A review by wardenred
Finding Joy by Adriana Herrera

emotional hopeful relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 
I chose myself, konjo, and you, if you still want me.

This was a really nice, heartwarming read. I loved all the vivid descriptions of life in Ethiopia, and I also loved that both leads were such genuinely good, kind people. It was wonderful to see them get their happiness, and while both of them had to face their share of troubles, joyful and happy moments absolutely prevailed, true to the book's name. All in all, this was a great summer read.

Despite the fact that I enjoyed hanging out with these characters, it was a bit hard to get invested in the romance itself, but that's totally a "me" thing. I often find it difficult to emotionally process romantic plots that begin as a crush/sexual attraction as opposed to an emotional connection coming first. Once feelings got involved, though, the story immediately grew even more compelling. 

I have a couple of minor gripes with the writing style; the dialogue didn't always sound natural to me, and I felt like there was a bit too much telling instead of showing. However, what really kept me hooked on the prose was literally every description. It was like I was seeing all those places, tasting all that food, and drinking all that coffee. And I'm always here for a book that makes me feel like I'm drinking a nice cup of coffee! :) 
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