jo_22's Reviews (399)

Great lighthearted read that is hallmark-movie cheesy at times but since that is part of the plot in a way, it works. And it’s a very well done version of cheesy— there is depth and it involves more than just a normal romance novel. I liked the bond between sisters and there were some quotes I highlighted. 

I enjoyed this. It was not the most polished arc of plot and characters which made it more relatable and like real life. Good romance that had characters that were endearing. I liked Audre. 
I also liked the themes/topics of past trauma, inner child, race, love, past & present, vices, family. I also liked how it was about stories and writing. 
Not a mind-blowing read (ie not 5 stars) but it is a solid novel that I’d recommend. 

Not 5 stars because I wanted a few more chapters, but overall amazing entertaining psychological thriller. Easy read, went fast and I couldn’t put it down. Very fucked up parts and I enjoyed the ending / cliffhanger which was surprising. 

This book was fun and lighthearted while also deep & life-giving, which is on brand with Backman’s other novels I’ve read. Didn’t like this one as much as the others I’ve read but still very much enjoyed the story & how everything is interconnected. Very wholesome story, I liked that it was told through the lens of a child and I liked Elsa. The fairytale aspect was imaginative and unique— wouldn’t want it in every book I read (it gets hard to follow sometimes & those parts get long) but they way it helps explain how Elsa sees the world & her relationship with Granny makes that part of the story impactful. 

This was entertaining but I did not find the writing compelling. I wanted to know what happened so the plot was decent and I liked the connections across the different characters’ stories. I think the writing made the story feel 2 dimensional and I did not really empathize with the characters as much as I thought I would. 

Very meta and reflective. Awesome jump between different time periods and how the book all comes together at the end is very well-done. Reflection on time, fate, the purpose of life, and how we live our lives as a part of the course of history. 
I loved the writing style and how the author fits so much in so few pages. 
I liked how it left me feeling the importance and contentment that comes from just living, even without answers or having it figured out. Lots out of our control. 

The way the author interweaves the character intentions/actions/emotions together and against each other is a what makes this book great. It is about mistakes and power and passion and I felt empathy and genuinely liked all the characters. 
Wholesome and heartbreaking and a good story. Overall great read. 

Idk what to think about this really. I liked the premise and the last 10-20% was good. But I did not like the characters and didn’t like the pacing of the book, it was almost stressful/irritating at times because issues the characters face could’ve been made easier if they just communicated with each other.