trueblue28's review against another edition
5.0
I found this story so captivating, I read it in a day. The characters are sweet and likable. You watch them grow through their insecurities, questioning every decision along the way. I honestly wish this book was longer or there was a sequel because I still want to read about Dane and Amy's relationship, I find myself missing it.
elenajohansen's review against another edition
2.0
Okay, it's New Adult, but it lacks the two major hallmarks of NA romances: a tone of hyperbolic angst or a scene breakdown that skirts the line between a reasonable level of smut and full-fledged erotica. There's sex scenes, sure, but not every two pages, and not immediately after these characters meet. And there's angst, yeah, but it's not for its own sake, it's actually mostly centered around the dual issues of runaways and homelessness. Which is not something I've really seen romances tackle with any seriousness (though of course my exposure is not universal and there are probably other romances out there in this wheelhouse..)
I enjoyed it, but not to the point where I don't see its flaws, or to the point where I wasn't uncomfortable with how the delicate subject matter was handled. The simple fact of the matter is: I don't know how realistic this portrayal is of a teenager running away from an unsafe home environment and living on the streets for four years. The story doesn't ignore the darker aspects of survival without support, but I question if they're being romanticized or softened to be palatable to the reader. Like, on the one hand, homelessness is obviously not good for somebody and can entail a whole host of legal and moral issues, but am I projecting how awful I think it is when I read this and think, well, Dane doesn't actually have it that tough? It's not ideal but it could be worse? I'm not a fair judge of that, and I don't know that the author is, either, so I don't know how much of this serious issue is being prettied up for the romance side of things.
And if the core conflict of the story is undermined by my questionable trust in how it's presented, that's an issue.
That being said, I do like our characters. They're both well-developed, with personality flaws and past issues that make for compelling conflict between them. At the same time, though, the end of the story has them see-sawing constantly between breaking up and being together, and I'm just not on board, personally, for that level of lack of commitment. Having the main couple break up once during a typical-length romance, sure. Having them constantly turning away from each other every few chapters? That got old for me, quick, and the last time they did it didn't feel like a real ending. Nor did them getting back together for their happy ending feel like it was deserved, like it had the proper dramatic weight. It was just another "up" section of their relationship roller coaster to me, which didn't leave a positive impression of the book to linger with me.
So I enjoyed some of the book. Mostly the scenes that focused on Amy and Dane interacting directly, because their chemistry is solid and their dynamic is pretty adorable at times. But whenever the plot got serious, I liked it less.
I enjoyed it, but not to the point where I don't see its flaws, or to the point where I wasn't uncomfortable with how the delicate subject matter was handled. The simple fact of the matter is: I don't know how realistic this portrayal is of a teenager running away from an unsafe home environment and living on the streets for four years. The story doesn't ignore the darker aspects of survival without support, but I question if they're being romanticized or softened to be palatable to the reader. Like, on the one hand, homelessness is obviously not good for somebody and can entail a whole host of legal and moral issues, but am I projecting how awful I think it is when I read this and think, well, Dane doesn't actually have it that tough? It's not ideal but it could be worse? I'm not a fair judge of that, and I don't know that the author is, either, so I don't know how much of this serious issue is being prettied up for the romance side of things.
And if the core conflict of the story is undermined by my questionable trust in how it's presented, that's an issue.
That being said, I do like our characters. They're both well-developed, with personality flaws and past issues that make for compelling conflict between them. At the same time, though, the end of the story has them see-sawing constantly between breaking up and being together, and I'm just not on board, personally, for that level of lack of commitment. Having the main couple break up once during a typical-length romance, sure. Having them constantly turning away from each other every few chapters? That got old for me, quick, and the last time they did it didn't feel like a real ending. Nor did them getting back together for their happy ending feel like it was deserved, like it had the proper dramatic weight. It was just another "up" section of their relationship roller coaster to me, which didn't leave a positive impression of the book to linger with me.
So I enjoyed some of the book. Mostly the scenes that focused on Amy and Dane interacting directly, because their chemistry is solid and their dynamic is pretty adorable at times. But whenever the plot got serious, I liked it less.
alsudik's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
3.0
brewtifulfiction's review
4.0
This book reads like poetry at times and the result is a wonderful love story but for me I felt it could have done without the sex scenes, almost tarnished the beauty of it and that's why I've given it 4 instead of 5 stars.
whiskeyinthejar's review
3.0
3.5 stars
How to Say Goodbye was a New Adult story that vastly differed from the majority flooding the market right now. There is angst but it stemmed from Amy's emotionally sterile childhood and feelings of abandonment while Dane's involved childhood trauma and the issues that come with living on the streets.
Amy was dismayingly shy in the beginning, which fit in with how she was raised, but with every interaction with Dane, the reader saw and felt as she began to gain more confidence and come into her own.
Dane was our bad boy who fantastically didn't even come close to the word "bad" in all the ways that matter. He was kind, gentle, respectful, and always asking Amy how soon and how far; no pushy man whore here.
