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journalismchik's review against another edition
5.0
Maybe 5 stars isn’t entirely accurate but I would give this a solid 4.5. I could see how others might not rank it the same and sure, there were some parts I scratched my head about, but this was a wonderful tale of the sibling bond and as someone from an extra large family- this book spoke to me! The sibling bond is a real thing and this was a great take on that!
jcschaubach's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
naharobed's review against another edition
3.0
A family drama centered around four siblings that had a lot of promise in the beginning, but was ultimately a bit disappointing. I liked how each sibling had a very distinct personality that was quite different from one another and I liked the dynamic that created, especially as children. But, the bulk of the story takes place when they’re adults and they all became so annoying and self-centered.
The book goes back and forth in time but the “present day” takes place in 2079 and society has turned into some strange dystopia that added absolutely nothing to the story. There were also multiple plot points that were introduced as if they were of great importance, but then they all went nowhere. I did truly enjoy reading about what each sibling was going through. Even though the lack of communication was starting to grate on me, it was interesting to see how their lives diverged from one another so drastically
The book goes back and forth in time but the “present day” takes place in 2079 and society has turned into some strange dystopia that added absolutely nothing to the story. There were also multiple plot points that were introduced as if they were of great importance, but then they all went nowhere. I did truly enjoy reading about what each sibling was going through. Even though the lack of communication was starting to grate on me, it was interesting to see how their lives diverged from one another so drastically
readwithmia23's review against another edition
4.0
Sibling love. A big take on family love. Romantic love. Definitely self-love. This book is a story of all forms of love that revolves in the lives of the Skinner siblings: Renee, Caroline, Joe & Fiona.
The first part of the book talked about their childhood and how they they were there for each other when a life changing event occurred in the family. I enjoyed this first part, it was very well written and engaging.
However, the second half of the book was actually a little slow to me. I struggled with some of the long chapters. But, this was also the part that I got to know each of the characters. How their childhood affected their chosen paths and why are they who they became to be. The pain felt real. It felt like I know these siblings too well.
This book also goes back and forth the past and the future but one thing doesn’t makes sense to me, why does it have to be so far ahead in the future (year 2079)? I don’t see the point.
Overall, it’s a really good read and I would recommend it! This book made me think a lot of things for sure.
The first part of the book talked about their childhood and how they they were there for each other when a life changing event occurred in the family. I enjoyed this first part, it was very well written and engaging.
However, the second half of the book was actually a little slow to me. I struggled with some of the long chapters. But, this was also the part that I got to know each of the characters. How their childhood affected their chosen paths and why are they who they became to be. The pain felt real. It felt like I know these siblings too well.
This book also goes back and forth the past and the future but one thing doesn’t makes sense to me, why does it have to be so far ahead in the future (year 2079)? I don’t see the point.
Overall, it’s a really good read and I would recommend it! This book made me think a lot of things for sure.
smithce23's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
alienclans's review against another edition
2.0
This one just felt a little messy. I love family dramas and I read a lot of them. I particularly like ones that are full of painful love. This one follows four siblings as they age and become adults. It explores how their relationships to each other change. A nice idea but I don’t think it was executed very well.
I did not like the narration. I didn’t like how Fiona was narrating events in her siblings’ lives. Plus I didn’t understand what was going on in the future sections. Blackouts? Evacuations? What? It had nothing to do with any of the rest of the story.
It was also pretty boring. I love a lot of books that other people would consider boring but this one draaaagged. I enjoyed the beginning, when the characters were young and forced to take care of each other. However, the last one hundred pages or so honestly felt kind of pointless. I had zero interest in any of the events at that point because I did not care about any of the characters and I pretty much had to force myself to finish it because I didn’t want to abandon it after having read so much of it already.
I did not like the narration. I didn’t like how Fiona was narrating events in her siblings’ lives. Plus I didn’t understand what was going on in the future sections. Blackouts? Evacuations? What? It had nothing to do with any of the rest of the story.
It was also pretty boring. I love a lot of books that other people would consider boring but this one draaaagged. I enjoyed the beginning, when the characters were young and forced to take care of each other. However, the last one hundred pages or so honestly felt kind of pointless. I had zero interest in any of the events at that point because I did not care about any of the characters and I pretty much had to force myself to finish it because I didn’t want to abandon it after having read so much of it already.
efm511's review against another edition
4.0
Slow start for me, but then it was really good especially at the very end
cmallerywriter's review against another edition
5.0
Honestly the last two paragraphs of the whole book left me breathless. There were moments the story dragged and I was not sure that I could finish. Fionas voice as a young woman was annoying, the stories of childhood disjointed. Yet when the author pulled the ending together I was forced to change my opinion. It is a beautiful book.
jbeen21's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kwag923's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5