Scan barcode
A review by gilly0298
If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I thought the book drew out the high school experience well but it is a little slow to read about. The author does not minimize the mental health aspects which I enjoyed. The emotional appeal was definitely the most poignant part of the book not character development or plot.
Personally not a fan of the sudden ending. I do liked that we see Autumn's grief, suicide attempt, and experience after. However, the possibility of pregnancy left open ended seems like lazy writing to me.
Graphic: Death, Car accident, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Mental illness, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Infidelity, Forced institutionalization, and Pregnancy