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3.25 AVERAGE
3.25 AVERAGE
I've read other books by Suzanne Park, but this might just be my favorite one. Sara Chae developed an app called One Last Word that automates a pre-written message to whoever you would like, after you die. Through an error, her test emails to her circle gets sent when she's very much alive. It sends her on a journey to rectify and confront those people in her life and her message to them. Through it all, she encounters a second-change love, a lapsed friendship, repairing her relationship with her parents and getting real with her sister. For some reason, I kept picturing Harry Shum Jr as the second chance love (her HS crush who comes back into her world). You can choose your own adventure.
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not my favorite book at all. I felt like it stole a lot of ideas from To All The Boys I've Loved Before and I didn't like who she ended up with. I think it would have been stronger if it focused on friendships and sister relationships rather than the romantic relationship. Some language, no spice.
lighthearted
medium-paced
lighthearted
medium-paced
Cute, easy read. I really loved the premise of the app misfiring “Upon My Death” emails out to recipients while Sara was still very much alive.
Loved the sister dynamics. I’ve been the younger sister with my life more together and I’ve also been the older sister who needed a closet to sleep in- not literally, but very metaphorically.
I absolutely loved the parents trying to understand and be supportive of their daughters after receiving Sara’s email detailing the generational trauma being passed down- as someone blessed with the ability to be outspoken and honest with her parents, I loved that she was able to express herself and her parents took how she felt to heart.
The romance fell short for me. At times I really thought Harry Shim was a loser and she would realize it and move on- but alas, he stayed the main love interest. A better partner is the only thing that would have made the book better for me, but even with Harry- this is a great novel and worth the read!
Loved the sister dynamics. I’ve been the younger sister with my life more together and I’ve also been the older sister who needed a closet to sleep in- not literally, but very metaphorically.
I absolutely loved the parents trying to understand and be supportive of their daughters after receiving Sara’s email detailing the generational trauma being passed down- as someone blessed with the ability to be outspoken and honest with her parents, I loved that she was able to express herself and her parents took how she felt to heart.
The romance fell short for me. At times I really thought Harry Shim was a loser and she would realize it and move on- but alas, he stayed the main love interest. A better partner is the only thing that would have made the book better for me, but even with Harry- this is a great novel and worth the read!
Sara Chae has created an app called One Last Word. Get this: it allows you to send a message to anyone after you pass away.
Weaving in themes of self-discovery, trusting yourself, and taking a leap to find what you want in life, One Last Word was a funny yet touching story that I could not put down. Sara Chae’s journey from mid-level worker bee in tech to participating in a VC mentorship was bold and brave. I loved her story, which also explored relationships with family, friends, and past crushes coming back into life. Funny and smart, I highly recommend this one, and am so grateful that Suzanne reached out to me with Sara and her story!
I Received an advanced reading copy, receipt of which did not impact my review.
I Received an advanced reading copy, receipt of which did not impact my review.
Libby Kindle. Reconnected high school friends. The author did a good job on calling out the tech world on their BS.
I always really enjoy Suzanne Park's books, and One Last Word is no exception. Sara has been working relentlessly for years in tech product management, and when the company overworking her doesn't have faith in her app - she walks away... As she makes the shift to an enterpreneur, she revisits past relationships and has to determine how to make each. moment matter.
I liked the slow burn, complex relationships, and empathy - Park's writing makes the characters seem human and it's just a joy to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC.
I liked the slow burn, complex relationships, and empathy - Park's writing makes the characters seem human and it's just a joy to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC.