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papertraildiary's review against another edition
3.0
I really like Grace's writing, specifically her attention to detail, voice and just how it feels so effortless. I definitely enjoyed reading this book because of this as well as its base in areas of Toronto I know and its focus on the mental health system and grief, however a few things snagged me. It felt like it took a while for the pace to amp up, and then once it did, it never really seemed to climax into an ending. I felt a bit disappointed by the end because I was hoping for some sort of resolution, but it didn't happen. However, I have a hunch that's exactly what Grace was going for - to leave it mysterious and open-ended, because hey that's life and a character with those kinds of issues doesn't just up and randomly realize everything one night. This is just more of a personal curiosity, as I wanted my hunches about the character confirmed! I'm looking forward to whatever Grace writes in the future.
kateycakes's review against another edition
5.0
An amazing book dealing with mental illness, love and loss. The prose is fluid and succinct, eloquent and captivating. Definitely would recommend.
lostinagoodread's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted on Cozy Up With A Good Read
This book caught my attention right away with the synopsis, and being a Canadian book (I can't get enough of them!). I will admit it took me some time to get into the book, I was confused with the pacing of the writing, but as I kept going, I'm glad I did, I fell in love with this book! The one thing that I found hilarious was everyone Maggie encounters seems to be writing a book about something. I also really enjoyed that this book was set in Toronto, I loved following Maggie around on her adventures and knowing where she was.
Maggie was a very interesting character, and I really enjoyed seeing everything from her point of view. Dealing with the loss of a family member is definitely heart breaking, and slowly we see how Maggie felt about her mother and how close her connection really was. You really get to see the family dynamic through Maggie's eyes, by going back through her journal entries. I really enjoyed that the journal was such an integral part of the book.
I really enjoyed that this had an interesting aspect of mystery to it. You follow the book trying to find out about Maggie's mother and what her life was like. I was completely surprised when I found out some things near the end of the book. I wanted to know more about Maggie's life and I was enthralled by all the characters that she runs into throughout the book. Gil being the most interesting character for me.
There was something about Gil that kept me wondering, and kept me going to find out more about him. Who was this character that showed up at the most interesting times of the book. Trust me when I say, when you find out who this character is, it definitely throws you! I was shocked and yet at the same time I saw something like this coming.
This book is funny at times and yet definitely still heartwrenching with everything Maggie goes through. This is a book about her journey through loss and her grief and how she comes out in the end. I could relate to a lot of what Maggie went through wondering what would cause someone to kill themselves like that. Maggie's story is an interesting one. This is definitely a new author that should be watched in the future because I believe she will come out with more stories that will keep you glued to the pages!
This book caught my attention right away with the synopsis, and being a Canadian book (I can't get enough of them!). I will admit it took me some time to get into the book, I was confused with the pacing of the writing, but as I kept going, I'm glad I did, I fell in love with this book! The one thing that I found hilarious was everyone Maggie encounters seems to be writing a book about something. I also really enjoyed that this book was set in Toronto, I loved following Maggie around on her adventures and knowing where she was.
Maggie was a very interesting character, and I really enjoyed seeing everything from her point of view. Dealing with the loss of a family member is definitely heart breaking, and slowly we see how Maggie felt about her mother and how close her connection really was. You really get to see the family dynamic through Maggie's eyes, by going back through her journal entries. I really enjoyed that the journal was such an integral part of the book.
I really enjoyed that this had an interesting aspect of mystery to it. You follow the book trying to find out about Maggie's mother and what her life was like. I was completely surprised when I found out some things near the end of the book. I wanted to know more about Maggie's life and I was enthralled by all the characters that she runs into throughout the book. Gil being the most interesting character for me.
There was something about Gil that kept me wondering, and kept me going to find out more about him. Who was this character that showed up at the most interesting times of the book. Trust me when I say, when you find out who this character is, it definitely throws you! I was shocked and yet at the same time I saw something like this coming.
This book is funny at times and yet definitely still heartwrenching with everything Maggie goes through. This is a book about her journey through loss and her grief and how she comes out in the end. I could relate to a lot of what Maggie went through wondering what would cause someone to kill themselves like that. Maggie's story is an interesting one. This is definitely a new author that should be watched in the future because I believe she will come out with more stories that will keep you glued to the pages!
chantale's review against another edition
2.0
A young woman grapples with her mother's suicide and starts having 'black outs' and hallucinations which can't be directly linked to her grief. The family owns a 'new age' shop and some of these mystical elements find their way into her therapy with her counselor. Gil a mysterious man who is or is not a figment of her imagination or psychoses seems a dark presence set to derail her with promises of helping her learn more about her mother and ending her blackouts. He at some point becomes her lover. There is a lot left for the reader to interpret for themselves in this book.
rickz's review
5.0
Reading a good novel in a style outside one's usual preferences is always a delight.
Grace has created a wonderful first book-length work. The plot and story line take the reader on an interesting journey as the protagonist unpacks and processes her mother's suicide. I particularly enjoyed the detailed colouring of every day events and observations woven into the writing.
Having the story set in familiar Toronto haunts and written by someone I know personally only rounded out this enjoyable read for me.
Grace has created a wonderful first book-length work. The plot and story line take the reader on an interesting journey as the protagonist unpacks and processes her mother's suicide. I particularly enjoyed the detailed colouring of every day events and observations woven into the writing.
Having the story set in familiar Toronto haunts and written by someone I know personally only rounded out this enjoyable read for me.
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