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millah 's review for:
Invitation to the Blues
by Roan Parrish
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I loved this book and wanted to revisit it. Since I didn't write a review the first time I read it, here are some words:
As always, Greg Boudreaux did a great job as an audiobook narrator. His velvet voice fit perfectly to this syrupy, slow and achingly emotional tale about self-acceptance.
The story was told from the perspective of Jude, a pianist trying to navigate life after a suicide attempt, an unhealthy relationship ending, and also losing his job. While also having sensitivities that were somewhat audhd-coded, and struggling to accept them and feel like he was good enough to be loved.
Jude was 36, but came across as younger at times, likely at least partly due to trauma reactions and insecurities. Imo that made him believable, and Roan Parrish did an excellent job of capturing his experiences with depression and anxiety. To be honest, the exhaustion he felt about making the slightest effort, was almost too relatable. I also connected to how he could get caught in loops of angsty thoughts, shame and worries.
Jude's love interest, Faron, was a painter and tattoo artist with a special knack for listening and being conscious, honest and supportive. He suited Jude well, and I loved how Jude and Faron connected through their art and music.
Their story was emotional, intense and hot, and with quite a bit of hurt/ comfort. Jude's fight to get back to life was a big part of that. As Jude and Faron spent more time together, Faron shared some of his history and struggles, too. I would have loved to learn more about Faron's thoughts and emotions too, though. His support of Jude made him seem almost too perfect.
I could easily forgive that, because the chemistry between Jude and Faron was amazing; building so slowly and intensely that it felt tangible. When they came together, their intimate moments were incredibly hot, sweet and well-written, building naturally from what they both wanted and needed. It was all about consent and communication.
I appreciated the secondary characters, and especially that I got to meet Ginger, Daniel and Christopher again. The artistic and diverse group of people gave the story a found-family vibe, and I loved it.
The ending was lovely without glossing over anything, making it real and believable. This book was exactly what I needed today.
Content Warnings: There were discussions of depression, anxiety, and an off-page suicide attempt, there were gaslighting and sanist/ ableist language from a secondary character, as well as the mc having feelings of worthlessness and internalised sanism/ ableism. These themes were handled respectfully.
As always, Greg Boudreaux did a great job as an audiobook narrator. His velvet voice fit perfectly to this syrupy, slow and achingly emotional tale about self-acceptance.
The story was told from the perspective of Jude, a pianist trying to navigate life after a suicide attempt, an unhealthy relationship ending, and also losing his job. While also having sensitivities that were somewhat audhd-coded, and struggling to accept them and feel like he was good enough to be loved.
Jude was 36, but came across as younger at times, likely at least partly due to trauma reactions and insecurities. Imo that made him believable, and Roan Parrish did an excellent job of capturing his experiences with depression and anxiety. To be honest, the exhaustion he felt about making the slightest effort, was almost too relatable. I also connected to how he could get caught in loops of angsty thoughts, shame and worries.
Jude's love interest, Faron, was a painter and tattoo artist with a special knack for listening and being conscious, honest and supportive. He suited Jude well, and I loved how Jude and Faron connected through their art and music.
Their story was emotional, intense and hot, and with quite a bit of hurt/ comfort. Jude's fight to get back to life was a big part of that. As Jude and Faron spent more time together, Faron shared some of his history and struggles, too. I would have loved to learn more about Faron's thoughts and emotions too, though. His support of Jude made him seem almost too perfect.
I could easily forgive that, because the chemistry between Jude and Faron was amazing; building so slowly and intensely that it felt tangible. When they came together, their intimate moments were incredibly hot, sweet and well-written, building naturally from what they both wanted and needed. It was all about consent and communication.
I appreciated the secondary characters, and especially that I got to meet Ginger, Daniel and Christopher again. The artistic and diverse group of people gave the story a found-family vibe, and I loved it.
The ending was lovely without glossing over anything, making it real and believable. This book was exactly what I needed today.
Content Warnings: There were discussions of depression, anxiety, and an off-page suicide attempt, there were gaslighting and sanist/ ableist language from a secondary character, as well as the mc having feelings of worthlessness and internalised sanism/ ableism. These themes were handled respectfully.