christieburke75's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
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? No
4.0
kimb2's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A nice little story about the lives of several people,living in the same neighbourhood. It’s a story of love, grief, betrayal and forgiveness.
I think I liked a Quiet Life a bit better, but this is a great debut.
I think I liked a Quiet Life a bit better, but this is a great debut.
shealennon's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
jadenoel's review
5.0
A bit hard to get into at first as I’m used to more fast paced books. But the slower pace and attention to detail was actually really nice. The POV from multiple characters and multiple stories made it hard to put the book down because I needed to find out what happens next. Overall, beautifully written and executed. A bit heartbreaking at times though.
mmarlborough's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
If you loved the tv show “This is Us,” you will love this book like I did. Both emotionally manipulative but in the best way, carving out beautiful tender moments with characters that resonate.
This novel takes place in the small town of Wharton, Connecticut. Each chapter is a different character’s point of view: we begin with Freddie, who’s struggling to be hopeful amidst her husband Greg’s recent cancer diagnosis. The second chapter is from Greg’s perspective, the third from Freddie’s boss at the dry cleaners, etc. Each character built upon from a previous introduction, we see how we never know what someone is going through beneath it all.
Joella constructed this novel expertly with how he layered the chapters. In books with this many characters, there are usually some that are weaker but not here. I cared about everyone so deeply and teared up several times reading this. It’s compared to Strout’s “Olive Kitteridge” in its write up (which is one of my favorite books of all time.) I can see why - both revolve around different characters in a small town but there’s no central character here like in “Olive.” A few characters get two chapters, but most only get one. I think this unevenness is the only reason it’s not a 5⭐️ read for me. It’s also more heavy handed than Strout, but I adored it. If you like character driven stories, I cannot recommend this more highly and I look forward to Joella’s new release “A Quiet Life.”
This novel takes place in the small town of Wharton, Connecticut. Each chapter is a different character’s point of view: we begin with Freddie, who’s struggling to be hopeful amidst her husband Greg’s recent cancer diagnosis. The second chapter is from Greg’s perspective, the third from Freddie’s boss at the dry cleaners, etc. Each character built upon from a previous introduction, we see how we never know what someone is going through beneath it all.
Joella constructed this novel expertly with how he layered the chapters. In books with this many characters, there are usually some that are weaker but not here. I cared about everyone so deeply and teared up several times reading this. It’s compared to Strout’s “Olive Kitteridge” in its write up (which is one of my favorite books of all time.) I can see why - both revolve around different characters in a small town but there’s no central character here like in “Olive.” A few characters get two chapters, but most only get one. I think this unevenness is the only reason it’s not a 5⭐️ read for me. It’s also more heavy handed than Strout, but I adored it. If you like character driven stories, I cannot recommend this more highly and I look forward to Joella’s new release “A Quiet Life.”
joyfleming's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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? No
5.0
brookebatesratesbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Child death
Moderate: Drug abuse and Terminal illness
lizziesz's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.75
carpoolbookclub's review
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is a heartwarming, slice-of-life tale of a group of people all connected in some way. The ups and downs of their lives over a year will bring both smiles and tears to your eyes. Its an easy and quick read that will lift you up and restore your faith in humanity.
This book is totally character driven. There is not a highly developed plot…it’s loose and more day-in-the-life.
Each chapter is about a different character but they’re all interconnected and flow together seamlessly.
This book was raw and sad in parts, but also filled with hope (hence the title
This book is a heartwarming, slice-of-life tale of a group of people all connected in some way. The ups and downs of their lives over a year will bring both smiles and tears to your eyes. Its an easy and quick read that will lift you up and restore your faith in humanity.
This book is totally character driven. There is not a highly developed plot…it’s loose and more day-in-the-life.
Each chapter is about a different character but they’re all interconnected and flow together seamlessly.
This book was raw and sad in parts, but also filled with hope (hence the title