audreysova's review against another edition
4.0
This book was so different than I expected it to be going in, but in the best way. I was really rooting for all of the characters who were doing their best to grow as individuals and in relation to one another.
voraciousbookworm's review against another edition
Not for me: books where we're waiting for the person to get caught in their lies 😅 Which I should have gleaned from the front flap!
sholfs's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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
3.75
sanmeow's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
the story follows mika, the protagonist, during a very difficult period of her life. she then gets to reconnect with her daughter she gave up for adoption (penny). it turns out that penny wants them to connect, and so mika forms a bond with penny and thomas, penny's (adoptive) father. it's a complicated situation to be in because mika lies about her life to them, making herself seem much more perfect than she is. and it worked for me! the story was full of emotion and it explored many different types of human relationships. mika was a very easy character for me to connect with. i found it easy to understand her struggles, reactions, mistakes, and feelings. i also somehow liked the romance, which is a surprise.
the style was pretty good, nothing impressive but nice and easy to read. my complaint is that, despite me sympathizing with mika, she often irritated me and i sometimes wished she would just make one good decision. i also thought parts of the plot were predictable, but it's not too much of an issue really.
the style was pretty good, nothing impressive but nice and easy to read. my complaint is that, despite me sympathizing with mika, she often irritated me and i sometimes wished she would just make one good decision. i also thought parts of the plot were predictable, but it's not too much of an issue really.
juhaknyeon's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
slow-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
4.25
browsemyshelves's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. Emiko has done it again…
My dad was adopted, and I’m wanting to adopt myself, so I knew instantly that I would enjoy this book. It exceeded my expectations.
The story of Mika and her struggles through a sexual assault, lost love, losing hobbies, and what many would call “mommy issues” nearly brought me to tears. Despite being a fiction story—it was so real. I felt every emotion in this book (LOTS of them), and am confident in saying that this is one of my favorite reads of the year.
I want a second one. I want more. Yet, I’m still satisfied with how this ended. You know it’s good when you want more
My dad was adopted, and I’m wanting to adopt myself, so I knew instantly that I would enjoy this book. It exceeded my expectations.
The story of Mika and her struggles through a sexual assault, lost love, losing hobbies, and what many would call “mommy issues” nearly brought me to tears. Despite being a fiction story—it was so real. I felt every emotion in this book (LOTS of them), and am confident in saying that this is one of my favorite reads of the year.
I want a second one. I want more. Yet, I’m still satisfied with how this ended. You know it’s good when you want more
blanchesblankspace's review against another edition
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
3.5
leonorb's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Death of parent
juicygreenmom's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.75
liz_not_bennet's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
Despite the heavy topics affecting the protagonist's life the story overall has more "feel-good" vibes than I expected. I also didn't expect so much romance but it was fine. All in all a nice reading experience though in the middle it felt way too long to me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Racism