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themichellegray's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
This book was everything to me (all at once); it was truly as-if Katrina Leno had taken portions of my life and wove them together into this story.
Set in an area I grew up frequenting, this book explored themes immortality while also focusing on grief and mental health after losing a loved one to cancer. The writing was gut wrenchingly authentic but also balanced with just the right amount of humor and magical realism. AND it was super inclusive too!
Truly, I can't recommend this book enough and it became an instant favorite within the first 20 pages!
Set in an area I grew up frequenting, this book explored themes immortality while also focusing on grief and mental health after losing a loved one to cancer. The writing was gut wrenchingly authentic but also balanced with just the right amount of humor and magical realism. AND it was super inclusive too!
Truly, I can't recommend this book enough and it became an instant favorite within the first 20 pages!
Graphic: Cancer, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, and Grief
Moderate: Death and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Homophobia
karlybug's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
In reality there were a hundred meanings to life, and they were all true for different people, they were all valid for their own confusing reasons.
It took me a while to get through, but I really enjoyed the premise. When I started to figure out where we were headed (somewhat early; put the pieces together, Lottie, jeez!) I wasn’t sure how I felt about it and that remains true after finishing the book.
This gets three stars because although I enjoyed the story & concept and I mostly liked the characters, I think I just don’t prefer Leno’s writing style. There were several sentences that felt clunky, dialogue that didn’t feel authentic, etc. Though I made sure to capture the few phrases I really liked before returning this to the library. I liked matching up the chapters of Alvin books with the letters, but I had trouble with Abe & Lottie over-explaining what a reference is instead of just making them. But mega points for a realistic portrayal of anxiety & grief. So a worthwhile read. ⭐️🌟⭐️
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Terminal illness, and Grief
Minor: Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicidal thoughts
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