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mooyeda's review against another edition
4.0
A fast and enjoyable read! I think this is so enjoyable because it gives readers more than a romance. I love that Hoang delves into Anna’s family dynamics, and really helps readers understand the mental and emotional exhaustion of caretaker and autism burnout.
Although I fully recognize that this story is Anna’s journey, I wish Quan would have gotten better development throughout the book. It feels like his imperfections (primarily his using unhealthy amounts of running as a coping mechanism) are to further the plot, in the sense that he’s already handsome, great at communicating, and supportive, so we need to be given some indication that he’s an actual human. It would have been great to see some sort of progress in this area for Quan. (His physical insecurities and relationship hesitations were resolved so quickly it didn’t really feel like progress to me.)
I love how the ending isn’t a direct skip to all of the happy parts. There’s still obviously issues between Anna and her sister, and she wasn’t suddenly able to play all of her music again. Her life is a definite work in progress, as all our lives are.
I also found Hoang’s descriptions of Anna’s burnout so real and relatable. We can truly feel Anna’s burden of trying to meet everyone’s expectations, and the exhaustion that inevitably follows.
Although I fully recognize that this story is Anna’s journey, I wish Quan would have gotten better development throughout the book. It feels like his imperfections (primarily his using unhealthy amounts of running as a coping mechanism) are to further the plot, in the sense that he’s already handsome, great at communicating, and supportive, so we need to be given some indication that he’s an actual human. It would have been great to see some sort of progress in this area for Quan. (His physical insecurities and relationship hesitations were resolved so quickly it didn’t really feel like progress to me.)
I love how the ending isn’t a direct skip to all of the happy parts. There’s still obviously issues between Anna and her sister, and she wasn’t suddenly able to play all of her music again. Her life is a definite work in progress, as all our lives are.
I also found Hoang’s descriptions of Anna’s burnout so real and relatable. We can truly feel Anna’s burden of trying to meet everyone’s expectations, and the exhaustion that inevitably follows.
kkretzinger12's review against another edition
5.0
Jaw dropping absolutely incredibly finished it in a day type of book thank you helen hoang i love you
_kaylasage_'s review against another edition
5.0
Really good, but very triggering and emotionally ravaging. This was hurt/comfort, not romcom like the others. It's a lot to prepare for mentally after its much lighter predecessors.
jvsaucceda's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
In comparison to the first two of the series, this one was less lighthearted. There’s so much focus on the do and gloom and I wanted an easy love story, like the first two. This was hard to get through.
livyadri's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
5.0
Vulnerable and thoughtful. This one hit close to home. Greatly appreciated Hoang’s description of burnout and the desire (and right) for both authenticity and acceptance.
livanaelliott's review against another edition
5.0
This one is my favourite. I love both of the mcs and the storyline was just perfects
scarlettsens's review
4.0
I hecking love Quan. His personality is just chef's kiss. I love how accepting, kind, and soft he is towards people that he cares. I also love Anna and how the author describes her self-acceptance journey. I also sympathize with her, especially about her family background. It's kinda toxic in a way, but I think most Asian households do that kind of tough love--some people just didn't know how to express tender love because they have never achieve it.
biancamtz8's review against another edition
4.0
I devoured this audiobook. And I really enjoyed it and had a visceral reaction to Anna.
However it doesn’t feel totally like a romance but overall I really enjoyed it.
However it doesn’t feel totally like a romance but overall I really enjoyed it.