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hollymich's reviews
25 reviews
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Emily Henry sets up the perfect small-town adventure, we have come to expect, while subverting select tropes that generally aim to change the workaholic, city-slicker main character. The story interrogates the cliché question, "Can women have it all?" in a refreshing way.
I enjoyed the development of Nora's inner world, seeing her rustle with grief, her relationships, and control issues. Any older sibling could relate to aspects of Nora's feelings towards her younger sister, Libby.
Finally, the conflicts throughout the story are realistic and not easily resolved. The tension is palpable and distressing. You may even cry a little bit like I did as you root for love to conquer life's complications.
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Pregnancy
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Ellen Archer was a fantastic narrator for this story. If you are interested in this story, I recommend listening to the audiobook.
Graphic: Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, and Stalking
Minor: Cancer, Infertility, Suicide, and Vomit
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book will certainly leave you with a warm feeling
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Rape, Abortion, and Death of parent
Minor: Infertility, Infidelity, Racism, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, and War
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I appreciated learning about the political landscape of Iran in the 1950s and beyond. Marjan Kamali did a fantastic job depicting how central the political unrest was in the personal lives of the characters. Overall, a lovely exploration of Persian culture, womanhood, immigration, mental health, love and loss.
Graphic: Child death, Death, Mental illness, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Gun violence, Miscarriage, Sexism, Violence, Police brutality, Abortion, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and War
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
Minor: Body shaming
4.0
I recommend the audiobook!
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Grief, Abortion, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Cancer, Cursing, and Alcohol
4.5
I’ve never been overly drawn to stories about families, but gave this book a try based on recommendation. I was immediately captured by the Bird family’s hidden dysfunctions. There were so many unexpected twists to the story that took me by surprise. The love this family shares is undeniable and I definitely got emotional come the end.
I highly recommend this book to anyone!
Audiobook Note: I enjoyed how the storyteller used different voices to differentiate characters. There are a few instances where she puts on an Asian accent that gave me a bit of an uneasy feeling, so consider this before listening.
Graphic: Child death, Death, Suicide, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Pregnancy
Minor: Cancer, Miscarriage, and Rape
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It is a frustratingly accurate depiction of two people who are just so passive in their relationship. I so desperately wanted Connell and Marianne to be more open about their wants and needs, but they each had very realistic issues holding them back.
I enjoyed the exploration of mental health, coming of age, and finding yourself.
The romantic in me was hoping for a more satisfying ending, but such is life.
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Eating disorder, Abortion, and Injury/Injury detail
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Sexual content, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Vomit
- 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
4.0