Scan barcode
A review by bookedbynicole
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
5.0
Such a beautiful book with so much heart?! Calla goes to Alaska because her estranged dad (Wren, whom she hasn’t seen in 24 years) has cancer, and she meets his community (including a hot bearded pilot) and has a little *personal journey*.
Calla is a high maintenance city girl who needs a soy latte, but she’s not insufferable. What I love about her is that she really tries. She was in such an overwhelming position and was so brave in navigating around forgiveness and finding openness to growth. I actually thought the townfolk were overly critical of her, just because she wants to wear pink and likes makeup, like leave our cute girl be. Jonah is the beloved small town village boy has decided she’s a spoilt Malibu Barbie. Initially I was like ew, I don’t like men who think they have a moral high ground just because they drink black coffee and who seem to get off on lecturing women about makeup, but he did grow on me I guess. He’s ruggedly capable, a sharp shooter and leaves no room for miscommunication. He’s like a manly-man y’know, probably smells of wood and aftershave. They had great chemistry and a natural banter that made it hard not to root for them.
The highlight of the book for me is the Calla and Wren’s complicated relationship. Wren is a man of few words and seeing him try to open up was really touching. The raw and honest way that this book handled forgiveness felt very real, and the navigation around the acceptance of terminal illness and grief made me weep. All the characters in the book are full and complex, but relatable, and I think that’s why I was so invested in their stories and emotional journeys.
The emotional depth of this book blew me away, it showed that the world is messy and kind and filled with love and loss, friendship and family. I loved this book, it broke my heart in such a bittersweet way, and pieced it together with understanding. The only issue I have is that I’m typing this review after I read wild at heart where Jonah is a gaslighting asswipe and I’m still salty about it. Wish I stopped at the simple wild.
Calla is a high maintenance city girl who needs a soy latte, but she’s not insufferable. What I love about her is that she really tries. She was in such an overwhelming position and was so brave in navigating around forgiveness and finding openness to growth. I actually thought the townfolk were overly critical of her, just because she wants to wear pink and likes makeup, like leave our cute girl be. Jonah is the beloved small town village boy has decided she’s a spoilt Malibu Barbie. Initially I was like ew, I don’t like men who think they have a moral high ground just because they drink black coffee and who seem to get off on lecturing women about makeup, but he did grow on me I guess. He’s ruggedly capable, a sharp shooter and leaves no room for miscommunication. He’s like a manly-man y’know, probably smells of wood and aftershave. They had great chemistry and a natural banter that made it hard not to root for them.
The highlight of the book for me is the Calla and Wren’s complicated relationship. Wren is a man of few words and seeing him try to open up was really touching. The raw and honest way that this book handled forgiveness felt very real, and the navigation around the acceptance of terminal illness and grief made me weep. All the characters in the book are full and complex, but relatable, and I think that’s why I was so invested in their stories and emotional journeys.
The emotional depth of this book blew me away, it showed that the world is messy and kind and filled with love and loss, friendship and family. I loved this book, it broke my heart in such a bittersweet way, and pieced it together with understanding. The only issue I have is that I’m typing this review after I read wild at heart where Jonah is a gaslighting asswipe and I’m still salty about it. Wish I stopped at the simple wild.