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sincerelyadi's reviews
273 reviews
Past Present Future by Rachel Lynn Solomon
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
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
5.0
Forgive me if I jump around in this review, but I feel like Rowan’s professor would just want me to free write my thoughts out anyway.
Okay so I had to re-read Today, Tonight, Tomorrow before reading this. And every time I’m reminded I don’t need to do that because the author will summarize key points throughout the book around the previous book. Which I get why they do it, but kind of wish they didn’t. It’s a me thing, I know.
Is it also common for sequels to be dual point of view? Or just the last few I’v read. Either way I’m not mad about it. I think it was important to be able to understand Neil’s struggles through his lenses versus Rowan’s.
One thing that I loved continued from this first book is the little bits from text messages, to flyers, to Neil’s interesting but relatable search history and more. That’s why I would recommend not listening to the audio version of this because those bits make this book extra special. I love when authors do that (looking at you The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson)
This book was a lot heavier than the first book, but I appreciated that aspect. I think as you grow and head into college there are a lot of changes that are thrown at you all at once. I also appreciated how Rowan navigated Neil’s mental health, never once making it about her, but focusing on helping him as best as she could - while also dealing with her own struggles of perfectionism.
This book brought me back to college and also back to my long distance relationship with my now husband. I really appreciated that the book didn’t do the stereotypical long distance struggles of jealousy/trust. But the real focus of two people who love each other and want to make it work but are also growing and evolving and navigating all of those changes.
Neil’s dad is a piece of shit. I said what I said. But I’m glad he stayed that way, I don’t think Neil would have deserved the “I’ve changed.” And being forced to struggle with forgiving him and having him in his life. Especially with all the trauma he dealt with all that his dad put him through and have to struggle how
Rowan’s writing block struggle is so relatable in my career and I loved how her professor challenged her. How it’s okay to write shitty stuff. It’s important just to try. To not go for the perfection but wherever the words take you. That’s something I need to remember more often. Luckily for me I highlighted and tabbed that section.
For being a YA book there was a lot more intimate scenes but before the parents freak it. It was tastefully done and also realistic to where they are at in life and with being in a long distance relationship. Though I do see this book getting banned for those moments. Which do not even get me started, that’s not even the point of the book. But they do show emotional maturity and what a healthy relationship should look like.
All in all this was a lovely read, even with all of the heavy bits. I think, many people will be able to see parts of themselves in this book which I think will help them as they continue their journey in life. Because yes, it’s more than just a love story.
But regardless we do love a good love story with depth, especially when it’s tied with a nice little bow in the end. Which is why I loved that we got to see glimpses in the future, a nice way to close the book on these two beautiful characters.
Okay so I had to re-read Today, Tonight, Tomorrow before reading this. And every time I’m reminded I don’t need to do that because the author will summarize key points throughout the book around the previous book. Which I get why they do it, but kind of wish they didn’t. It’s a me thing, I know.
Is it also common for sequels to be dual point of view? Or just the last few I’v read. Either way I’m not mad about it. I think it was important to be able to understand Neil’s struggles through his lenses versus Rowan’s.
One thing that I loved continued from this first book is the little bits from text messages, to flyers, to Neil’s interesting but relatable search history and more. That’s why I would recommend not listening to the audio version of this because those bits make this book extra special. I love when authors do that (looking at you The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson)
This book was a lot heavier than the first book, but I appreciated that aspect. I think as you grow and head into college there are a lot of changes that are thrown at you all at once. I also appreciated how Rowan navigated Neil’s mental health, never once making it about her, but focusing on helping him as best as she could - while also dealing with her own struggles of perfectionism.
This book brought me back to college and also back to my long distance relationship with my now husband. I really appreciated that the book didn’t do the stereotypical long distance struggles of jealousy/trust. But the real focus of two people who love each other and want to make it work but are also growing and evolving and navigating all of those changes.
Neil’s dad is a piece of shit. I said what I said. But I’m glad he stayed that way, I don’t think Neil would have deserved the “I’ve changed.” And being forced to struggle with forgiving him and having him in his life. Especially with all the trauma he dealt with all that his dad put him through and have to struggle how
Rowan’s writing block struggle is so relatable in my career and I loved how her professor challenged her. How it’s okay to write shitty stuff. It’s important just to try. To not go for the perfection but wherever the words take you. That’s something I need to remember more often. Luckily for me I highlighted and tabbed that section.
