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laylarouse's review against another edition
2.0
The main character (Clover) is a death doula. The novel focuses on one key client (Claudia) and the lessons Clover learns through her interactions with Claudia. I was more Interested in the supporting characters (Leo, Sylvia) than the main character as she was portrayed too much as a “loner” and unsympathtic. Good unexpected romantic ending.
allthemisfits's review against another edition
5.0
How on earth is this the author’s debut novel? I am beyond honored I got to read this ARC. I savored every word. I didn’t want to leave Clover’s world. I felt so deeply for her as a character. The reflections on death and her job as a death doula isn’t morbid or depressing. It’s truly inspiring and not cheesy. I think I need to start my own notebook. I’ve been personally surrounded by death for over 30 years, so this book was good for my soul.
It’s best that one goes in knowing as little as possible, but I will say these few things: I absolutely loved how the story came together, I enjoyed how the supporting characters affected Clover’s choices and life evaluation, and I could have easily read another 100 pages. The only thing actually hard to believe was that NYC gem of an apartment being consistently affordable, but that’s lightly acknowledged. I can’t recommend this book enough, and this is one I intend on purchasing. Thank you Mikki Brammer for sharing such a beautiful and special story, and I can’t wait to see future work from you!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for kindly providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It’s best that one goes in knowing as little as possible, but I will say these few things: I absolutely loved how the story came together, I enjoyed how the supporting characters affected Clover’s choices and life evaluation, and I could have easily read another 100 pages. The only thing actually hard to believe was that NYC gem of an apartment being consistently affordable, but that’s lightly acknowledged. I can’t recommend this book enough, and this is one I intend on purchasing. Thank you Mikki Brammer for sharing such a beautiful and special story, and I can’t wait to see future work from you!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for kindly providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
krikabee's review against another edition
3.0
This book was sweet. Some lovely moments, if sometimes a little saccharine.
divaqueen's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this!!! -1 star for being a bit anticlimactic at times but altogether it was a good read and very reflective / comforting regarding death and grief
marveloustimereadingeverything's review against another edition
5.0
I laughed, I cried, I highlighted, and I just had an overall wonderful time reading this book. I loved it - poignant but also entirely heartwarming. I am a little surprised this is a debut novel, but I look forward to reading many more books by Mikki Bramer.
_shivreads_'s review against another edition
4.0
this one had me crying by the end so fair warning… big feelings ahead
sarah_fossgreen's review against another edition
4.0
Overall, I enjoyed this story. I thought the author brought light to the job of a death doula. It is such an interesting and important job that I knew nothing about. I appreciated learning about it. I also thought the author did a great job at handling the topic of grief. I appreciated how the author focused on how grief is different for everyone and how society needs to stop trying to “erase it”.
I am conflicted as there were parts of it I absolutely loved and other parts that were harder to get through. The last third of the book was what I was wanting. I wish we were able to spend more time on the trip and with the actual romantic interest. The ending felt rushed but it was so enjoyable.
I was also super conflicted about Clover as a character. At times, I found her to be a bit creepy and immature. Other times, I adored her and was cheering for her.
I would recommend this book but go into it with caution. Maybe read some reviews first. The book is different from what I expected.
I am conflicted as there were parts of it I absolutely loved and other parts that were harder to get through. The last third of the book was what I was wanting. I wish we were able to spend more time on the trip and with the actual romantic interest. The ending felt rushed but it was so enjoyable.
I was also super conflicted about Clover as a character. At times, I found her to be a bit creepy and immature. Other times, I adored her and was cheering for her.
I would recommend this book but go into it with caution. Maybe read some reviews first. The book is different from what I expected.
alisons246's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
becky919's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Favorite quotes:
"Be cautiously reckless" ~ p. 268
"I was still here, still living. But was I just existing out of habit?" P. 270
"Be cautiously reckless" ~ p. 268
"I was still here, still living. But was I just existing out of habit?" P. 270