A review by booksaftercafecito
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

The fact that this book so clearly and accurately represents Fibromyalgia made it an automatic 5 star read for me. Seeing my symptoms, inner thoughts, and feelings mirrored back at me through Chloe made me so emotional. Dealing with an invisible chronic illness can be extremely isolating, and having to constantly explain yourself or try to make people believe it’s real is exhausting. This book made me feel seen and validated.

I wasn’t the biggest fan of Chloe at first. She was a bit too prissy and stuck up to seem likable. However, she grew on me the more I got to know her. If anything, I related to her even more, because I recognized the defense mechanism of closing yourself off in order to avoid rejection or feeling like a burden and annoyance to others. 

Having her sisters and aunt play such vital roles as immediate family that took her illness seriously and were always aware of her wellbeing also struck an emotional chord, as that is not a support system that is common. 

Then there’s Redford Morgan. The kind of friend-turned-partner a person like me dreams of, even if we are shy or hesitant at first. He truly cared for Chloe. Being such a good son who already enjoyed caring for his mother, his caregiving and selflessness was at full throttle for Chloe. He did not undermine her autonomy, but also knew when it was effective to force help upon her, when she truly needed it but wouldn’t dare ask. I can understand how easy it is to fall in love with him.

There’s so much more to this story, including some spice, so please, READ IT! 💜