For being a YA book there was a lot more intimate scenes but before the parents freak it. It was tastefully done and also realistic to where they are at in life and with being in a long distance relationship. Though I do see this book getting banned for those moments. Which do not even get me started, that’s not even the point of the book. But they do show emotional maturity and what a healthy relationship should look like.
All in all this was a lovely read, even with all of the heavy bits. I think, many people will be able to see parts of themselves in this book which I think will help them as they continue their journey in life. Because yes, it’s more than just a love story.
But regardless we do love a good love story with depth, especially when it’s tied with a nice little bow in the end. Which is why I loved that we got to see glimpses in the future, a nice way to close the book on these two beautiful characters.
Content Warnings
Minor: Vomit
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
adventurous
challenging
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
It was definitely an interesting read. I did read it over two days so that probably wasn’t the smartest idea to fully understand what was going on, especially since there were three stories that were at first separate and eventually intertwined. I’m not sure if I was exactly the right audience for this book, but I am all about reading banned books because I do think there are important learnings in all of them and also I think it’s important for people to see themselves in stories that they read. Honestly I’m unsure if it’s me or how my brain works that some of this went over my head a little but still wanted to learn and understand.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Nothing Like The Movies by Lynn Painter
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I have read a few reviews on people’s thoughts before finishing the book and now I want to add in my own perspective.
First of all Lynn Painter will always be a top tier writer in my opinion. So with a mixture of that and my own thoughts is how I landed on my rating of 4.5 stars. (Which is my first ever below 5 star rating for Lynn.) But don’t let that deter you, her books are always iconic in my opinion.
Here’s the thing, we were all excited for a Liz and Wes reunion, but I felt like the storyline spent far too long with them not on the same page. And maybe in a perfect world I would just want a book full of fluff with them in it. But I also realize where is the conflict in that?
Some people stated for books/tv shows/movies that are so perfectly done that it should be left untouched. For me I will always want a reason to escape back into my favorite stories, even if they don’t always live up to the original. We’re all far too opinionated for sequels to ever live up to the original (I said what I said)!
I did enjoy seeing them a few years later in college and having both evolved because life experiences does that to you. But gosh why did Lynn have to do Wes so dirty like that. (I get why she had to but gahh!) also at first I was like this is the first time I heard of Wes having a sister but then I realized that this book we got an added bonus for it being dual pov which I loved, and think was needed for how this story unfolded.
Once again I’m reminded how important clear communication is and could avoid so much miss communication but then again where’s the story in that?
I felt Liz was far too serious in this book compared to the first one. But I do think with growing up, at that age you sometimes think being serious/perfect is a good thing. When that’s not always the case. I did love the growth of Wes though, he had to go through some tough things to get there and that’s the goal isn’t it? To see growth through challenging times.
I also thought Liz’s internship was too good to be true. Like I kept waiting for something to go horribly wrong or Lilith not really committing to supporting Liz in her career aspirations which she did above and beyond and I really commended that. But also I kept thinking, this is too good to be true.
I loved that Lynn Painter continued on with the movie quotes at the start of each chapter, they are seriously my favorite. I even was inspired to rewatch He’s Just Not That Into You based on one of the quotes. Also I love the tradition in all of her books having playlists at the end for the main characters. I would be lost without it!
All in all, I adored this book but wished there was less disconnect between the two and more swoony moments. I felt like it took too long to build up to those parts which is why I knocked it down to a 4.5.
First of all Lynn Painter will always be a top tier writer in my opinion. So with a mixture of that and my own thoughts is how I landed on my rating of 4.5 stars. (Which is my first ever below 5 star rating for Lynn.) But don’t let that deter you, her books are always iconic in my opinion.
Here’s the thing, we were all excited for a Liz and Wes reunion, but I felt like the storyline spent far too long with them not on the same page. And maybe in a perfect world I would just want a book full of fluff with them in it. But I also realize where is the conflict in that?
Some people stated for books/tv shows/movies that are so perfectly done that it should be left untouched. For me I will always want a reason to escape back into my favorite stories, even if they don’t always live up to the original. We’re all far too opinionated for sequels to ever live up to the original (I said what I said)!
