sarahesterman's reviews
209 reviews

Passion Project by London Sperry

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Head’s up: I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. Many thanks to Penguin Books. 

Holy fuck this book wrecked me. 

I cried more while reading London Sperry’s Passion Project than I have any other book in a hot minute. But it was a healing cry? It was an “I feel seen” cry? Because damn if this book doesn’t have one of the most relatable representations of depression and grief I’ve ever read in contemporary romance. 

I do think this book may be a bit polarizing for some readers. Bennet is a hot mess at the beginning (and at times throughout tbh), so her behavior may come off as self-centered at times. But as someone who has been through hell with depression (like can’t get out of bed, can’t eat, can’t maintain relationships, literally just surviving), imo it’s a pretty realistic portrayal of what it can be like, so I was in Bennet’s corner… even when she frustrated the hell out of me. 

Overall, if you’re a person who vibed with Emily Henry’s Happy Place, I think you’ll also vibe with Passion Project. Because, yes, it’s a romance. But it’s more a story about coping with grief and depression, and learning to move forward and keep living. 

(This was a condensed version of my review. Read the whole thing.)