chemistryreads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.25
Woah, this book is a tough read. It is incredibly deep and covers a hard topic and it doesn’t feel like fiction at all. The timing going between current and past was really well done and balanced. I felt a real emotional weight in this book and TJR really does such an excellent job of bringing the reader into her world. Emma felt really complex in her dilemma, and as a reader, my heart aches for her pain and the choice she had to make. I love seeing both of her love stories with both Jesse and Sam I felt like Jesse’s wasn’t shown as much but that’s almost understandable in a young love. Sam’s love story with Emma was tightly intertwined with her healing and getting over Jesse. <spoilers ahead> Ultimately when it got to present time, I felt so much for these characters. I ached for Sam and sympathized so much with how he loved Emma, but also needed her to choose him first. Jesse, I mean you have to feel for him. His tragedy and trauma is just gut wrenching. And Emma. Having two loves and having to choose?! Strangely, I really felt the need to know what happened to Jesse pinky finger, and you do find that out. I didn’t really understand what was going through Jesse’s head and how everything seemed so normal. However, the fight in Maine was so well done. It was everything I needed and I know Emma may be judged for what happened in Maine, but it felt so necessary and so real. I needed to see that side of Jesse, and it felt so true. Ultimately the ending wrapped up pretty quickly, but I don’t think there could’ve been a better ending for this book. It isn’t entirely perfect but a book with this plot was never going to have a light hearted happily ever after. With that short ending, I really want Jesse story, and how he finally comes back to himself.<\spoiler> Julia Whalen is a phenomenal narrator for this book and is a real pleasure to listen to. 4⭐️, 2🌶
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Medical trauma, Eating disorder, Injury/injury detail, and Grief
mallory10100's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
i loved this book, taylor jenkins reid remains my favourite author!! a great last read of the year :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Death, Grief, Infidelity, Injury/injury detail, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Confinement, Cursing, Eating disorder, and Injury/injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Cancer, Chronic illness, Medical content, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Pregnancy, Self harm, and Vomit
i HIGHLY recommend this book!!
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