I did enjoy seeing them a few years later in college and having both evolved because life experiences does that to you. But gosh why did Lynn have to do Wes so dirty like that. (I get why she had to but gahh!) also at first I was like this is the first time I heard of Wes having a sister but then I realized that this book we got an added bonus for it being dual pov which I loved, and think was needed for how this story unfolded.
Once again I’m reminded how important clear communication is and could avoid so much miss communication but then again where’s the story in that?
I felt Liz was far too serious in this book compared to the first one. But I do think with growing up, at that age you sometimes think being serious/perfect is a good thing. When that’s not always the case. I did love the growth of Wes though, he had to go through some tough things to get there and that’s the goal isn’t it? To see growth through challenging times.
I also thought Liz’s internship was too good to be true. Like I kept waiting for something to go horribly wrong or Lilith not really committing to supporting Liz in her career aspirations which she did above and beyond and I really commended that. But also I kept thinking, this is too good to be true.
I loved that Lynn Painter continued on with the movie quotes at the start of each chapter, they are seriously my favorite. I even was inspired to rewatch He’s Just Not That Into You based on one of the quotes. Also I love the tradition in all of her books having playlists at the end for the main characters. I would be lost without it!
All in all, I adored this book but wished there was less disconnect between the two and more swoony moments. I felt like it took too long to build up to those parts which is why I knocked it down to a 4.5.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
Okay first of all this book was laugh out loud hilarious. Like I legit busted out laughing the whole way through. The characters were just gems and I loved the movie quotes at the beginning of the chapters and the music lyrics throughout. (As someone who once wanted to be a music supervisor herself this just was so relatable)
I do have to mention though as someone who personally struggles with emetophobia - this book could be triggering. There is one scene in particular (that goes on for several pages) and then there is mention of words relating to said thing a lot throughout the book, or maybe i just noticed it more bc of my phobia. But all that aside this book was still a 5 star read for me!
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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? Yes
5.0
Be brave enough to go big.
Okay first of all this book was laugh out loud hilarious. Like I legit busted out laughing the whole way through. The characters were just gems and I loved the movie quotes at the beginning of the chapters and the music lyrics throughout. (As someone who once wanted to be a music supervisor herself this just was so relatable)
I do have to mention though as someone who personally struggles with emetophobia - this book could be triggering. There is one scene in particular (that goes on for several pages) and then there is mention of words relating to said thing a lot throughout the book, or maybe i just noticed it more bc of my phobia. But all that aside this book was still a 5 star read for me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Vomit
Snowed In by Catherine Walsh
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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? No
4.0
If you’re looking for a good ole fashion holiday rom com than look no further than this book!
I listened to it on audio and I feel that in of itself made this book even more magical as there were two Irish narrators that were absolutely fantastic!
Also this is not a spoiler but I feel like they could have had a different title bc the majority of the story did not deal with being snowed in. A small section yes. Then again if you asked me what I would title it then, well I’m not really sure at this second. But I felt like that was such a small part of the book is all.
That aside, I really did enjoy this holiday read!
I listened to it on audio and I feel that in of itself made this book even more magical as there were two Irish narrators that were absolutely fantastic!
Also this is not a spoiler but I feel like they could have had a different title bc the majority of the story did not deal with being snowed in. A small section yes. Then again if you asked me what I would title it then, well I’m not really sure at this second. But I felt like that was such a small part of the book is all.
That aside, I really did enjoy this holiday read!
The Book Club Hotel by Sarah Morgan
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was a quintessential cozy holiday read that I simply adored. I mean, I quite literally devoured it. You know those books where you read and you have to pause because life calls and it makes you sad because you don’t want life to call? This was one of those books where I had to kick my feet and attend to life, but any free second I had I prioritized this book. I loved how all of the female characters intertwined and how wonderful adult female friendships can truly be. The setting of this book was swoon worthy and makes me miss my time when I lived in a New England state for two years in my childhood. Hattie’s daughter Delphi, was the literal cutest and I loved her little no filter things she would say. And of course I loved how this book wrapped up in a nice little bow.
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
This review contains spoilers around her aunts death. I normally don’t have reviews that contains spoilers but I was not prepared for how her Aunt passed. The way she talks about her emotions after her aunt unalived herself was extremely emotional to read but also done in such a beautiful way. On the topic of mental health, I typically skip authors note but as I listened to this book on audio and was in the middle of doing something, I kept it going. I ended up crying hearing the authors experience with suicide with her grandpa. It’s an extremely emotional note that captures the meaning of books and how weird grief can be. I’m not doing her author note justice.
