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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Thank you so much to @readforeverpub and @netgalley for the copy of this eARC!
I’m still baffled as to why Wish I Were Here doesn’t seem to get more attention. This book is a true gem, beautifully written from start to finish. I can’t express enough how much I loved it!
The characters in this story were a sheer delight, each one more charming than the last. The story felt like a magical journey, and I found myself fully immersed in it.
The story follows Catherine, a newly hired mathematics professor who discovers that, according to the government, she doesn't even exist. It’s a wild and fascinating concept that hooks you right away.
Then there’s Luca—he and Catherine are the perfect examples of opposites attracting. Their dynamic is pure gold. Add to that a quirky building full of senior citizens, and you’ve got an unforgettable cast of characters that will steal your heart.
Watching Catherine evolve throughout the book was a rewarding experience. Her journey of self-discovery, grappling with the need for stability, and learning how to embrace life’s unpredictability, was inspiring. Luca’s unwavering support for her through it all made their bond so touching and real.
The magical realism woven into the story added such a unique, enchanting touch.
This book had everything I could want: an engaging plot, unforgettable characters, a heartwarming found family dynamic, and life lessons that resonated deeply.
Favorite lines:
"Somedays I simply like to be nobody."
"Maybe Grandpa knew you were the one too."
"Be careful what you wish for."
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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
I enjoyed this one! I felt many emotions reading this book. I felt anger toward a secondary character, but I can not explain why because it would be a spoiler. This book would be great for a book club because there would be much to discuss. I wish I could talk about this book with someone! There is so much I want to share about this book, but have to keep it vague due to spoilers.
I loved how the book had an element of mystery and kept me turning the pages. I liked the characters in the book, and how the book emphasized the importance of relationships and helping others.
I loved how the book had an element of mystery and kept me turning the pages. I liked the characters in the book, and how the book emphasized the importance of relationships and helping others.
Wish I Were Here is a very happy surprise in reading. The premise felt original yet familiar, perhaps better said— it became a comfort in reading. That feeling that everything is going to be okay.
Our heroine Catherine is very much a stickler for rules and responsibility, and given her upbringing, it’s easy to see why. It’s also easy to see why it’s hard for her to lose those things, and how lost and untethered it initially makes her. I related very much to her, my sympathy was with her even when she bad wrong calls and bad judgements. I could understand that fear she felt. Which is why I felt inspired by her eventual embrace of the chaos.
In large part, that embrace is thanks to the chaotic (or is he!) Luca. Who, like his tattoos, brings vibrancy and color to Catherine’s life.
I immediately loved the connection these two had, although I did lament there wasn’t more prominent romancing (but it definitely happens!). Yet, at the same time, I liked how while the relationship between Catherine and Theo is poignant on the page, as it helps to transform Catherine— it’s not the driving force of the story. Catherine is. In reconciling with herself, with her childhood, her father, and the community she finds herself becoming part of.
Another interesting facet to the narrative is the magical realism subtly but perfectly brought into the story. I caught on to it early yet the proper reveal still made me emotional. It was done with so much heart.
And this is a book which wears its heart on its sleeve.
If you love watching characters blossom in their growth, if you love moving yet subtle love stories, and if you love stories filled with hype and inspiring personal change. This one is for you! It most certainly was for me!
Thank you kindly to Forever and NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily. 3.5✨
Our heroine Catherine is very much a stickler for rules and responsibility, and given her upbringing, it’s easy to see why. It’s also easy to see why it’s hard for her to lose those things, and how lost and untethered it initially makes her. I related very much to her, my sympathy was with her even when she bad wrong calls and bad judgements. I could understand that fear she felt. Which is why I felt inspired by her eventual embrace of the chaos.
In large part, that embrace is thanks to the chaotic (or is he!) Luca. Who, like his tattoos, brings vibrancy and color to Catherine’s life.
I immediately loved the connection these two had, although I did lament there wasn’t more prominent romancing (but it definitely happens!). Yet, at the same time, I liked how while the relationship between Catherine and Theo is poignant on the page, as it helps to transform Catherine— it’s not the driving force of the story. Catherine is. In reconciling with herself, with her childhood, her father, and the community she finds herself becoming part of.
Another interesting facet to the narrative is the magical realism subtly but perfectly brought into the story. I caught on to it early yet the proper reveal still made me emotional. It was done with so much heart.
And this is a book which wears its heart on its sleeve.
If you love watching characters blossom in their growth, if you love moving yet subtle love stories, and if you love stories filled with hype and inspiring personal change. This one is for you! It most certainly was for me!
Thank you kindly to Forever and NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily. 3.5✨
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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:
Yes
Wish I We’re Here
4.25 ⭐️
I loved all of these quirky characters!
Imagine trying to start a new job and all of the sudden you don’t exist— no social security number, birth certificate, drivers license! As Catherine runs around the city trying to get her identity back, she meets so many fun characters.
So much fun and community packed into this book. I loved it! Ended up switching from the audiobook to a physical because I couldn’t listen fast enough!
emotional
funny
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
Is Luca Morelli too good to be true? He's such a lovely and charming lead, with seemingly no flaws. Catherine is a strong, independent lead, but her stubbornness does tend to force story notes that fill the required beats.
Overall, I just loved spending time with the vast cast of characters, wanting to see if the story lead to an unexpected development. While I can't say that it did, the predictability was really the only complaint I had. I would happily spend time at the DeGreco anytime.
Overall, I just loved spending time with the vast cast of characters, wanting to see if the story lead to an unexpected development. While I can't say that it did, the predictability was really the only complaint I had. I would happily spend time at the DeGreco anytime.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes