meant_to_be_studying's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-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
3.75
Literally loved this book. characters were splendid (some of the best written ones ive seen) each with their own distinct personalities, and plot was quite interesting. The emotion in the story was quite evident, and I typically don’t like reading books with such sad/melancholy themes, but this was definitely executed well. the depiction of ryn’s emotions and struggles with grief was very realistic, and the romance between her and xander was amazing.
I feel like the flashbacks were placed a little weirdly, just as we reached the climaxes and/or important parts of the story. I think this was done purposefully, but it didn’t really add depth to the novel, rather taking away the anticipation for the hyped up event about to take place.
I would also have loved just one more bit, when
Spoiler
ryn and xandar met again (assuming they were still a thing, as hinted in the end of the story) and ryn having overcome a bit more of her grief or at least being a little more open about it, and xandar having confronted his parents about the whole ordeal ( loved the plot twist about them, 10/10 chefs kiss). It would also be really cool if this was once again, at Denver airport, and they ran into siri, jimmy and maybe even marcus?!sc104906's review against another edition
4.0
I received this as an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It is New Year's Eve in a Denver airport, where a massive snowstorm has grounded all flights. Ryn is desperately trying to make her way home because the first anniversary of her best friend's death will occur in a few short hours. Ryn can barely keep her composure, her grief is slowly forcing its way out and she doesn't feel fit to be in the company of others. As Ryn attempts to tamp down her anxieties, she runs into a stranger and so begins a new and tenuous potential romance between Ryn and Xander. The two are both carrying serious secrets and baggage. Will they be able to open up and connect?
I love this type of story. It was fun, quick, and sweet. I love the unlikely friendships and relationships that came out of this freak snow storm.
It is New Year's Eve in a Denver airport, where a massive snowstorm has grounded all flights. Ryn is desperately trying to make her way home because the first anniversary of her best friend's death will occur in a few short hours. Ryn can barely keep her composure, her grief is slowly forcing its way out and she doesn't feel fit to be in the company of others. As Ryn attempts to tamp down her anxieties, she runs into a stranger and so begins a new and tenuous potential romance between Ryn and Xander. The two are both carrying serious secrets and baggage. Will they be able to open up and connect?
I love this type of story. It was fun, quick, and sweet. I love the unlikely friendships and relationships that came out of this freak snow storm.
carlyteighlor's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book a lot. It’s a wonderful tale of love, loss and learning how to move on when you loose a loved one all set in the Denver international airport. I loved how the author included the widely known conspiracy theory surrounding the airport.
carlyhoover's review against another edition
3.0
I was reading this book on and off for about a year, enjoyed it for the most part. Wouldn’t say there were any slow parts but considering when i picked it up to finish there was only 2 chapters left i’d say I enjoyed it.
notlikethebeer's review against another edition
5.0
I!! Adored!! This!! New favourite annual read? YES YES YES.
bellaroobookworm's review against another edition
4.0
A cutesy romance mixed with the effects of a devastating death...although Ryn is the narrator, I would argue that Lottie is the main character. Lottie's presence--or lack thereof--in Ryn's life makes her a main character who is as secretive in death as she was in life.
x_bambi_x's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
bethgiven's review against another edition
4.0
"What if some questions can never be answered? What if that's okay?"
It's New Years Eve, and Ryn is stuck at the Denver International Airport. It's the storm of the century and all flights are grounded. Her layover between Atlanta and San Francisco is lengthened from a few minutes to an entire day - and that's unacceptable, because it means she will be marking the first anniversary of her best friend's death at the airport; Lottie was killed in a car accident on New Years Day the year before at 10:05am. Then Ryn meets Xander, a fellow stranded passenger, and together, they navigate a day at the airport and Ryn's grief.
I really enjoyed this YA book; it was better than I expected it to be! The grief felt messy and complex and real, and I love how Ryn was supported by new friends. Ultimately she discovers her own inner strength to begin moving through her emotions, and I was rooting for her. This was both a fun, hopeful YA novel while also dealing with some heavy themes.
I liked that this was set at DIA (a familiar setting for me, even it's been a few years). Have you ever wondered what happens when you stay on the train past the C concourse? Ryn and Xander find out!
Clean readers: some strong language.
It's New Years Eve, and Ryn is stuck at the Denver International Airport. It's the storm of the century and all flights are grounded. Her layover between Atlanta and San Francisco is lengthened from a few minutes to an entire day - and that's unacceptable, because it means she will be marking the first anniversary of her best friend's death at the airport; Lottie was killed in a car accident on New Years Day the year before at 10:05am. Then Ryn meets Xander, a fellow stranded passenger, and together, they navigate a day at the airport and Ryn's grief.
I really enjoyed this YA book; it was better than I expected it to be! The grief felt messy and complex and real, and I love how Ryn was supported by new friends. Ultimately she discovers her own inner strength to begin moving through her emotions, and I was rooting for her. This was both a fun, hopeful YA novel while also dealing with some heavy themes.
I liked that this was set at DIA (a familiar setting for me, even it's been a few years). Have you ever wondered what happens when you stay on the train past the C concourse? Ryn and Xander find out!
Clean readers: some strong language.
rachbreads's review against another edition
3.0
“If you don’t control the grief, it will eventually control you.”
The Chaos of Standing Still is a strong YA contemporary from Jessica Brody. It has elements of romance, as does most YA, but what I really enjoyed was its unique premise and the way it examined grief in a young person.
This story centers around a teenager, Ryn, who gets stranded in the Denver airport on the very day that she is so desperate to get home, for reasons we soon find out. She is dealing with the recent death of her best friend, and most of this novel is her dealing with that grief and beginning to accept that she will have to move on. She meets Xander, a handsome teenage boy, and their relationship is a whirlwind of airport adventures and interesting side characters.
YA fans will enjoy this, and adult readers who are looking for a YA that isn't super silly will enjoy this. I found its examination of grief reminiscent of (although nowhere near as good as) A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti, one of my favorite YA contemporaries of all time.
The Chaos of Standing Still is a strong YA contemporary from Jessica Brody. It has elements of romance, as does most YA, but what I really enjoyed was its unique premise and the way it examined grief in a young person.
This story centers around a teenager, Ryn, who gets stranded in the Denver airport on the very day that she is so desperate to get home, for reasons we soon find out. She is dealing with the recent death of her best friend, and most of this novel is her dealing with that grief and beginning to accept that she will have to move on. She meets Xander, a handsome teenage boy, and their relationship is a whirlwind of airport adventures and interesting side characters.
YA fans will enjoy this, and adult readers who are looking for a YA that isn't super silly will enjoy this. I found its examination of grief reminiscent of (although nowhere near as good as) A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti, one of my favorite YA contemporaries of all time.