A review by catem
Where the Forest Meets the Stars, by Glendy Vanderah

mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I'm struggling with how to rate this book. I actually really like the premise. I found it to be really unique and the characters were relatable and I quickly became interested and invested in their stories. However, that is where the praise ends. By about 2/3 of the way through, the book started to feel really disjointed. Almost like the author had too many balls up in the air with the different threads and just couldn't continue to do them all justice. Hints of cancer recovery, family loss, body image and self confidence, abuse and neglect, more; all really serious and worthwhile topics, none of which received the attention they deserve. Additionally, I found the writing to be mediocre at best, with a very straight forward "he said, she said" vibe. 

Perhaps more importantly, I have a real problem with how mental health was portrayed in this book. Huge problem, actually. Insinuating that telling a loved one to get over it while forcing them into uncomfortable situations has never been, and we'll never be, an appropriate way to handle severe depression. The way the relationship progressed between the main characters was really troublesome, and this idea of just being able to "fix" somebody in that way is toxic. 
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