The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! đ
sara_mb's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Suicide, Suicide attempt, Addiction, Death of parent, Mental illness, Death, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual content, Cancer, Death, Mental illness, Terminal illness, Death of parent, and Infidelity
katierosecrane's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
One of my favorite parts of the book is when <he is talking about his depressive episode. I felt very connected to the character in this chapter because of how Simone wrote about it. She explained it through subtle things that go through your mind and how it affects the people around you.> Lastly, the ending is perfect. not dragged out for ten more chapters after the climax, but keep concise and still connected to the material.Â
Graphic: Grief, Sexual content, Child death, Alcohol, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Suicide attempt, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
galleytrot's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol, Grief, and Infidelity
Minor: Biphobia, Drug use, Rape, Religious bigotry, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Racism, Suicide, Homophobia, and Pedophilia
chloelj27's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Grief, Mental illness, and Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent, Drug use, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Infidelity
symabee's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Sexual content
Minor: Drug use, Suicide, Alcohol, and Religious bigotry
bimeariver's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcohol
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Mental illness
criticalgayze's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Oh, and this one was hot. 9.5/10 on the level and content of the steam. (Slight point deduction for referring too much mouth licking and referring to genitalia as "my/his sex" and to closed mouths as having "seams.")
After a novel built on the back of will they/won't they angst, I do think the revelation/resolution comes too fast without any kind of real interior or assisted awakening or growth; however, I think this is a strong novel overall with great steam, characters, and writing.
Quotes:
Thereâs only the aching knowledge that you yourself are a kind of momentary prayer, uttered with reverence, spoken softly into the air, and then finished with a gentle and loving selah. (Page 10)
The thing about falling in love is that by the time you realize itâs happened, itâs already too late. Your boyfriend already has sprinkles for you in the pocket of his Tom Ford suit. Youâve already had bubble gum kisses on a warm city night. (Page 59)
My reflexive dislike vanishes in the face of a reality I shared with him before monkhoodâ which is that safety is contingent on space, on who is in that space, and even though I am wearing the robes of the god- man who chose people from the margins to share his heart, I know that his spaces and believers have often been the least safe of all. (Page 121)
âYou bring me closer to God, Elijah,â I tell him softly. âSimply by existing.â (Page 403)
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Suicide, Death of parent, Drug use, Infidelity, and Death
bbygirl21's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The way that mental illness was tackled and discussed in this book is so truly beautiful and raw that I felt like I was in Aidenâs mind myself. Within just the first 20 percent of the book I was already in near tears from how well Aidenâs feelings are portrayed. Especially after seeing Elijah for the first time after so long.
I also loved the glimpses of Elijahâs thoughts as well. Seeing a little bit of his struggles too as he tries to find closure so he can truly move on with his life only to get more and more questions.Â
This book made me think more about the power of faith and the impact it can have on someone in the darkest times of their life. And the monks in this book were some of the most amazing characters. I absolutely adored them.
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicide
Depression, suicidal ideation