If you like New Adult genre reads, then you will definitely want to give this one a try. Amy and Dane's separate and together story had real heart to it and Amy's personal growth will invigorate your sense of hope.
Read full review at: Reading Between the Wines book club
How to Say Goodbye was a New Adult story that vastly differed from the majority flooding the market right now. There is angst but it stemmed from Amy's emotionally sterile childhood and feelings of abandonment while Dane's involved childhood trauma and the issues that come with living on the streets.
Amy was dismayingly shy in the beginning, which fit in with how she was raised, but with every interaction with Dane, the reader saw and felt as she began to gain more confidence and come into her own.
Dane was our bad boy who fantastically didn't even come close to the word "bad" in all the ways that matter. He was kind, gentle, respectful, and always asking Amy how soon and how far; no pushy man whore here.
If you like New Adult genre reads, then you will definitely want to give this one a try. Amy and Dane's separate and together story had real heart to it and Amy's personal growth will invigorate your sense of hope.
Read full review at: Reading Between the Wines book club
saarahn's review against another edition
4.0
Sweet
You have the sweet, shy girl who is drawn in by the big bad guy- except, she doesn't know he's bad. He's the charming, sweet-talking guy who doesn't stick around. He tells her this, just as she tells him that she'll only be sticking around for as long as her internship.
They're too different individuals, with their own separate burdens...Can they find love, and will the big bad guy recognise it when it comes along?
With this book, I had no problem with the writing- the dialogue was smart, sweet and sometimes quite humourous. A book where Robin hood meets Snow white- can they make it work? But, this book is no fairy tale- it's just two people who are lucky in love, and learn to accept it, and discover it in the most unlikely of places.
The only trouble I had was believing that a woman deprived of human touch, for so long, could find herself in bed with a man (within hours of having met him). That and there was lot of sex: if they weren't having it they were thinking about it. I'm no prude but too much of something is not usually good. It made the book repetitive.
You have the sweet, shy girl who is drawn in by the big bad guy- except, she doesn't know he's bad. He's the charming, sweet-talking guy who doesn't stick around. He tells her this, just as she tells him that she'll only be sticking around for as long as her internship.
They're too different individuals, with their own separate burdens...Can they find love, and will the big bad guy recognise it when it comes along?
With this book, I had no problem with the writing- the dialogue was smart, sweet and sometimes quite humourous. A book where Robin hood meets Snow white- can they make it work? But, this book is no fairy tale- it's just two people who are lucky in love, and learn to accept it, and discover it in the most unlikely of places.
The only trouble I had was believing that a woman deprived of human touch, for so long, could find herself in bed with a man (within hours of having met him). That and there was lot of sex: if they weren't having it they were thinking about it. I'm no prude but too much of something is not usually good. It made the book repetitive.
slc333's review
3.0
2.5 stars. It was ok. It was a little too angsty and inside the H & h' s heads for my taste. I prefer more character interaction and dialogue as opposed to internal musings and introspection. Amy & Dane were two damaged people who helped each other grow and be better. I liked that even tho it was about their relationship it was also about what the relationship gave each of them so that they could move forward with their lives and do what was right for themselves in the long term, trusting that they would be together in the end if they did what was best for themselves.
wilovebooks's review
5.0
I just loved this. I couldn't help it. It starts a bit slow, but I was pulled in by the writing. Amy has never been one to connect with people, but she is drawn to Dane right away. He is drawn to her as well, but he doesn't think he deserves her because he is homeless and has some things in his past that he wants to keep her sheltered from. I loved watching these two connect and try to get past the obstacles in their way. A touching, sweet love story.
purplepages's review
3.0
REVIEW COPY HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
If you've been following my reviews then you would probably be aware how much I love books with drama, real life issues and complex characters. This book has all of those.
New Adult/Young Adult books right now seem to be following a certain pattern. Characters name change. Settings change. But the flow of the story remains the same.
You guys all know what I'm talking about right?! Most of the NA/YA love story now a days have that that specific pattern and it makes the story old, dull and boring. Fortunately, How to Say Goodbye is not like that. Well it does have its share of cliches that I guess could not be avoided but all in all, the uniqueness of the story overpowered it.
The story revolves around Amy and Dane who both have their own demons to face.
Amy was smart but socially awkward. Her mother returned to Japan after her father died which caused her to learned how to live on her own. She's never been close to anyone. She never really had a person who would be able to tell her or advise her about stuff as she was growing up. Her mother only cares about her academic performance. She never really asks her if she was fitting in well or if she made any friends. Amy was curious but afraid to get close to people. *Did I forget to mention she was Japanese?*
Dane was not the type of guy you'd expect to be a homeless person. When you see him, he wasn't the type of person you'll think to have such a huge secret. When he was 14, something happened and he was never the same. That experience made him run away from home and chose to live alone, away from the people who love him. He stayed under the radar. He didn't work regular jobs just so that his parents wouldn't be able to find him. *Did I forget to mention he was a surfer??? A hot surfer??*
Amy and Dane's story started out pretty generic but then evolved into something beautiful. I thought Amy depended too much on Dane too soon. But then I guess it's just because she never really had anyone until Dane. What happened to Dane breaks my heart. I seriously feel for this guy. He is such a sweetheart and he doesn't deserve living a life he doesn't deserve.
