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A review by changenotcoins
An Introvert's Guide to Life and Love by Lauren Appelbaum
4.0
This book has such a sweet and cozy premise and is a great palate cleanser or reading slump cure: after her beloved grandmother passes, Mallory inherits a charming beachside cottage, with the added responsibility of caring for her grandfather. I was immediately drawn in by the potential for a heartfelt, quiet story about grief, connection, and self-discovery.
One of the highlights for me was Mallory’s relationship with her grandfather. Their interactions were tender, warm, and often quite moving and easily my favorite part of the book. I loved watching that bond grow as they navigated life without her grandmother, and those scenes added real emotional depth to the story.
That said, I struggled a bit with Mallory as a character. For someone in her mid-twenties, she came across as surprisingly immature at times. Her motivations were often unclear, and her impulsive choices and reluctance to take responsibility made it difficult for me to connect with her. While I appreciated that she was written as a deeply introverted and flawed person, some of her actions felt more frustrating than relatable.
Overall, An Introvert’s Guide to Life and Love offers a heartwarming, introspective story with strong themes of family, personal growth, and finding comfort outside your comfort zone. While I didn’t fully connect with the main character, I think this book will resonate with those who are looking for a gentle, low conflict story about learning to open your heart, even when it's scary.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren Appelbaum, and Forever for the eARC of this book.
One of the highlights for me was Mallory’s relationship with her grandfather. Their interactions were tender, warm, and often quite moving and easily my favorite part of the book. I loved watching that bond grow as they navigated life without her grandmother, and those scenes added real emotional depth to the story.
That said, I struggled a bit with Mallory as a character. For someone in her mid-twenties, she came across as surprisingly immature at times. Her motivations were often unclear, and her impulsive choices and reluctance to take responsibility made it difficult for me to connect with her. While I appreciated that she was written as a deeply introverted and flawed person, some of her actions felt more frustrating than relatable.
Overall, An Introvert’s Guide to Life and Love offers a heartwarming, introspective story with strong themes of family, personal growth, and finding comfort outside your comfort zone. While I didn’t fully connect with the main character, I think this book will resonate with those who are looking for a gentle, low conflict story about learning to open your heart, even when it's scary.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren Appelbaum, and Forever for the eARC of this book.