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thebookishbrewnette's review
4.0
Wow, this book covered some truly heavy but relevant topics while still giving those of us who believe in second (or maybe even third) chances hope throughout the dark parts.
Throughout this book we get to see the different ways in which two people, who are both young, struggle with anger, guilt, and grief. Johnson took two unique to me experiences but portrayed them in a way that allowed me to feel the anguish that these two characters go through.
While there is a small romance subplot weaved throughout this, I would not classify this as a romance book. I expect you would be slightly let down if that is all that you are looking for. If you are looking for something that will have your stomach in knots and shatter your heart repeatedly while slowly letting it heal alongside our characters, then I think this if for you.
Throughout this book we get to see the different ways in which two people, who are both young, struggle with anger, guilt, and grief. Johnson took two unique to me experiences but portrayed them in a way that allowed me to feel the anguish that these two characters go through.
While there is a small romance subplot weaved throughout this, I would not classify this as a romance book. I expect you would be slightly let down if that is all that you are looking for. If you are looking for something that will have your stomach in knots and shatter your heart repeatedly while slowly letting it heal alongside our characters, then I think this if for you.
bibliotequeish's review
3.0
Ethan and Rebecca met eight years ago. Every time Ethan's mom would try to get clean again, she would drop him off at his grandparents. And then he would be gone again ... until the next time.
It has been three years since the last time Ethan left, and a lot has changed.
Both dealing with their own issues, Ethan and Rebecca have a push and pull relationship that left my head spinning.
Look I remember what it was like being a teenager, I remember the angst and the rollercoaster of emotions, and I am all for reading about it.
But this one was too much. I felt like this whole book was two characters taking turns being mad at each other.
It has been three years since the last time Ethan left, and a lot has changed.
Both dealing with their own issues, Ethan and Rebecca have a push and pull relationship that left my head spinning.
Look I remember what it was like being a teenager, I remember the angst and the rollercoaster of emotions, and I am all for reading about it.
But this one was too much. I felt like this whole book was two characters taking turns being mad at each other.
mirarw's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
akacya's review against another edition
4.0
2024 reads: 200/250
content warnings: addiction, death of parent, abandonment, grief, car accident
eight years ago, ethan and rebecca met and immediately became close. then, ethan’s mom returned to take him away. every time he visits, ethan’s only goodbye is a flower on rebecca’s windowsill. three years ago, ethan left for the last time to take care of his mother, who struggles with addiction. two years ago, rebecca was in an accident that led to her father dying and her becoming a wheelchair user. now, they meet again, and discover whether their hardships have torn them apart or will bring them closer together.
this was such an emotional roller coaster. as i mentioned above, ethan and rebecca have both been through difficult things while apart from each other: ethan feeling responsible for caring for his mother, and rebecca feeling responsible for her father’s death, in addition to learning to navigate the world as a wheelchair user.
i also loved the whole premise of ethan and rebecca continuously being torn apart but still, for the most part, picking their friendship back up once together again. i really enjoyed this book, and i want to read more of abigail johnson’s books!
hannahk22's review
3.0
this was nice and had a very satisfying ending
characters were a bit confusing tho I spent like 3/4 of the book thinking two people were the same so
help idk what to say ok
characters were a bit confusing tho I spent like 3/4 of the book thinking two people were the same so
jennicareads's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I really wanted to like this one more. I mean, look at that gorgeous cover! I like the author, the premise was great, the storyline was compelling and unique. Unfortunately, I didn’t find myself connecting with the characters. This is a story with very little plot so character is everything. There were plenty of details to build the characters, but it lacked depth somehow.
So many parts of the story felt overly dramatic in a Lifetime movie kind of way. I wanted to know what mental illness Rebecca’s mother was dealing with because nothing about her was normal.
It wasn’t a bad book, I was just hoping for better.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC to review!
So many parts of the story felt overly dramatic in a Lifetime movie kind of way. I wanted to know what mental illness Rebecca’s mother was dealing with because nothing about her was normal.
It wasn’t a bad book, I was just hoping for better.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC to review!
alittlewrightreading's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I really liked Every Time You Go Away. It was great for a young adult romance. The characters were mature but still had issues that made sense for a younger adult.
I did love the characters. I felt everything they were going through which was definitely a lot for 17/18 year olds.
It’s not often that a MC is disabled so I liked that Rebecca was paralyzed and heard about some of the struggles a person goes through when adjusting to their new life.
I picked up the audio and really enjoyed the narrators so I don’t think you could go wrong when picking a format.
Thanks to Netgalley and Inkyard Press for a copy of Every Time You Go Away in exchange of an honest review.
justanotherreaderofwords's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ethan and Rebecca's relationship was interesting. It was good to watch them go through their challenges and learn to navigate their situations. I love seeing Ethan and Rebecca grow in their own respective ways. Ethan learning to stand up for himself and let go of the things that way him down. Rebecca learning to communicate better with her mother and sharing the emotions she feels both good and bad.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Alcoholism
Moderate: Addiction and Car accident