Okay, so I will 100% say that this is a really important book, with a really important conversation at its center, and I really, really did think the ending saved this book.

*However*, I still had so much trouble getting through the middle half of the book. It got really boring and I think a lot of it comes down to my disinterest in slice of life fiction. While hard-hitting at times, this wasn't a very emotionally impactful read and I felt myself distant from all of the characters, but especially Emira. It didn't feel intentional; I think I really was supposed to care for Emira, but I found it hard to feel like I was inside her head. The writing style was really dry at times (but really good at others! don't get me wrong, it's a very well-written book!) and felt kind of...uninviting.

I don't deny that this is a good book (and nor do I understand the criticism about the ending, because I really do think that was its strongest point), but this wasn't what I had expected it to be and I am a bit disappointed in what I found. It had the tone of a thriller without any of the thrills and while I usually do like literary fiction, I really need to care about the characters for it to work...and I didn't.

Definitely still recommend because it's clear this book is successful and has an audience. I just don't think it was right for me.

-Book Hugger