A review by opheliaslittlelibrary
A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole

hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I went into this book totally blind, and I've been left with mixed feelings.

I'll start with the basics. This is a sad book. I didn't really know that to start but I enjoyed that (I'm wierd like that, I know).

I did struggle with the first half especially, though. I couldn't in good conscience not mention that I felt this didn't represent a healthy relationship, and it could be quite toxic at points (miscommunication, codependence, mentions of misogyny, etc). The writing also didn't feel like it capture the mind of the 5 and 8 year olds the characters are at the start of the book, and that was part of the reason I struggled to get into it).

The second half of this book still held traces if these, but less so. I won't go unto it too much for fear of spoiling it, but I felt it approached the theme of this book quite well, and it was thought provoking for me, especially the ending.

I wasn't expecting to cry over any book at the moment, but definitely not this one. Nevertheless, I cried. It was inevitable and emotional, and it affected me more than expected.

I felt that the bonus content was the perfect way to end the book, and it made everything come full circle. It was the ending that was needed and I'm looking forward to other people being able to read it too.

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