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A review by annagwritesandreads
If Only I Had Told Her by Laura Nowlin
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Note: This was the first book I cried to in 2024. I only cried to 3 in 2023, so crying is not a common occurrence for me when reading! ALSO: This is a sequel, so there will inherently be spoilers of If He Had Been With Me in the description of this book. LASTLY: check the content warnings before reading. They are at the beginning of the physical copy of the book.
General Description:
Told from three perspectives, you get a unique insight into all the characters from If He Had Been With Me. First up: Finn. The last day of his life is looked at in-depth and we get a unique look at his and Autumn's past, as well as his relationship with Sylvie. Second up, Jack. College was supposed to be an escape, but how can Jack escape when Finn is forever on his mind? How do you deal with the grief of losing your best friend? Lastly: Autumn. When faced with the unexpected, can Autumn cope with all the twists and turns life throws at her?
The goods:
- Finn's part was perfect, gave me closure and answers to numerous questions. It wasn't the exact format I was expecting it in, but I thoroughly feel it was the perfect way to hear from him.
- While Jack's perspective was unexpected to me, it was my favorite of the three. such a unique position to be in that I think Laura captured with grace and excellence.
- Autumn's and Angie's relationship was spectacular to see, especially considering the circumstances they sort of reconnected during.
- It was fantastic to see all the side characters (the moms, Slyvie) get their piece during this book as well and I think Laura chose the right 3 perspectives to have this through.
The loss of
- While I don't think I needed full closure on this book (and I feel like we get full closure on Finn and Jack), I guess I wish it was a bit more wrapped up with Autumn. However, I'm sure that was the point of the book to have an open ending but I am still not a fan of them.
Overall: I liked this a lot better than If He Had Been With Me, so if you've read the first book, I'd highly recommend this one.
General Description:
Told from three perspectives, you get a unique insight into all the characters from If He Had Been With Me. First up: Finn. The last day of his life is looked at in-depth and we get a unique look at his and Autumn's past, as well as his relationship with Sylvie. Second up, Jack. College was supposed to be an escape, but how can Jack escape when Finn is forever on his mind? How do you deal with the grief of losing your best friend? Lastly: Autumn. When faced with the unexpected, can Autumn cope with all the twists and turns life throws at her?
The goods:
- Finn's part was perfect, gave me closure and answers to numerous questions. It wasn't the exact format I was expecting it in, but I thoroughly feel it was the perfect way to hear from him.
- While Jack's perspective was unexpected to me, it was my favorite of the three. such a unique position to be in that I think Laura captured with grace and excellence.
- Autumn's and Angie's relationship was spectacular to see, especially considering the circumstances they sort of reconnected during.
- It was fantastic to see all the side characters (the moms, Slyvie) get their piece during this book as well and I think Laura chose the right 3 perspectives to have this through.
The loss of
- While I don't think I needed full closure on this book (and I feel like we get full closure on Finn and Jack), I guess I wish it was a bit more wrapped up with Autumn. However, I'm sure that was the point of the book to have an open ending but I am still not a fan of them.
Overall: I liked this a lot better than If He Had Been With Me, so if you've read the first book, I'd highly recommend this one.