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A review by bekacrook
Make Me Stay by Annabeth Albert
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
3.5
There was a fair bit more going on in this book with both characters having interesting backstories and that influenced who they are today. They were hopeful and scared to be vulnerable at times and I liked that they didn't have the most linear of journeys with the way their relationship panned out but that it ended up being what they needed.
The disability and chronic pain representation was good, it felt honest with some days being better than others but not painting Holden as either a hero or as a weak member of society. It showed a reality and thankfully didn't become patronising or 'inspiration porn'. I liked how patient Holden was with Cal and how they complimented each other and gave the other what they needed. It was nice for them to learn that they had 'their person' who they could rely on and could care for them when they needed.
I liked Cal as well, he was scared for really valid reasons and he took a while to get to a point where he could accept the good things that were happening. It felt realistic that he didn't immediately accept it or become comfortable with praise and comfort. I wish we saw a bit more of Cal's PTSD and how he dealt with that, it was mentioned and tied with his insomnia but that was 'fixed' pretty quickly.
Loved the characters, loved the continuation of the side plot involving the murder and the ethical dilemmas they had around this. An enjoyable read.
The disability and chronic pain representation was good, it felt honest with some days being better than others but not painting Holden as either a hero or as a weak member of society. It showed a reality and thankfully didn't become patronising or 'inspiration porn'. I liked how patient Holden was with Cal and how they complimented each other and gave the other what they needed. It was nice for them to learn that they had 'their person' who they could rely on and could care for them when they needed.
I liked Cal as well, he was scared for really valid reasons and he took a while to get to a point where he could accept the good things that were happening. It felt realistic that he didn't immediately accept it or become comfortable with praise and comfort. I wish we saw a bit more of Cal's PTSD and how he dealt with that, it was mentioned and tied with his insomnia but that was 'fixed' pretty quickly.
Loved the characters, loved the continuation of the side plot involving the murder and the ethical dilemmas they had around this. An enjoyable read.