emilylovesgoodbooks's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Murder
lindsaythegirl's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Minor: Domestic abuse
booksinbama's review
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse
ablayo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Gaslighting
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Fire/Fire injury
mikaclapson's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, and Fire/Fire injury
reaganalexis's review against another edition
- 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
Minor: Domestic abuse, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
kimberlymichelle's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
5.0
The audio book reader, Imogen Church, was absolutely perfect. Her interpretation of Loveday's story made me absolutely root for Loveday, and inspired compassion, rather than annoyance, for her self-sabotaging behavior.
The supporting characters were believably drawn and complex. There was enough emotional progress being made to keep me turning the pages. The humor was insightful and/or self-deprecating. The passion for books and their potential to have a powerful influence on our wellbeing was tangible.
The relationships complex and true. The judgements we make from the superficial, and the one's we make when we gain intimacy were well articulated. There is always more to discover, isn't there?
I cared. I laughed and cried.
The main ideas that linger after reading are that there are so many ways and degrees to which we can hurt the one's we love. Does it really matter if we "didn't mean it?" The consequences can be anywhere from deadly to trust damaging. And what if the person we love, and are hurting, is ourselves?
Also, acknowledge the power you have. Who gets to choose the life you will lead? Your next steps? When do you take the reins and when do you give them up, and why?
I wonder if I would have loved this book so much if it hadn't been read to me... I will buy it and find out.
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
cmmatsko's review
4.0
Moderate: Domestic abuse
violetsto_'s review against another edition
- 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
Likes:
- Poetry / Crime / History: The split timelines were executed so well! Perfect pacing
- Loveday is a bit gloomy and prickly, but a very endearing protagonist
- Archie is such a sweetheart and dandy to boot
- What reader doesn't want to work in a cute little mom/pop bookstore?
Dislikes:
- THE ENDING, iykyk
- I am not sure how I feel about Rob's character and his narrative purpose in the overall plot
Not a like or dislike, but this book is VERY English. I can't look up words very well when reading on the bus so had to guess and hope for the best!
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Death of parent
Minor: Mental illness
cibani's review against another edition
Minor: Domestic abuse and Physical abuse