A review by ziann
Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Jack was right- a bit of selfishness went a long way. But for me, I knew that being purely selfish wouldn't be fulfilling. To sit in a dark cafe alone playing music for myself? That wasn't me either. This new era of my career was finally including both. It was deeply satisfying that I could do both. 

i was so excited to read this one after adoring Miss Maurene's previous work,  The Way You Make Me Feel . but to be honest, it didn't reach my expectation. lol. this is why i hate expecting too much. nevertheless, i think it was an okay read. you know, a quick read if you need something easy and hilarious. i'd say that 40% of the time, i was also laughing my ass out the way i did on her previous work. that kind of entertainment made me forget about the flaws of the book for a while. 

one thing that i like about this is Lucky, Catherine, Fern or whatever. but alright, let's settle this and call her Catherine. i prefer that one. that new identity is so perfect for her. i could relate to her at some point, especially in regards to her passion and dreams. it was something that i could easily connect to. i like that her personality was far from those stereotypical  i'm a star but i'm a mess and super lonely deep inside and i don't know if i'm good with it celebrities. instead, she was confident about her skill. and she knew that she's good at it. yes, i live for that. 

the amazing backdrop of Hong Kong was so relaxing to read it, too. Miss Maurene never failed to capture the beauty of every place her characters go to. i could clearly picture in my head every street of Hong Kong with wonderful descriptions. i could totally feel that i'm right there having one stolen adventurous day with them. the description of foods was top notched, too. literally made my stomach grumble after reading it. 

i'd admit that i'm a sucker for conversations that are, well, deep and made a lot of sense. the two's conversations are actually fascinating and made me realized something and wonder about my decisions, too. they weren't fillers, as these dialogues actually lead them to reevaluate their decisions in life. tho, i wonder if you'd actually have that kind of knee-deep conversation with a stranger that you just met. 

i am not a fan of insta-love. so i had prejudiced when i read it, thinking i won't be enjoying it as the story revolved around one stolen day. surprisingly, the adventures of that one day actually panned out gracefully. it felt as if that one day happened for months or years. the way that they started to like each other is actually believable if only you'll forget that everything is happening for just a day. and most of the time, i couldn't even remember that it was just one day. 

i would have given this story a higher rating if not only for the lies, and well, Jack. i could understand that his character was flawed and those flaws lead him to make decisions and choices that i really really hate. but i just couldn't really stand how he lied to Catherine about things just to get that freaking story. it was so selfish of him. and most of the time, i just want to punch him in the face, perhaps he would come to his senses. i won't deny it and i'd say that they actually have a connection, chemistry together. they were cute at some point, but really, it turns me off every time that i remember his deception.

i think the whole novel could have been shorter. the pacing was a bit too slow for me and i feel like nothing's really happening. there were actually some points that i just want to drop it. i'm dreading for the revelation part so much. i want some excitement, i want Cat to finally know the truth. but since i'm a poor and i can't stand wasting my money not finishing a book, i forced myself to finish the rest of the story in one sitting (wow, i still feel proud of myself doing it. i don't do it usually lol). 

and well, although there were some really irritating and boring parts, i'd say that the story was able to redeem itself towards the end. i still hate Jack, but it lessened a bit. the conclusion was good for me, it was in a satisfying way. and i know for sure that it was the perfect ending for Cat. i love how it ended with her finally pursuing her dream and passion for herself and for the people who supported her. i like that she still didn't give up her dream. and Jack, i'm glad that he dropped that freaking story. i'm glad that he realized his mistakes and came to his senses, that he was finally brave enough to do what he wants. 


rating: 3.5 Stars