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stephsbooktalk 's review for:
Something Wild & Wonderful
by Anita Kelly
Thank you so much to Anita Kelly, Forever and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book will be published on March 7th.
"Alexei had never experienced friendship quite like that. Friendship that wasn't dependent on shared faith."
Alexei decided he wanted to walk the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) as the start of a new beginning to his life. While on the trail, he keeps seeing Ben along the way. Alexei was drawn to him and Ben was as well. Ben decided to stay and walk with Alexei for a huge chunk of the trail and from there, feelings ensue. Together they experience the beautiful trail and meet a slew of different characters along the trail.
"I think I fell in love with someone. And then I got scared and I left."
Alexei's development throughout this book is such a journey. He is very quiet, socially awkward and just wants to be left alone and by the end his personality shines through. And I love the juxtaposition Alexei was to Ben who was outgoing and personable. Alexei's childhood into adulthood is deeply upsetting but I am glad that by the end he was working on making his life better and has a new chosen family. I know there is a huge amount of people who have been through religious trauma and I do not think its talked enough in books. Alexei needed someone like Ben in his life and came at a perfect time for him during this transition phase in his life.
Fun fact (you may or may not know): There is a moment at the end when Alexei sees that Ben got a tattoo during their time apart and author Anita Kelly got the tattoo which you can see on their instagram page. How cool to see the image come to life!
This definitely inspired me to get out on the trails more. I love hiking and wish I could do it more often (my hiking partner's knees don't like it). And as if I didn't already want to go to the Pacific Northwest this made me want to go even more.
Also can we talk about this cover?! I remember being instantly obsessed with it as soon as it was released. I love that the same illustrator who did Love & Other Disasters also did this one. The colors are absolutely stunning!!!
I would definitely check this out if you are a hiker and enjoy the outdoors and want to see a love story unfold during hundreds of miles of walking.
This book will be published on March 7th.
"Alexei had never experienced friendship quite like that. Friendship that wasn't dependent on shared faith."
Alexei decided he wanted to walk the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) as the start of a new beginning to his life. While on the trail, he keeps seeing Ben along the way. Alexei was drawn to him and Ben was as well. Ben decided to stay and walk with Alexei for a huge chunk of the trail and from there, feelings ensue. Together they experience the beautiful trail and meet a slew of different characters along the trail.
"I think I fell in love with someone. And then I got scared and I left."
Alexei's development throughout this book is such a journey. He is very quiet, socially awkward and just wants to be left alone and by the end his personality shines through. And I love the juxtaposition Alexei was to Ben who was outgoing and personable. Alexei's childhood into adulthood is deeply upsetting but I am glad that by the end he was working on making his life better and has a new chosen family. I know there is a huge amount of people who have been through religious trauma and I do not think its talked enough in books. Alexei needed someone like Ben in his life and came at a perfect time for him during this transition phase in his life.
Fun fact (you may or may not know): There is a moment at the end when Alexei sees that Ben got a tattoo during their time apart and author Anita Kelly got the tattoo which you can see on their instagram page. How cool to see the image come to life!
This definitely inspired me to get out on the trails more. I love hiking and wish I could do it more often (my hiking partner's knees don't like it). And as if I didn't already want to go to the Pacific Northwest this made me want to go even more.
Also can we talk about this cover?! I remember being instantly obsessed with it as soon as it was released. I love that the same illustrator who did Love & Other Disasters also did this one. The colors are absolutely stunning!!!
I would definitely check this out if you are a hiker and enjoy the outdoors and want to see a love story unfold during hundreds of miles of walking.