A review by jehan
100 Days of Sunlight by Abbie Emmons

hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

When I picked up 100 Days of Sunlight, I was in the mood for something light, easy, and maybe a little cheesy. You know, the kind of book you can breeze through while sipping a coffee and pretending you’re not actually putting off more important tasks. And for the most part, this novel delivered exactly what I was looking for: a heartfelt story with a healthy dose of romance and all those cute tropes that make you sigh a little.

From the start, I found myself surprisingly invested, even though young adult isn’t typically my go-to genre. There was a certain charm to the story, a kind of cozy warmth that made me want to curl up and keep reading. The prose was straightforward and accessible, perfect for anyone who’s just starting their reading journey.

But... (you knew this was coming, right?) it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. As much as I wanted to fall head over heels for this book, I found myself tripping over a few too many potholes. The characters, especially Tessa, the female protagonist, were just not as developed as they should have been. For someone going through such significant hardships, Tessa came across as whiny and annoying more often than relatable. I wanted to root for her, but she made it difficult at times.

And then there’s Weston. Now, I get it—he’s supposed to be mysterious, complex, and all that jazz, but the lengthy monologues about his past felt like they were trying too hard. At some points, I wondered if he was actually the main character instead of Tessa. It was like the book couldn’t decide who it wanted me to care about more, and in the end, I didn’t feel like I really knew either of them.

The poetry? Well, let’s just say I’m not a poet, and I’m definitely not a poetry critic (is that even a thing?). It didn’t really resonate with me, but I won’t hold it against the book because I’m clearly not the target audience for that aspect.

All things considered, 100 Days of Sunlight is a fun read, especially if you’re young or new to the world of novels. It’s got a lot of heart, even if it misses a beat or two. While I might not have fallen in love with it, I’d still recommend it to someone looking for a light, feel-good story. Just be prepared for a few bumps along the way.