books that are written from different characters perspectives. Especially when it's the same event or conversation done multiple times but from each perspective. I loved hearing how each character felt.
I will admit that for the first couple of chapters, I was confused as to the race of the characters. I really imagined them as Caucasian until a few chapters in when Frances (Dalton's on and off again girlfriend) makes one of her many sarcastic comments and makes it clear what race they all are. I kind of had to laugh at myself on this one. Even with that, I loved the bond that Eamon, Evangeline and Dalton shared. It's like something I've never seen. They truly are big-hearted individuals that have a love between them like no other. Although they've all lost and been hurt at different stages in their lives, they were there for one another to help cope with the pain. It truly was a team effort throughout the book. You've got my back and I've got yours.
Not even sure I can pick a favorite character. Each of them tugged at my heart strings in some way leaving me wanting more from the story (in a good way). I give this novel a well-deserved ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. This should definitely be added to everyone's summer reading list!
This book has just locked in a spot as one of my favorite reads so far in 2018. Brilliantly written. I'm truly enjoying books that are written from different characters perspectives. Especially when it's the same event or conversation done multiple times but from each perspective. I loved hearing how each character felt.
I will admit that for the first couple of chapters, I was confused as to the race of the characters. I really imagined them as Caucasian until a few chapters in when Frances (Dalton's on and off again girlfriend) makes one of her many sarcastic comments and makes it clear what race they all are. I kind of had to laugh at myself on this one. Even with that, I loved the bond that Eamon, Evangeline and Dalton shared. It's like something I've never seen. They truly are big-hearted individuals that have a love between them like no other. Although they've all lost and been hurt at different stages in their lives, they were there for one another to help cope with the pain. It truly was a team effort throughout the book. You've got my back and I've got yours.
Not even sure I can pick a favorite character. Each of them tugged at my heart strings in some way leaving me wanting more from the story (in a good way). I give this novel a well-deserved ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. This should definitely be added to everyone's summer reading list!
regina_confettibookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful prose. Unforgettable characters. Unique structure and storyline. This would make an excellent companion piece to “An American Marriage.” Maybe Oprah will make it her next book club selection so it’ll get the attention it deserves.
berniemck's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book for a book club, and I enjoyed it very much. After the death of a cop, his brother steps up and takes care of the responsibilities that were left behind. At the same time, this brother is also dealing with learning, the true identity of his biological father. I recommend this book.