2019: What can I say? I knew what this reread would do to me and it did. I had forgotten exactly when the climactic devastation would occur, and in that way I was unhappily surprised again. Unfortunately, that meant that I was ruined for the next two hours, as once you reach that point, this book is impossible to put down. The only saving grace is that I had nothing else to do today, so it was alright to have my entire day ruined by this beautiful book. I love these boys and this world and recommend this novel to anyone with a heart, who wants to be reminded of why we live.

2016: This book absolutely GUTTED me. It has been a long time since I sobbed during multiple chapters of a book, with characters who I loved deeply and hated passionately. I am devastated that it's over and so sad to leave the beautiful world that Yanagihara created for me. My heart feels ripped to shreds, and I cannot wait to reread it.