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zanazy's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This story brought all the feels as it touched on a subject near and dear to my heart, Alzheimer’s and honoring the wishes of someone you love, in spite of the pain it might bring. Yes, this is a love story, but it’s one that is a story of love between siblings, family, and parents and children, as much as it’s a live story between two childhood friends. Willow and Cam are childhood friends, neighbors, and both are victims of not sharing their true feelings with each other. Their love story is predictable. The side plots and their relationships with their families are the heart of what makes this a true love story. Who hasn’t disappointed a parent or been painted as something that they are not? For me, reading about their history and their relationships with their families was the driving force that made me appreciate all that Cam went through to get the happiness he thought he was unworthy of. An enjoyable quick-read that reminded me of how precious life can be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Dementia, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, and Alcohol
gabs_parr's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I’ve read and even recommended several of Rebecca Yarros’ books now, but this is FAR AND AWAY her best that I’ve read to date. I know that I’m going to think about this book for years to come and I’m going to think about it every time I’m in a conversation about Power of Attorney, DNR orders, and the rights of bodily autonomy for dementia patients during their lucid periods. And those conversations may not be common for other people, but both of my parents are nurses by trade, my stepdad lives with MS, I am the oldest daughter who has already been told I will be POA for both of my parents and my stepdad. And dementia runs in my family… on 3/4 genetic sides. 3 of my biological grandparents died with Alzheimer’s diagnoses as a co-morbidity. I have not taken the test and neither have my parents to know if we have the gene. So these conversations actually happen frequently in our household. The question of patient rights was at the center of this book, but the books was also about so much more. Family, friendship, first love in a small town, redeeming love, grief, survivors guilt, small town politics and economics, tourist town economics, historic preservation, military service, sacrifice, honor…. The easiest 5 stars I’ve given in a long time. I knew this book was 5 stars like 2 hours in. As soon as the themes started really coming together and Yarros started asking the questions the book set out to answer, I just knew.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Dementia, Death, Medical content, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Gaslighting, Sexual content, Death of parent, Violence, and Cursing
Minor: Confinement, Alcohol, Medical trauma, and Blood
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