I purposefully waited to read this book, I wanted to get past it being the 'book of the time' and all the hype before I read it so I could really enjoy it and formulate my own thoughts and feelings towards it.  
I realized very early on, within the first couple of chapters it was going to be a solid 5 star read. 

For a book that jumps around timelines there's no confusion anywhere, it flows so well between the varying time lines and narratives. 
In terms of character diversity & development it was perfect. There's representation from LGBTQ+ to disability, and I suspect, neurodivergence without it being as obviously stated as the others. 
At first I wasn't sure about Sadie, she seemed selfish and childish even as she grows up, but her development and maturity is truly beautiful, I felt a lot of connection with her. Sam, I loved from the start, as stubborn as closed off to the world as he was, again I could see myself in him. He's a classic introvert who attaches to 2 people for life. And I can't not mention Marx, the beautiful, optimistic enthusiastic Marx, who brings out all  the best in both Sadie & Sam. 

Throughout the book all I wanted to do was curl up and play on my switch! It's cozy and inspirational. It's also deeply sad and emotional and sometimes traumatic.
But by the time I finished this book I just felt content. I felt enlightened, and I honestly feel like it's helped lift some grief I'd been holding on to. It gave me a new perspective on loss and moving on.