katiez624's review against another edition
5.0
This was a lovely read, really well constructed and a great mix of various components that I really enjoyed. The author chose to alternate timelines between chapters and often ended on cliffhangers, which added an element of suspense. The story contained the perfect blend of classic literature, poetry, crime, mystery, and cozy bookstore feel.
I did wish that the ending was a little more dramatic, but the storylines were tied up nicely.
I did wish that the ending was a little more dramatic, but the storylines were tied up nicely.
mdg1502's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
lisa11111's review against another edition
4.0
An intriguing story with a little bit of quirky. I don’t always like a back and forth on two timelines, but this worked so well to give you a little bit of the back story at a time.
thistlereads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
3.0
caslater83's review against another edition
4.0
Where do I begin? I love books and bookstores. The cover art was a great choice. Getting this book as an ARC for the month of August made me happy.
When I first started reading the book, I wasn't feeling the tug yet. But I kept going and I'm glad I did because it got better as I continued on. Some books are slower and I'm impatient, so that's just a cross I have to bear.
Robin strikes me as someone who survived the turmoil of her childhood by associating herself with the strong characters she reads in her literature. When she meets Peter, the two are a good fit, but like Robin, Peter's life is far from perfect.
As an adult, Robin struggles to move on from the past. Her father's awaiting execution. Her mother is awaiting release. The media still links her to her parents' crimes. It feels impossible to start over with those clouds of doom hanging over her head.
Packages start arriving in the mail from her childhood friend. Her anxiety is now rising. Why is he doing? Why now? What does he want?
The book will keep you going (which is good). I do wish that Peter had appeared earlier in her adult life...but that's just my own opinion.
ENJOY!
When I first started reading the book, I wasn't feeling the tug yet. But I kept going and I'm glad I did because it got better as I continued on. Some books are slower and I'm impatient, so that's just a cross I have to bear.
Robin strikes me as someone who survived the turmoil of her childhood by associating herself with the strong characters she reads in her literature. When she meets Peter, the two are a good fit, but like Robin, Peter's life is far from perfect.
As an adult, Robin struggles to move on from the past. Her father's awaiting execution. Her mother is awaiting release. The media still links her to her parents' crimes. It feels impossible to start over with those clouds of doom hanging over her head.
Packages start arriving in the mail from her childhood friend. Her anxiety is now rising. Why is he doing? Why now? What does he want?
The book will keep you going (which is good). I do wish that Peter had appeared earlier in her adult life...but that's just my own opinion.
ENJOY!
whatmeaganreads's review against another edition
5.0
LOVE LOVE LOVE!! This book was so easy to love with the author weaving in and out of "Then" and "Now!" The main character is and her male friend will forever have a place in my heart. The way the author tells how they communicate through stories read upon meeting and then bringing them back together through those same books is magical.
danielledickow's review against another edition
4.0
A unique story. I liked the short chapters switching back and forth between Now and Then. I'm from Michigan so I love the references to the Great Lakes and the UP, it's almost like reading about someone I know when I recognize the settings in the book.
This is the part with spoilers:
It just seems messed up that Robin didn't speak for 11 years ?! And she was still fairly normal after that ?? Introverted, yes, but she managed to own a business and talk to customers just fine. I coulve done without that part of the story. Someone who intentionally doesn't speak for that long probably needs a therapist. Also I figured her connection with Peter would bring them together in the end but I cannot fathom how a teenage crush turns into instant soul mates after not seeing each other for almost 20 years.
This is the part with spoilers:
It just seems messed up that Robin didn't speak for 11 years ?! And she was still fairly normal after that ?? Introverted, yes, but she managed to own a business and talk to customers just fine. I coulve done without that part of the story. Someone who intentionally doesn't speak for that long probably needs a therapist. Also I figured her connection with Peter would bring them together in the end but I cannot fathom how a teenage crush turns into instant soul mates after not seeing each other for almost 20 years.
jdsutter's review against another edition
What a poignant piece of writing. It's a story of a very lost and lonely girl and her search for meaning and belonging.
More detailed review and rating to come.
More detailed review and rating to come.
littleprefect's review against another edition
3.0
The end of this book left me a little frowny-faced.