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hollymich's reviews
25 reviews
- 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
5.0
Emily Henry sets up the perfect small-town adventure, we have come to expect, while subverting select tropes that generally aim to change the workaholic, city-slicker main character. The story interrogates the cliché question, "Can women have it all?" in a refreshing way.
I enjoyed the development of Nora's inner world, seeing her rustle with grief, her relationships, and control issues. Any older sibling could relate to aspects of Nora's feelings towards her younger sister, Libby.
Finally, the conflicts throughout the story are realistic and not easily resolved. The tension is palpable and distressing. You may even cry a little bit like I did as you root for love to conquer life's complications.
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, and Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Ellen Archer was a fantastic narrator for this story. If you are interested in this story, I recommend listening to the audiobook.
Graphic: Death of parent, Murder, and Blood
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Stalking, Terminal illness, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Suicide, Vomit, Cancer, and Infertility
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book will certainly leave you with a warm feeling
Moderate: Abortion, Adult/minor relationship, Rape, Child death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, and Eating disorder
Minor: Infidelity, Infertility, Pregnancy, Suicide attempt, War, Racism, and Car accident
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I appreciated learning about the political landscape of Iran in the 1950s and beyond. Marjan Kamali did a fantastic job depicting how central the political unrest was in the personal lives of the characters. Overall, a lovely exploration of Persian culture, womanhood, immigration, mental health, love and loss.
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, Mental illness, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Police brutality, Pregnancy, Violence, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Abortion, Sexism, and War
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Mental illness
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
Minor: Body shaming
4.0
I recommend the audiobook!
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Mental illness, Self harm, Eating disorder, Gaslighting, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Domestic abuse, Bullying, Child abuse, Sexism, Abortion, Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Fatphobia, Grief, Infidelity, Misogyny, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Racism, Slavery, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Cancer, Alcohol, and Cursing
4.5
I’ve never been overly drawn to stories about families, but gave this book a try based on recommendation. I was immediately captured by the Bird family’s hidden dysfunctions. There were so many unexpected twists to the story that took me by surprise. The love this family shares is undeniable and I definitely got emotional come the end.
I highly recommend this book to anyone!
Audiobook Note: I enjoyed how the storyteller used different voices to differentiate characters. There are a few instances where she puts on an Asian accent that gave me a bit of an uneasy feeling, so consider this before listening.
Graphic: Death of parent, Child death, Death, Suicide, and Grief
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, and Infidelity
Minor: Cancer, Miscarriage, and Rape
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It is a frustratingly accurate depiction of two people who are just so passive in their relationship. I so desperately wanted Connell and Marianne to be more open about their wants and needs, but they each had very realistic issues holding them back.
I enjoyed the exploration of mental health, coming of age, and finding yourself.
The romantic in me was hoping for a more satisfying ending, but such is life.
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual content, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Death, Alcohol, Suicide, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Minor: Abortion, Injury/Injury detail, and Eating disorder
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child death, Blood, Body horror, Death, Grief, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, and Sexual content
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Vomit
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0