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A review by michela_wilson
Fortunate Misfortune by Miah Onsha
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I have not been able to stop thinking about this book since I finished it because this book was EVERYTHING!!! I have never felt more seen, and it's made me feel hopeful about life again. The found family and small town North Carolina vibes were wonderful, and the chronic illness representation made me feel like the book was written just for me!
While I don't have diabetes, I felt very seen as someone who has chronic pain. The discussion of how you should and should not treat loved ones that have a chronic illness was extremely accurate. We don't want to be infantilized! We want a copilot, and Mallory goes through a journey to find that in her life. I love, love, LOVE the multitude of different relationships that demonstrate the differences between pitying/infantilizing and real support/co-piloting. Mallory’s work to set boundaries to change the relationships that needed to change was very relatable and accurate. I have had those conversations and it's incredible to have a book that shows that, while relationships change when you have a chronic illness, they can change for the better!
Now let's talk about the romance (because that's why we’re here obviously). The rivals to lovers ATE in this book. Kenneth and Mallory are so precious, and I would literally die for them. If you are looking for a modern-day Kate and Anthony from Bridgerton, you found it and will NOT be disappointed. Their competitiveness always comes first, but they are willing to stick up for each other when it matters most (even when they 'hate' one another). Also, the dual POV adds so much to their romance and allows you to get to know both Kenneth and Mallory so deeply.
The portion of this book that really had me crying was Kenneth’s relationship with his family. Without getting too personal, Kenneth and I share a lot of similarities in our current family situations, and it’s been hard to feel hopeful recently. However, reading his journey gave me the hope I desperately needed and has made me feel excited for the future.
Now let's talk about the romance (because that's why we’re here obviously). The rivals to lovers ATE in this book. Kenneth and Mallory are so precious, and I would literally die for them. If you are looking for a modern-day Kate and Anthony from Bridgerton, you found it and will NOT be disappointed. Their competitiveness always comes first, but they are willing to stick up for each other when it matters most (even when they 'hate' one another). Also, the dual POV adds so much to their romance and allows you to get to know both Kenneth and Mallory so deeply.
The portion of this book that really had me crying was Kenneth’s relationship with his family. Without getting too personal, Kenneth and I share a lot of similarities in our current family situations, and it’s been hard to feel hopeful recently. However, reading his journey gave me the hope I desperately needed and has made me feel excited for the future.
I needed this book, and I am so grateful Miah Onsha was able to write this incredible story for all of us to love.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Grief