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A review by bookishpatricia
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
5.0
“Love follows you. It goes where you go.”
Don’t let the cute cover deceive you — this novel is packed with a plethora of personal and social issues worth discussing. I’m stingy with my 5 stars, but after much debate with myself, I decided it earned the spot. This novel felt deeply personal to me. May contain spoilers - please read at your own discretion!
I loved the earnestness in most of the characters, especially between Daniel and Alexis. The dialogues felt authentic, considering I’ve felt and thought some of them, while others were personally said to me. They just roll off your tongue, you know?
Jimenez also didn’t fail at her trademark wit and humor and had me laughing out loud at some scenes. Like with her other novels (I’m assuming), “Part of Your World” started at a good pace, the characters were introduced, the mood was set, the “love story” unfolded early on, and the first half of the novel was sweet - a bit tangy - until the second half when it was just pure emotional chaos. There were points I literally had headaches catching up while consoling myself at the same time.
All the kilig aside, some parts were difficult for me to read. There were moments I wanted to DNF this as it was starting to affect me personally, but I had to know if everyone was going to be safe in the end. I had to see it through, and I’m glad I did.
So what made it difficult for me? Well, I was Alexis, minus the wealth. In some ways, I still am. Once upon a time, I was with a Neil and it was the worst time of my life. Having been the recipient of emotional and mental abuse (mind games, push-and-pull, carrot baiting, stonewalling, shaming, judging — all done in private and public — you name it), it was so easy for me to resonate with Ali, and so it was also easy to understand why she hesitates at signs of gentleness and why it’s easier for her to have doubts than simply trust when someone shows her affection, love, generosity, warmth, etc.
Her subtle signs weren’t subtle to me. I saw them. I saw her. In a way, those moments pulled me back to memories I thought I’d have already forgotten. As they say, the axe forgets, but the tree remembers.
And I’m beyond glad Daniel was there to hold her hand every step of the way. He was the perfect golden retriever to warm her up and show her, “Hey, life can still be beautiful. You can still be in control and make your own choices.” And do so in a loving way that doesn’t rush or judge. It’s considerate. It’s careful. It’s love.
It deeply resonates with my current state of life. Fortunately, I’m in a much better place now as far as romance is involved.
It’s so beautiful how Daniel speaks highly of Alexis and speaks her name in a room full of opportunities. There’s also nothing sexier than a man who is secure in himself, grateful, considerate, attentive, and non-judgmental. He’s so wholesome and gentle and sincere that I just cannot!
Don’t let the cute cover deceive you — this novel is packed with a plethora of personal and social issues worth discussing. I’m stingy with my 5 stars, but after much debate with myself, I decided it earned the spot. This novel felt deeply personal to me. May contain spoilers - please read at your own discretion!
I loved the earnestness in most of the characters, especially between Daniel and Alexis. The dialogues felt authentic, considering I’ve felt and thought some of them, while others were personally said to me. They just roll off your tongue, you know?
Jimenez also didn’t fail at her trademark wit and humor and had me laughing out loud at some scenes. Like with her other novels (I’m assuming), “Part of Your World” started at a good pace, the characters were introduced, the mood was set, the “love story” unfolded early on, and the first half of the novel was sweet - a bit tangy - until the second half when it was just pure emotional chaos. There were points I literally had headaches catching up while consoling myself at the same time.
All the kilig aside, some parts were difficult for me to read. There were moments I wanted to DNF this as it was starting to affect me personally, but I had to know if everyone was going to be safe in the end. I had to see it through, and I’m glad I did.
So what made it difficult for me? Well, I was Alexis, minus the wealth. In some ways, I still am. Once upon a time, I was with a Neil and it was the worst time of my life. Having been the recipient of emotional and mental abuse (mind games, push-and-pull, carrot baiting, stonewalling, shaming, judging — all done in private and public — you name it), it was so easy for me to resonate with Ali, and so it was also easy to understand why she hesitates at signs of gentleness and why it’s easier for her to have doubts than simply trust when someone shows her affection, love, generosity, warmth, etc.
Her subtle signs weren’t subtle to me. I saw them. I saw her. In a way, those moments pulled me back to memories I thought I’d have already forgotten. As they say, the axe forgets, but the tree remembers.
And I’m beyond glad Daniel was there to hold her hand every step of the way. He was the perfect golden retriever to warm her up and show her, “Hey, life can still be beautiful. You can still be in control and make your own choices.” And do so in a loving way that doesn’t rush or judge. It’s considerate. It’s careful. It’s love.
It deeply resonates with my current state of life. Fortunately, I’m in a much better place now as far as romance is involved.
It’s so beautiful how Daniel speaks highly of Alexis and speaks her name in a room full of opportunities. There’s also nothing sexier than a man who is secure in himself, grateful, considerate, attentive, and non-judgmental. He’s so wholesome and gentle and sincere that I just cannot!