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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
Oh my god, this book absolutely slayed me. I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried. I sat on the train, grateful that my mask and fogged up glasses hid the worst of it, and hoped I didn't actually make any sounds. I actually found myself compulsively swallowing in an effort not to full-on cry on the train.
This book is so beautiful and heart-warming. It's all told from Allison's perspective. She's a university student who grew up in foster care with her friend Steffi and was finally adopted at the age of sixteen. She doesn't like, trust or care about anyone except her friend Steffi. Not even her adoptive dad, because who the hell adopts a sixteen year old anyway? It's not that she's seen the ugliness of humanity per se, more that she's seen the apathy of humanity. She believes that no one out there really gives a shit about her (except for Steffi) and so why should she give them the opportunity to hurt her? She refuses to make herself vulnerable by letting anyone in.
Esben is a social media celebrity. Completely by accident, Allison ends up pulled into one of his social media experiments. They have to maintain eye contact for 180 seconds, without talking or touching. 180 seconds is a long time to maintain eye contact, and it rocks Allison's walls. And then Steffi sees the video of it on social media and won't stop pushing Allison to take the moment and run with it, truly letting Esben behind her walls. That's not an easy thing for Allison to do, especially with someone like Esben who truly believes in the goodness of humanity. But as she watches Esben in action, and sees him drawing out the best of humanity for her to see, she starts to understand that there is good in the world too.
I refuse to write any spoilers because I really think you need to read the book without any. If you see spoilers for this book, don't read them. It will be infinitely more powerful if you let it hit you unexpectedly, but seriously, this books has ALL the feels. It's so good. If you need something to make you believe in love and friendship and the goodness of people.... This is the book to read. Five serious stars. Wish I could give it more.
This book is so beautiful and heart-warming. It's all told from Allison's perspective. She's a university student who grew up in foster care with her friend Steffi and was finally adopted at the age of sixteen. She doesn't like, trust or care about anyone except her friend Steffi. Not even her adoptive dad, because who the hell adopts a sixteen year old anyway? It's not that she's seen the ugliness of humanity per se, more that she's seen the apathy of humanity. She believes that no one out there really gives a shit about her (except for Steffi) and so why should she give them the opportunity to hurt her? She refuses to make herself vulnerable by letting anyone in.
Esben is a social media celebrity. Completely by accident, Allison ends up pulled into one of his social media experiments. They have to maintain eye contact for 180 seconds, without talking or touching. 180 seconds is a long time to maintain eye contact, and it rocks Allison's walls. And then Steffi sees the video of it on social media and won't stop pushing Allison to take the moment and run with it, truly letting Esben behind her walls. That's not an easy thing for Allison to do, especially with someone like Esben who truly believes in the goodness of humanity. But as she watches Esben in action, and sees him drawing out the best of humanity for her to see, she starts to understand that there is good in the world too.
I refuse to write any spoilers because I really think you need to read the book without any. If you see spoilers for this book, don't read them. It will be infinitely more powerful if you let it hit you unexpectedly, but seriously, this books has ALL the feels. It's so good. If you need something to make you believe in love and friendship and the goodness of people.... This is the book to read. Five serious stars. Wish I could give it more.
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
All the Feels
This was such a sweet story. The characters were all trying to heal from past traumas. Despite that, they still focused on uplifting each other. The bonds that were created were all so special. Allison’s father was so lovable. The only person that could outshine him was Esben. He was such a darling young man. His kindness really made the book for me. Allison’s self-deprecating angst really turned me off early in the book. Her growth was refreshing. She really blossomed and became very likable by the end of it. I enjoyed this emotional journey through Allison’s metamorphosis.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Sexual assault
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Abandonment
I would give 6 or 7 stars rating, if only I could. I loved this book, I found it moving and funny at the same time, and it’s on my “10 best book of the year” list, 2 to 3rd place actually. Could not stop crying at the end, just couldn’t, and that does not happen frequently, believe me.
I really enjoyed this overall, but Esben's character just wasn't believable for me.
