A review by quietlex
The Very Nice Box by Eve Gleichman, Laura Blackett

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Holy shit. I did not expect that ending from this book. I am truly floored and completely blown away by the twists and turns.
Ava was so frustrating to me! The book sets her up in the beginning as a very practical, punctual, and professional woman who works extremely hard and efficiently. She is blunt and short with people, and very stubborn. Yet when it came to Mat, it’s like she couldn’t help but make mistake after mistake with him. A majority of this book just seemed like a retelling of all the bad decisions one can make in a relationship, including Ava’s friendship with Jaime which was also extremely frustrating.
Ava was awful to Jaime, just a terrible terrible friend. She ditches him the second Mat is interested in her, even when they only have a once-a-week lunch. She couldn’t manage one lunch a week with someone besides her lover boy? And then to come crawling back to him after being so rude time and time again. Both of their perspectives are totally valid, Ava just trying to move on and be happy finally, and Jaime trying to keep her safe with his growing unease about Mat. At first, I really disliked Jaime’s apparent random hatred for Mat, which seemed to stem from him still clinging to the memory of Andie and her relationship with Ava. “He’s not Andie, but I think I can forgive him for that. Can you? Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been with anyone?” I felt bad for the guy, clearly still grieving the loss of such a wonderful person. Andie was perfection to everyone, and Jaime was insistent on making Ava see who Mat truly was.  Too bad you can’t truly appreciate his concerns until the very end. Those last few chapters were incredible, I really did not see it coming. The way my mouth dropped and I got chills as soon as the realization set in. This could be a thriller! The panic I felt when Ava is trapped at the party at work, frantically trying to escape from Mat, all while he chases her down was very nerve wracking. I think the disposal (because what else can you call it) of Mat’s character was a little childish and fantastical, but there’s just enough shock value and humor involved, that I can overlook it. Also, justice for Emily!

I was very pleasantly surprised with this read. I found it boring at times, and couldn’t see how this tale of an engineer falling in love could be that interesting. But man, was I wrong. I was wrong! Read this book!

I leave you with one horrible word to ruminate on: Lamby. 

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