mikaclapson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, and Fire/Fire injury
kimberlymichelle's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- 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
I borrowed the audio version from the library.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
violetsto_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.0
I went into this book blind, expecting a cozy bookstore romance based on the title and cover, and now my heart hurts (in a good way)! This was an unexpectedly sad book, but still a joy to read.
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!
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!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Death of parent
Minor: Mental illness
discodetective's review against another edition
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Mental illness
rugrat306's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
Another book from ‘a box of stories’ - mixed genre box. I liked this one, some tough topics in it, such as domestic violence and trauma. But I liked how it took the whole book to unravel Loveday’s story. It certainly notched the pace up towards the end, I couldn’t put it down. Mix of romance, mystery and poetry.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Physical abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Grief, Domestic abuse, and Death of parent
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