Ashley has a beautiful way of storytelling. The words she puts on paper are pure magic. She writes stories that go beyond your typical romance novel and adds meaningful depth to them. She also creates unique stories that are filled with magic that make me so happy they exist.
As I said before I listened to this story on audiobook and the same day I finished it, I went out and bought a physical copy so I could annotate my way through. That’s the thing with Ashley’s writings. Physical copies are a must. To be able to highlight quotes that perfectly depict grief, to why books are so magical. Ashley is a masterful and extremely unique storyteller and I always am excited for what she will create next.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
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
5.0
“Grief is a weird thing. It can be a monster on your shoulder. It can be a friend sitting with you at the table. It can be a memory and a smell— the soft, delicate notes of floral perfume. Grief can find you in the middle of the night as you roll over to go back to sleep. It can even find you in your dreams. And grief— what it looks like, how it whispers, how you respond— it’s different for everyone.”
This review contains spoilers around her aunts death. I normally don’t have reviews that contains spoilers but I was not prepared for how her Aunt passed. The way she talks about her emotions after her aunt unalived herself was extremely emotional to read but also done in such a beautiful way. On the topic of mental health, I typically skip authors note but as I listened to this book on audio and was in the middle of doing something, I kept it going. I ended up crying hearing the authors experience with suicide with her grandpa. It’s an extremely emotional note that captures the meaning of books and how weird grief can be. I’m not doing her author note justice.
Ashley has a beautiful way of storytelling. The words she puts on paper are pure magic. She writes stories that go beyond your typical romance novel and adds meaningful depth to them. She also creates unique stories that are filled with magic that make me so happy they exist.
As I said before I listened to this story on audiobook and the same day I finished it, I went out and bought a physical copy so I could annotate my way through. That’s the thing with Ashley’s writings. Physical copies are a must. To be able to highlight quotes that perfectly depict grief, to why books are so magical. Ashley is a masterful and extremely unique storyteller and I always am excited for what she will create next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicide
Business Casual by B.K. Borison
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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? Yes
5.0
The hold this town has on me. I love escaping into this world. It’s magical in its own way and I never want to leave it. Maybe that’s why I took extra long to read it lol. (Really was my adhd) But seriously the way Charlier adores Nova, I swoon! I know this series will eventually end, but I never want it to. But the good news is I own the entire series so I can enter the cozy world whenever I want. And believe me I will.
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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? Yes
5.0
I devoured this book. I literally could not put it down which is high praise. As someone who had adhd, it takes me longer to read a book because I’m often distracted.
I appreciate the author for delving into topics where representation of those topics are deeply important. From chronic/autoimmune issues to mental health. Her own person experience shines through as she rawly writes the reality of these issues. While I can’t personally relate to an autoimmune disease, I can relate to an anxiety and how she write about social anxiety and the thoughts and spirals a person has when exposed to certain situations is so spot on. It’s often hard to explain what that’s like but Abby explains it so beautifully.
This story was absolutely beautiful. my only tiny complaint is the extra long miss communication. Just as you think it’s been solved, it continues to extend. But I also understand the reasoning in the end.
I appreciate the author for delving into topics where representation of those topics are deeply important. From chronic/autoimmune issues to mental health. Her own person experience shines through as she rawly writes the reality of these issues. While I can’t personally relate to an autoimmune disease, I can relate to an anxiety and how she write about social anxiety and the thoughts and spirals a person has when exposed to certain situations is so spot on. It’s often hard to explain what that’s like but Abby explains it so beautifully.
This story was absolutely beautiful. my only tiny complaint is the extra long miss communication. Just as you think it’s been solved, it continues to extend. But I also understand the reasoning in the end.
Content Warnings
Minor: Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Abandonment
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-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? Yes
5.0
Woah, this book is not what I expected it to be. I truly did not know how it was going to end. In fact my first thought was way off. But I love that it was not predictable and such a unique story line. The last 20% of the book really had me thinking what is going to truly happen. I kind of loved that because it kept you drawn in. Also this small town and the people were just the cutest and truly it would be magical to enter the world of your favorite story. And it made me think what would I do in those moments? Not necessarily set in the fall but this was the perfect cozy fall read. I read this on my kindle but will be snagging a copy to further highlight my favorite quotes. There were many!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit