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A review by reading_and_roaming20
A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
When I picked up ETHAN JOELLA’S first novel, A LITTLE HOPE, I knew little about it and was pleasantly surprised by the five star read. This time, it was not a surprise. The moment this book was announced, I knew I would love it. (Please never stop writing, @joellawriting. I will read it all!)
This is the type of book you want to cozy up with and slowly meander through. It is a tender story of love, loss, grief and hope with characters that felt so very real. JOELLA has a beautiful way of writing that gives a sense of calm while also tugging on your heartstrings.
The journey Chuck, Ella and Kirsten each took to work through their heartbreak and healing was raw and real. I was moved by their growth, though reaching the conclusion was a double edged sword. The outcome was beautiful, but I didn’t want it to end. I was so sad to have to leave these characters behind when I ran out of pages.
Oftentimes when I read a five-star a book, my review gets a little crazed. This time around, I can’t help but try to mimic the gentle atmosphere of A QUIET LIFE, so I find there’s not much more I can say to express my affection for it.
If you loved books like SIGNAL FIRES, THE READING LIST or WHAT COMES AFTER, this is an absolute must. (As is A LITTLE HOPE.) I’d also highly recommend JOELLA’S work to fans of FREDRIK BACKMAN. I know it won’t let you down.
This is the type of book you want to cozy up with and slowly meander through. It is a tender story of love, loss, grief and hope with characters that felt so very real. JOELLA has a beautiful way of writing that gives a sense of calm while also tugging on your heartstrings.
The journey Chuck, Ella and Kirsten each took to work through their heartbreak and healing was raw and real. I was moved by their growth, though reaching the conclusion was a double edged sword. The outcome was beautiful, but I didn’t want it to end. I was so sad to have to leave these characters behind when I ran out of pages.
Oftentimes when I read a five-star a book, my review gets a little crazed. This time around, I can’t help but try to mimic the gentle atmosphere of A QUIET LIFE, so I find there’s not much more I can say to express my affection for it.
If you loved books like SIGNAL FIRES, THE READING LIST or WHAT COMES AFTER, this is an absolute must. (As is A LITTLE HOPE.) I’d also highly recommend JOELLA’S work to fans of FREDRIK BACKMAN. I know it won’t let you down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Kidnapping, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Gun violence