parsonska1's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
There were sections of writing in this book, which I adored. At points the language really wrapped you up in a fairy tale, but the overall plot (or plot-relevant language) felt a little predictable and boring. It felt close to being a book I absolutely loved but in the end, for me, missed the mark slightly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death
atamano's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide attempt, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying, Abandonment, Medical content, Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Sexual content
bethmalena's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.0
A fun modern-day fairy tale about processing grief through story and generosity.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Suicide attempt
emileereadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don't reread often, but I am doing a postal book club some and somehow none of them had read this book, so I HAD to make this my choice of book to send. But before sticking it in the mail, I wanted to refresh my memory. And boy am I glad I did, it was just as delightful if not more so the second time around.
This book by definition falls into the genre of adult contemporary fiction, but it has the feeling of some of my favorite other genres. It is incorrectly labeled as magical realism on Goodreads, but it just feels that way, no fantastical magic lies within these pages, just the magic of ordinary life. It has a young protagonist, bounces between perspectives, and has the hope of a middle grade novel. One character has a plot arc that mirrors a coming of age story, but he is fully an adult. There are also stories of love, grief, second chances, the magic of books and libraries, self realization, repentance, revenge, community, and life direction within these pages. All in all it is a real life version of a fairy tale and is a book you will want to hug and then press into the hands of all your friends.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content
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