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4.54 AVERAGE
4.54 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
inspiring
tense
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:
No
As a TJR lover, I knew this book would make me bawl and bawl I did. A queer romance is always gonna hit for me, especially a sapphic romance. Given the time frame, it was so sad and beautiful to see these women who loved each other and do everything in their power to build this life and career in a time where they could not show that love. It was more devastating given the times we are now living in with the possibility of Obergefell v Hodges being overturned. It was heart breaking in read passages of Vanessa professing her love to Joan and apologizing because she won’t get to give her a marriage in the traditional sense and how just 10 years ago we’d be cheering knowing these 2 fictional characters would have gotten to finally get married and now that is uncertain. Maybe I got too into my feels with that.
Moving on..
I loved how the book opened with tragedy and then going backwards and seeing these relationships and friendships were. It makes the chapters where we’re in their present time pack such a gut punch.
The only thing that brought this down to a 4.5 instead of a 5 star is that last chapter. Was I thrilled even knowing Vanessa would survive? Absolutely. But the last line just being “Hi”… a perfect ending but also leaves me wanting way more.
It seems obvious now that everyone knew about Joan and Vanessa, were they censured? Especially Vanessa after the insubordination? How does surviving change Lydia? Does Frances stay with Joan? Do they tell her about them? Is she excited for them? Does Barbara ever stop being a see you next Tuesday? Does she try to become a better mother? Does Vanessa ever fly the shuttle again? Is she too traumatized?
I knew we wouldn’t get an Epilouge because that’s just not TJR’s style, however, I really wanted one for this book. I wanted all the above answered, I wanted to see Vanessa, Joan, and Frances having milkshakes again and movie nights and being a happy family 5 years in the future. Hell even one year would have done it. I just wanted a bit more.
But this was truly a great book. A beautiful story about love, perseverance, finding yourself, finding your place. This is another one that will stay with me.
Moving on..
I loved how the book opened with tragedy and then going backwards and seeing these relationships and friendships were. It makes the chapters where we’re in their present time pack such a gut punch.
The only thing that brought this down to a 4.5 instead of a 5 star is that last chapter. Was I thrilled even knowing Vanessa would survive? Absolutely. But the last line just being “Hi”… a perfect ending but also leaves me wanting way more.
It seems obvious now that everyone knew about Joan and Vanessa, were they censured? Especially Vanessa after the insubordination? How does surviving change Lydia? Does Frances stay with Joan? Do they tell her about them? Is she excited for them? Does Barbara ever stop being a see you next Tuesday? Does she try to become a better mother? Does Vanessa ever fly the shuttle again? Is she too traumatized?
I knew we wouldn’t get an Epilouge because that’s just not TJR’s style, however, I really wanted one for this book. I wanted all the above answered, I wanted to see Vanessa, Joan, and Frances having milkshakes again and movie nights and being a happy family 5 years in the future. Hell even one year would have done it. I just wanted a bit more.
But this was truly a great book. A beautiful story about love, perseverance, finding yourself, finding your place. This is another one that will stay with me.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
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
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.5 rounded up. I was skeptical whether it would live up to the TJR bar in the first half, but then I was hooked. Only thing missing for me was the happily ever after for V & J.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
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:
No