Scan barcode
smill12's review against another edition
emotional
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
3.75
I liked this book. It was a lot heavier than I expected, but I thought the author gave the characters great depth and real life problems without overdoing it. I really felt for Alison along the way, though I didn’t love how they handled it with their spouses
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Rape, and Suicide attempt
jacau's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Sexual violence
Minor: Homophobia
dreiwolken's review against another edition
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Homophobia, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Eating disorder
laurataylor's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Classism
rich_reads's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Cursing, Homophobia, Infidelity, Rape, and Grief
Minor: Sexual content and Abortion
miccy26's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Suicide attempt
noahee's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I picked this up, and was looking forward to reading it. As a Gen-Z child, I hoped it would introduce me to knew music, and that could enjoy the story at the same time. And it did not disappoint. I think I cried at least three times.
The tenderness from which the characters were created was beautiful. There was depth to all of them, and this led to a beautifully crafted story, with twists I did not expect.
I would recommend this book, it was sad, but beautiful, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
When Alison left Dan for Michael, it seemed there were not enough pages for them to get together again, and for them to resolve their romance. But they did get back together, which brought more tears, as Alison revealed her past that Dan did not know about.
And Peter (arguably my favourite character as he was the only queer one, and I tend to hang on to them) his story was painful, and full of sadness. Him and Toddy, a 'friend' from the steelworks were caught on camera, by Catherine's (his and Alison's mum) boyfriend, Martin. This led to Peter attempting ti take his own life, only being rescued by Alison. Alison destroyed the photographs, and at some point, we learn that Toddy did a hit-and-run on Martin, killing him. Alison found Peter, with some of Dan's help, and they were reunited. Peter's ending was not necessarily a happy one - he was alone and was working a hospitable porter - but him and Alison and been reunited, and that was most important.
The tenderness from which the characters were created was beautiful. There was depth to all of them, and this led to a beautifully crafted story, with twists I did not expect.
I would recommend this book, it was sad, but beautiful, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
And Peter (arguably my favourite character as he was the only queer one, and I tend to hang on to them) his story was painful, and full of sadness. Him and Toddy, a 'friend' from the steelworks were caught on camera, by Catherine's (his and Alison's mum) boyfriend, Martin. This led to Peter attempting ti take his own life, only being rescued by Alison. Alison destroyed the photographs, and at some point, we learn that Toddy did a hit-and-run on Martin, killing him. Alison found Peter, with some of Dan's help, and they were reunited. Peter's ending was not necessarily a happy one - he was alone and was working a hospitable porter - but him and Alison and been reunited, and that was most important.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Suicide attempt
bookishalice's review
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
After a couple of tough reads this month I absolutely, 1000% needed this read.
It struck the perfect balance between romance and reality. Soppy enough to lose myself in, but enough gritty realness to keep me engaged and make it believable.
What made this book stand out to me? The inclusion of music as a fundamental part of the story. I’ve always been one to connect music with books and this one had a ready made playlist. Daniel and Alison reconnect through shared songs. Their love language is music. That’s certainly something I can relate to.
I listened to the playlist, listed at the front of the book, while I read and it brought the story to another sense. Somewhere between the page and the screen.
The characters were realistic and multidimensional. As the chapters alternate between 1979 and 2012 we learn about the past and present lives of Alison and Daniel. This exploration provides insight into their behaviours and their inner-conflict. The result: characters you are absolutely rooting for.
An easy to read writing style that brought the plot to life. A story of first love, of what could have been and about it never being too late to make yourself happy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Homophobia, and Rape