Scan barcode
lightningmc_logyn's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
3.75
This was a slow burn for me. I struggled to get through it, until the last 150 or so pages of the book. Then, I sped through it to the end.
The description on the jacket feels misleading to me, most of the book occurs in a particular emotional space established early on in the story. There is growth and plot progression, but it is slow and subtle. In the end, I loved this book. Klune writes about death with poignancy, gentleness and confidence. The characters feel real and they are easy to root for. I cried a lot, unexpectedly. Oh, and I will always give praise for media that includes queer characters with no homophobia present-we deserve uplifting representation.
This book is a journey following the main character Wallace, and learning who he really is. And through that, the reader perhaps gleans some fresh perspective on death and grief.
Some personal complaints, I don’t like the “person with a cane uses it to whack people into their place” trope, (canes are mobility aids, not props) and that is a common occurrence with the character Nelson. Klune’s comedy often, but not always, felt jarring. I prefer books that steadily build in complexity rather than slow burns. So, all in all this books style is not for me-but I still enjoyed it.
The description on the jacket feels misleading to me, most of the book occurs in a particular emotional space established early on in the story. There is growth and plot progression, but it is slow and subtle. In the end, I loved this book. Klune writes about death with poignancy, gentleness and confidence. The characters feel real and they are easy to root for. I cried a lot, unexpectedly. Oh, and I will always give praise for media that includes queer characters with no homophobia present-we deserve uplifting representation.
This book is a journey following the main character Wallace, and learning who he really is. And through that, the reader perhaps gleans some fresh perspective on death and grief.
Some personal complaints, I don’t like the “person with a cane uses it to whack people into their place” trope, (canes are mobility aids, not props) and that is a common occurrence with the character Nelson. Klune’s comedy often, but not always, felt jarring. I prefer books that steadily build in complexity rather than slow burns. So, all in all this books style is not for me-but I still enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Child death, Suicide, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Blood, and Medical content
The authors note at beginning offers context and illustrates death is the main theme and I found the author handles it with compassion. The main character is a ghost.beethereal's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Grief
ljzsreadsandreviews's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
4.0
I had started this one on my Kindle back in May but life had been chaotic and it wasn’t drawing my attention. I am very much a mood reader and at the time it was not what I needed. I decided to pick this one back up, this time in audio format. I’m not sure if it was the format of the read or the timing for it but I was way more intriguied this time around. I wasn’t as annoyed by Wallace and I understood the premise so much more than before. I enjoyed the idea that there is this place in between life and death where we learn to accept our new existence. It was a very cool twist and provided several amazing life messages. I got an outcome I didn’t expect as well which made things so much more exciting. I was initially disappointed I wasn’t feeling more attached to this book when I first started so to come back and truly enjoy it was amazing. It really makes you wonder how much a good mindset can do to your enjoyment of a book....
Content Warnings
Minor: Death
mcmolls's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Grief
katieloopy101's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Suicide
psyduck11's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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
5.0
Es increíble. Ha sido un libro precioso de principio a fin con un desarrollo de personaje increíble y unas reflexiones muy bonitas sobre la muerte y el duelo.
Creo que ha sido de los mejores libros que he leído y me alegro muchísimo de haberlo encontrado.
Es de esos libros que te marcan y piensas en ellos incluso meses después de haberlos terminado.
Precioso de principio a fin
Creo que ha sido de los mejores libros que he leído y me alegro muchísimo de haberlo encontrado.
Es de esos libros que te marcan y piensas en ellos incluso meses después de haberlos terminado.
Precioso de principio a fin
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Death of parent
dangerfaner's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
spacecadetlav's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
4.0
I definitely felt the heavy themes of the book while reading. Although it had light and laughter throughout, it still was incredibly touching and reflective.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Suicide and Murder
Minor: Xenophobia
akswhy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
4.0
I enjoyed this one more than The House by the Cerulean Sea; it was a little more grounded and adult. The fantasy elements are well thought out, but not hindered by over-explanation. Just a truly good book about grief and death and love and beauty.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Chronic illness, Suicide, Terminal illness, Violence, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Mental illness, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Car accident
thebruce's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Animal death, Cancer, Child death, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Cursing, Suicide, and Terminal illness