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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.mricci57's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Wow. The beginning of the book had me tricked into thinking that all was well and that finding happiness’s after death was possible with the right people. I was unprepared for the revelation that having love and good people makes loss hurt that much harder. I fell in love with the characters in this book, especially the supporting characters which made it all the more devastating and beautiful. I would highly recommend. As someone who has lost people I love this idea of the next step was both comforting and heartbreaking.
Edit. The further away from this book the more I wonder if he tried to do too much. I would have liked more time with the core characters there was so much going on.
Edit. The further away from this book the more I wonder if he tried to do too much. I would have liked more time with the core characters there was so much going on.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
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
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
nahanarts's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Animal death and Suicide
rachiepachie_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Medical content
Moderate: Suicide and Murder