Dane has so many secrets that he doesn't want Amy to know. He felt embarrassed about his past which was something he had no control over. He constantly felt that he wasn't good for Amy. Amy has a bright future ahead of her and he felt that he wasn't going to be good enough no matter what he does for Amy. It really breaks my heart everytime he talks like that. It really tears me apart.
THUMBS UP
* I didn't feel it was like any other NA book. It didn't follow that pattern I just earlier on this review
* I liked the interracial love story. It was a first for me.
* Writing style was impeccable.
* I LOVE the characters. There was just so many facets of them I was able to see.
* It made my heart ache. I just love that feeling. When books bring out emotions in me.. I just love that.
THUMBS DOWN
* I felt that the ending was a bit rushed. I liked that the story built up pretty well. The pace of the story was slow but became really fast and hurried for my taste towards the end.
* There were tini-tiny bits of cliche. Mainly though on Amy's character. (Example. She was a virgin who hasn't have any experience.)
FINAL RAMBLING
The story won't be as effective if the writing isn't good so I have to give kudos to Ms. Lin for writing such a moving story.
The pace was something I fell in love with. The words that were used seems to have been chosen perfectly. I think the story wouldn't be as effective if the wrong words were used.
What else??
Okay. I just have to say it again. I just love Dane. :)
If you've been following my reviews then you would probably be aware how much I love books with drama, real life issues and complex characters. This book has all of those.
New Adult/Young Adult books right now seem to be following a certain pattern. Characters name change. Settings change. But the flow of the story remains the same.
Innocent Girl meets Bad Boy.
Both experience INSTA-LOVE/INSTA-ATTRACTION whatever.
Bad Boy changes for Innocent Girl.
Innocent Girl loses her virginity.
Bad Boy does something stupid.
Innocent Girl tries to leave.
Bad Boy wins Innocent Girl back.
And they live happily ever after.
Blah. Blah. Blah,
You guys all know what I'm talking about right?! Most of the NA/YA love story now a days have that that specific pattern and it makes the story old, dull and boring. Fortunately, How to Say Goodbye is not like that. Well it does have its share of cliches that I guess could not be avoided but all in all, the uniqueness of the story overpowered it.
The story revolves around Amy and Dane who both have their own demons to face.
Amy was smart but socially awkward. Her mother returned to Japan after her father died which caused her to learned how to live on her own. She's never been close to anyone. She never really had a person who would be able to tell her or advise her about stuff as she was growing up. Her mother only cares about her academic performance. She never really asks her if she was fitting in well or if she made any friends. Amy was curious but afraid to get close to people. *Did I forget to mention she was Japanese?*
"Every other time in her life, she'd pretended not to want this. Friends and laughter. Easy camaraderie. Touch. Standing on the cooling sand, her stomach grumbling with hunger, she could no longer pretend."
Dane was not the type of guy you'd expect to be a homeless person. When you see him, he wasn't the type of person you'll think to have such a huge secret. When he was 14, something happened and he was never the same. That experience made him run away from home and chose to live alone, away from the people who love him. He stayed under the radar. He didn't work regular jobs just so that his parents wouldn't be able to find him. *Did I forget to mention he was a surfer??? A hot surfer??*
Amy and Dane's story started out pretty generic but then evolved into something beautiful. I thought Amy depended too much on Dane too soon. But then I guess it's just because she never really had anyone until Dane. What happened to Dane breaks my heart. I seriously feel for this guy. He is such a sweetheart and he doesn't deserve living a life he doesn't deserve.
Dane has so many secrets that he doesn't want Amy to know. He felt embarrassed about his past which was something he had no control over. He constantly felt that he wasn't good for Amy. Amy has a bright future ahead of her and he felt that he wasn't going to be good enough no matter what he does for Amy. It really breaks my heart everytime he talks like that. It really tears me apart.
THUMBS UP
* I didn't feel it was like any other NA book. It didn't follow that pattern I just earlier on this review
* I liked the interracial love story. It was a first for me.
* Writing style was impeccable.
* I LOVE the characters. There was just so many facets of them I was able to see.
* It made my heart ache. I just love that feeling. When books bring out emotions in me.. I just love that.
THUMBS DOWN
* I felt that the ending was a bit rushed. I liked that the story built up pretty well. The pace of the story was slow but became really fast and hurried for my taste towards the end.
* There were tini-tiny bits of cliche. Mainly though on Amy's character. (Example. She was a virgin who hasn't have any experience.)
FINAL RAMBLING
The story won't be as effective if the writing isn't good so I have to give kudos to Ms. Lin for writing such a moving story.
The pace was something I fell in love with. The words that were used seems to have been chosen perfectly. I think the story wouldn't be as effective if the wrong words were used.
What else??
Okay. I just have to say it again. I just love Dane. :)