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nikimorr's review against another edition
- 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
I was skeptical at first starting this book. Wallace, the main character, starts out comically unlikeable. I was unsure I would be able to take the book seriously with just how non relatable Wallace starts out. But boy did he and all the rest of the characters worm their way into my heart.
Each character played a special role. It is hard to encompass each one in just a few words. Mei was by far my favorite - a big heart with all the sass. Hugo is like the definition of a safe space in a person. Reading about this group, a family found amongst each other, makes you want to venture out in the forest and find your people. The setting is just as special as the characters - a unique shop with rows of tea plants set out amongst a beautiful forest. We never really know where the town is, but it feels like peace just reading about it. Although the shop is where all the characters must stay, the home is filled with pictures of far away places. An appreciation for the great, big world from one little corner.
This book has such a unique take on death and what happens next. After death comes a reaper and ferryman who each help the dead accept and cross to what is next. Almost more than I hope death leads to this tea shop do I wish my dog is there waiting and helping just like Apollo. The addition of the dog was so relatable - our pets are just as important as our fellow human family members.
The book was full of thoughtful commentary on death, some I got too stuck on. But really, it is what it is. We live the life we live and it will all eventually come to an end. What we do with our time, particularly helping others have a bit of an easier journey, is what matters at the end.
There is a bit of a love story between someone living and someone dead and I loved this angle. Love despite a huge disconnect, despite not being able to touch, was beautiful.
Graphic: Medical trauma and Death
Moderate: Death of parent, Car accident, and Suicide
ebrinkley's review against another edition
Graphic: Medical content, Medical trauma, and Death
cozyfantasyfaetay's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Death of parent, Suicide attempt, Suicide, and Murder
Minor: Mental illness, Infidelity, Medical trauma, and Medical content
cb36's review
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Grief, Death, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Death of parent and Suicide
annorabrady's review
- 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
Finishing this book was hard because I both wanted to know how it ended and loathed the idea of it being over. I appreciate the twists in the story and how earned they felt. They didn't exist for cleverness or because of lazy writing, they existed because the characters made decisions that warranted them.
The cast of characters was truly wonderful. Their antics and their support of each other are equally valuable. The questions they pose and the answes they offer are healing. And even the minor characters have a presence many main characters in other books never reach.
I will say that there are some hard storylines for those who have experienced different kinds of trauma. But as someone who's lost family and friends to similar circumstances, I value the care given to these stories. And, as someone who lost their mom just over 6 months ago, I will say that this isn't something that's too heavy. At least it wasn't for me.
Moderate: Animal death, Car accident, Death of parent, Grief, Medical content, Mental illness, Suicide, Gaslighting, Child death, Confinement, Death, Medical trauma, and Panic attacks/disorders
hanz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Grief, Suicide, Death, Medical trauma, Murder, and Child death
caitbrat's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Medical trauma, Suicide, and Death
Moderate: Death of parent
briely's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, and Terminal illness
Minor: Child death and Medical trauma
jlaz_13's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Suicide, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Child death, and Self harm
Minor: Bullying, Death of parent, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Confinement, and Animal death
jamiebrito's review
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Animal death, Death of parent, Grief, Car accident, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicide, Terminal illness, Mental illness, Cancer, Medical trauma, Suicidal thoughts, and Infidelity