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jeanineeeee's review
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
itmustbesam's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
3.0
this was a fun listen, but i don’t think it was my favorite emily henry book. still a good time though and i enjoyed the storyline
amanda_hyland's review against another edition
5.0
I am currently crying full-on tears finishing this book. As a writer myself, I adored this book and loved the story, which focuses on the developing relationship between Gus and January, two published authors struggling with writing their next books. One thing that really impresses me about Emily Henry's writing is that she isn't afraid to address tough topics in the context of her love stories. Gus and January have to process their own personal and familial traumas to actually let each other in; and I loved how January was a "safe person" of sorts for Gus to finally allow himself to see the good in the world and deal with his own emotions. What beautiful characters and what a gorgeous love story! Emily Henry is a rockstar. I already have one of her other books ("Book Lovers") held at the library and I can't wait to dive in, because I officially have a book hangover from the amazingness that was "Beach Read." (Shout-out to my cousin Gaby for sending me this book and knowing how much I would LOVE IT! XO)
ivysinconsistentreads's review against another edition
3.0
mid, really mid. i just started putting the audiobook on mute after chapter 17.
kayleighgrimshaw's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-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
5.0
lil_engie13's review
challenging
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
blueberry31's review against another edition
2.0
I’m not sure I understand the hype around this book, if I’m honest. It wasn’t really for me.
At first I was excited to read something in the romance genre that felt like it wouldn’t solely be about the relationship development, and would touch on other themes like the grieving process, the characters growing as writers, the research and work that goes into writing, etc. while still remaining somewhat lighthearted and uplifting. However I felt that despite the book attempting to do just that, it didn’t succeed for me.
My main issue was authenticity, I don’t feel like the characters had believable interactions and reactions, it all felt fabricated and heavily sugar-coated. Paradoxically, the more the author tried to infuse drama, darkness and uncertainty, the more cliché it felt.
When it comes to the other plot elements like Gus and January’s writing, their research, their work in progress novels, I found I couldn’t bring myself to care. January’s circus book seemed grotesque and try-hard, Gus’ cult book could have been intriguing (I’m a big fan of the whole cults & dystopias topic) but the topic wasn’t explored as deeply as it needed to be to make it relevant or interesting. I also doubt you can really simplify the issue as much as “People stay in situations of abuse. This is like in cults. Hence cults will bring me answers about my abusive family past”... bit of a leap there.
Lastly, all side characters felt exactly like that: very much to the side, only there to fuel the main characters’ story and serve as backdrop, dark past, reasons for trauma... I personally really don’t like it when more « secondary » characters have no real purpose or subtstance as standalones, when they just feel like props.
I guess this is exactly what the title suggests, a good beach read, great if you want to read something light and clear your mind, or if you want the comforting feel of a predictable storyline and ending!
At first I was excited to read something in the romance genre that felt like it wouldn’t solely be about the relationship development, and would touch on other themes like the grieving process, the characters growing as writers, the research and work that goes into writing, etc. while still remaining somewhat lighthearted and uplifting. However I felt that despite the book attempting to do just that, it didn’t succeed for me.
My main issue was authenticity, I don’t feel like the characters had believable interactions and reactions, it all felt fabricated and heavily sugar-coated. Paradoxically, the more the author tried to infuse drama, darkness and uncertainty, the more cliché it felt.
When it comes to the other plot elements like Gus and January’s writing, their research, their work in progress novels, I found I couldn’t bring myself to care. January’s circus book seemed grotesque and try-hard, Gus’ cult book could have been intriguing (I’m a big fan of the whole cults & dystopias topic) but the topic wasn’t explored as deeply as it needed to be to make it relevant or interesting. I also doubt you can really simplify the issue as much as “People stay in situations of abuse. This is like in cults. Hence cults will bring me answers about my abusive family past”... bit of a leap there.
Lastly, all side characters felt exactly like that: very much to the side, only there to fuel the main characters’ story and serve as backdrop, dark past, reasons for trauma... I personally really don’t like it when more « secondary » characters have no real purpose or subtstance as standalones, when they just feel like props.
I guess this is exactly what the title suggests, a good beach read, great if you want to read something light and clear your mind, or if you want the comforting feel of a predictable storyline and ending!
lararunningwild's review against another edition
emotional
funny
slow-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
4.0
bryce_barrett's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0