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A review by planreadrepeat
The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is one of my top reads for 2024. The character building and literary references were amazing.
It’s labeled as a romance which I think might confuse people who are used to clear cut romances where the main characters are in constant contact by the end of chapter 1. This is a slow burn with a lot of reflection by James and Erin.
The book jumps between the present and the past to really tie everything together. A lot of topics are touched on. How our childhood trauma follows us into adulthood. How our parents shape us. What an easy path vs following your heart looks like. Erin is stuck in the past, complete with “seeing” her dead friend living with her. James has both grown up while desperately seeking parental approval. They share books anonymously through a lending library. Which reminded me of Divine Rivals.
So is it a love story? There is a love of books. A love of family. Rejoicing at following dreams. And a lot of love between couples.
Definitely low spice. Some closed door mentions. Quite a bit of bullying described among kids. Excellent characters and settings. It all flowed well and I really felt connected to the characters. Recommended for those who enjoy literary fiction with romance, character studies or complex human relationships.
It’s labeled as a romance which I think might confuse people who are used to clear cut romances where the main characters are in constant contact by the end of chapter 1. This is a slow burn with a lot of reflection by James and Erin.
The book jumps between the present and the past to really tie everything together. A lot of topics are touched on. How our childhood trauma follows us into adulthood. How our parents shape us. What an easy path vs following your heart looks like. Erin is stuck in the past, complete with “seeing” her dead friend living with her. James has both grown up while desperately seeking parental approval. They share books anonymously through a lending library. Which reminded me of Divine Rivals.
So is it a love story? There is a love of books. A love of family. Rejoicing at following dreams. And a lot of love between couples.
Definitely low spice. Some closed door mentions. Quite a bit of bullying described among kids. Excellent characters and settings. It all flowed well and I really felt connected to the characters. Recommended for those who enjoy literary fiction with romance, character studies or complex human relationships.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Cancer, Mental illness, Grief, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis