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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
This was another cute Tashie Bhuiyan YA novel that I couldn't put down!
I've read 2 books that were odes to music: Stay with My Heart and a book about the history of Rock & Roll that was required reading for university; I much preferred Stay with My Heart.
The found family vibes within this book were fantastic. From the band members acting as though they had known each other their whole lives (instead of just 1 to 3 years), to the "cuddle piles", to how openly they embraced Liana (and even Evie), you could just feel the comfort and wholehearted acceptance of the group.
I also loved how much of the book focused on grief, anxiety, and depression, and further how it focused on different approaches to living with these, from honoring past ones memories, to learning to live again, to those stuck in the past.
The romance took a back seat in this one, which was fine but not great. I typically pick up books for the romance included and this one left me wanting a bit. However, the rest of it was enough to overcome this for me.
I've read 2 books that were odes to music: Stay with My Heart and a book about the history of Rock & Roll that was required reading for university; I much preferred Stay with My Heart.
The found family vibes within this book were fantastic. From the band members acting as though they had known each other their whole lives (instead of just 1 to 3 years), to the "cuddle piles", to how openly they embraced Liana (and even Evie), you could just feel the comfort and wholehearted acceptance of the group.
I also loved how much of the book focused on grief, anxiety, and depression, and further how it focused on different approaches to living with these, from honoring past ones memories, to learning to live again, to those stuck in the past.
The romance took a back seat in this one, which was fine but not great. I typically pick up books for the romance included and this one left me wanting a bit. However, the rest of it was enough to overcome this for me.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-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:
Yes
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I absolutely loved the found family trope and boy band dynamic. I honestly wish I could experience Third Eye for real 😩 and just know that I’d be front row for ‘Late Night’! I also loved the therapy representation. It's always heartwarming when characters actively seek therapy because they understand its importance.
Tashie Bhuiyan does a great job placing a bit of realism into the story with the direction she decided to take Liana and her fathers relationship. It mirrors reality for many people, really emphasizing that family can extend beyond blood to include the friends around you.
However, I was somewhat disappointed because the story didn't resonate with me as well as I expected. I struggled to understand and appreciate Liana’s choices. While I empathize with her need for her father's attention, her character felt a bit selfish because her inability to own up to her mistakes by being honest. I felt like she justified her lies based on her situation and the others were expected to just allow things to happen without regard for their own situations.
I loved the book's general premise, and despite falling short for me, it still had so many heartwarming aspects that I really enjoyed.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
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:
Complicated
Listening to each song is so integral to the experience of reading this book. It's enjoyable as is but it truly elevates the story and I love it. Also Liana (and Sky) have great taste in music.
lighthearted
reflective
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:
Yes
I LOVED THIS BOOK💖💖 while there are problems I for sure had with this book like, the fact that it kind of read like a One Direction fanfic, how the found family felt a LITTLE forced and that sometimes Skyler and Ethan felt like caricatures of a hot band member and a soft boy, I can’t say I didn’t love it. (i love One Direction) and obviously I loved how big of a part music played in the story and how it was like a multimedia experience because I love when books have stuff like that. Liana just felt SOOO real and v relatable at times. tbh bring back y/n stories🤫 (also this is the BEST tashie book cover, SO CUTE!)
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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:
Yes