amanda_reads13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book is not my favourite TJR book, but it is incredibly emotional and heartbreaking. We jump between two timelines as the story interweaves Ben and Elsies love story with Elsie and Susan's (Ben's mom) journey to healing. I thought that this structure was incredibly impactful.
I didn't really connect to Elsie or Ben. I felt like their backstory, though cute, was pretty cheesy and at times Elsie was pretty immature. The scene at the Burger King before the wedding made me cringe. Elsie was acting like a total brat.
In the present, I appreciated how sensitivity this topic was approached. I think that Ana was my favourite character. She was there to support Elsie through everything, even when Elsie treated her like garbage. I liked that Susan and Elsie made such a strong connection and helped each other through the healing process.
I really liked the ending. I actually thought it was quite perfect.
Tropes: Instalove, life after loss, found family
Graphic: Sexual content, Car accident, Abandonment, Death, and Grief
melissaslibraryy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Car accident, Grief, and Death
Minor: Sexual content
chloelj27's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Car accident, Death, and Grief
Minor: Death of parent and Cancer
caitielusbooknook's review against another edition
Moderate: Death and Car accident
alyssamg8's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
Minor: Car accident and Death
markedwithanm's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Death, Car accident, and Grief
meeklovestoread's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This rating is on the lower side (I almost rated it a 3.75). Definitely not my favorite of hers but still a good book regardless. I think what kept me from rating it higher mainly was that I really didn't like Ben's character and found myself dreading the past chapters because I didn't really like him that much. I found him pretty immature a lot of times especially
Spoiler
his reasoning for not telling his mother about Elsie. I found that to be pretty childish. To me, it was never that deep, and his reason was pathetic. Like dude, she would've wanted to know.😒 And there were just numerous examples of his immaturity. Like the whole thing with his ex drunkenly booty calling him and him just being okay with it. Or him not wanting to go to the doctor as well as refusing to take medicine for his back pains. Like, come on dude. Grow up!As you may be able to guess I enjoyed the future chapters way more than the past ones. Elsie's grieving period is probably the most relatable thing I've read in a long time. The not eating/not taking care of yourself for days, the letting life pass you by because you don't see the point in living without that special person beside you, perceiving their memory as much as you can, etc. I may not have experienced the death of a loved spouse, but, I have experienced heartbreak and TJR's depiction was spot on to how I felt.
Another thing I admired about the future chapters was the gradual relationship forming between Elsie and Susan (loved Susan). It was nice to see them deal with these things together and the ups and downs of it all. What I also admired most was how this book addressed the criticisms that surround grieving people who didn't spend much time with their loved one(s). I'm not sure if this is a spoiler, but the main character, Elsie, only spends six months with her husband when he passes and is only married to him for nine days out of those six months, but her grief is often minimized by others due to her lack of time with him. I'm glad this book clarifies that grief holds no bounds; to miss a person is to still miss them whether you knew them for three weeks or 30 years.
And I can't help but mention the MVP of this book, Mr. George Callahan! He was my favorite character and had my heart this entire book! I loved him and his backstories! The way he loved his wife (how precious😥).
Spoiler
Lowkey why did Lorraine's death (which was off-page by the way) hit more than Ben's?👀 I guess I just really didn't vibe with that guy (Ben).😅Graphic: Grief and Car accident
Moderate: Alcohol and Car accident
Minor: Pregnancy and Violence
helsbelle's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Graphic: Car accident, Grief, and Death
gramcracker's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Minor: Mental illness, Death, and Car accident
plueschi77's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Grief, Death, Car accident, and Mental illness