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A review by astrireads
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Love and Other Words" by Christina Lauren is a novel that captures the complexities of first love, loss, grief, and the bittersweet nature of rediscovery. The story revolves around Macy Sorensen and Elliot Petropoulos, childhood friends turned lovers whose relationship is abruptly cut off, only to be rekindled eleven years later.
The novel is structured in a dual timeline, switching between Macy and Elliot’s teenage years, where their friendship and eventual romance blossoms, and their present-day lives, where Macy is now a pediatric resident engaged to another man. Macy is dealing with the loss of her mother and the protective walls she has built around herself. Elliot is portrayed as the bookish boy who wears his heart on his sleeve, making him the opposite to Macy’s guardedness.
Their relationship feels authentic, built on a shared love of books and words, which makes their connection deeper. The authors capture the intensity of first love—the kind that leaves a mark long after it’s gone.
However, the pace of the present-day storyline felt a bit slow and the big reveal of the reason for Macy and Elliot's breakup serves well to make you understand why they lost contact with each other.
In conclusion, "Love and Other Words" is a touching exploration of romantic and familial love. The authors have created vivid and heartfelt scenes throughout the book, particularly in the flashbacks where Macy and Elliot’s connection shines brightest. Christina Lauren have crafted a heartbreaking and hopeful story that reminds its readers that love is worth fighting for.
Overall, I thought it was good and rate it 4 stars. I would recommend this book for readers of contemporary romance and coming-of-age stories.
However, there were some things that spoiled this story for me. SPOILER BELOW!
The novel is structured in a dual timeline, switching between Macy and Elliot’s teenage years, where their friendship and eventual romance blossoms, and their present-day lives, where Macy is now a pediatric resident engaged to another man. Macy is dealing with the loss of her mother and the protective walls she has built around herself. Elliot is portrayed as the bookish boy who wears his heart on his sleeve, making him the opposite to Macy’s guardedness.
Their relationship feels authentic, built on a shared love of books and words, which makes their connection deeper. The authors capture the intensity of first love—the kind that leaves a mark long after it’s gone.
However, the pace of the present-day storyline felt a bit slow and the big reveal of the reason for Macy and Elliot's breakup serves well to make you understand why they lost contact with each other.
In conclusion, "Love and Other Words" is a touching exploration of romantic and familial love. The authors have created vivid and heartfelt scenes throughout the book, particularly in the flashbacks where Macy and Elliot’s connection shines brightest. Christina Lauren have crafted a heartbreaking and hopeful story that reminds its readers that love is worth fighting for.
Overall, I thought it was good and rate it 4 stars. I would recommend this book for readers of contemporary romance and coming-of-age stories.
However, there were some things that spoiled this story for me. SPOILER BELOW!
Content Warnings