STARS: 5 out of 5
ok, let me see how to say this. When I started this book, I had high expectations. I try not to do that but I do sometimes. As I got going, I was loving the characters but I wasn't sure where the story was going to go. I knew part of how the character relationships would likely play out but one particular dynamic had me concerned that I wasn't going to enjoy the book. I was feeling a touch disappointed. I even put it down for a couple of busy days. But I picked it up again and continued.
Today, I finished the book. What I can tell you is that I am so very glad I continued. Aside from positively adoring 3 of the characters in the book, I truly fell in love with the book as a whole. While there are dynamics of a few of the characters that leave you feeling bothered, keeping my focus on the 3 I adored kept me going. Actually, that's not true. There is a 4th who also stole my heart.
But what I need to tell you is this. This book is light and jovial while heavy and intense all at the same time. But as you reach the climax, it becomes one of the single most beautiful books I've ever read. Nothing epic or world shattering. Just a deeply personal experience that changes how the main character views the world, his life, his family. A moment of clarity when he grows up. A single moment that was one of the hardest I have ever had to read but, as you get through it, you witness a level of growth and healing among several of the characters that changes the way they will face the world from that day forward...and it is simply beautiful.
I am so glad I continued as this book is going to my FAVES shelf. I will re-read it again (and probably again) now that I can (hopefully) make it through that section without putting the book down repeatedly to get through it. Because, as painful as it was, the beauty on the other side is worth every teary-eyed blur of the words on the page. And I feel stronger for having read it.
Read it. Take a deep breath before you hit chapter 20 (or before) but push to the other side. Your heart will feel fuller on the other side.
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