Member Reviews
This book was a lot. Perhaps a bit too much for me. I'm not saying the book is entirely at fault. I've never really read heavy book like this (rape, addiction, ...) and I'm not sure if it's my style. I did think certain things were rushed. A lot happened in this book. And a lot of the character progress felt a bit sudden, as did certain relationships.
3.5 stars!
Such a heart-warming story!
Loved it from start to finish and I totally recommend it to everyone!
DNF at 61%.
Honestly, I think this could potentially be an engaging read for teenagers going through a rough / rebellious period and/or their (grand)parents — people who could relate to this book more strongly than I managed.
I got over halfway through the book trying to decide if I liked it or not, then eventually gave up once I was pretty sure I knew exactly where the narrative was leading. Which is not to say predictable or tropey plots are inherently bad, but it was more like I couldn't look away from all the drama than investment in the characters and their well-being. Character growth isn't a linear path of course, but watching this cast constantly regressing from one scene to the next, making a bigger mess just as they were about to fix their previous mess, was incredibly exasperating and frustrating to read.
Like the synopsis, the novel seesaws between heavy topics and comic relief or preachy and/or privilege-imbued "epiphanies" that made me roll my eyes. While there's a clear attempt to address a breadth of serious issues, I felt that it was stretched too thin and some scenes may have even made light of the problem.
I don't have a final judgment on this book's ultimate messages or arcs since I didn't make it to the end, but personally I found it too exaggerated to suspend disbelief.
What makes this book so different than the rest? It deals with a ton of issues that are real life issues & it does so in a way that makes it seem like someone's actual story instead of a work of fiction. The topics that are dealt with are written & described so well. I can't comment on the exact representation of them because I've not personally dealt with them except for losing someone to suicide & almost losing myself to suicide.
This book is in one word, amazing. I read the synopsis & immediately requested to read this book via NetGalley & was approved. I'm so grateful I was approved. This book deals with issues such as dementia, drug use, drug addiction, suicide, teen pregnancy & over coming difficulties in life. The characters are all amazing & so realistic. The character development & story development are absolutely amazing. This book is beautifully done & I 100% recommend it. There were some parts that shocked me & broke my heart but also some that made me laugh & sometimes get mad at. I think everyone needs to read this book. While reading it & after finishing it, I cried so much. The ending wasn't what I was hoping for but it was no less a great ending to a great book. In my eyes its an easy 5 star book & I can't wait until its published so I can get a physical copy. I'm so glad that I read this book.
Big thnx to NetGallery for a free copy of this book.
I find it light, entertaining, and interesting read. It feels like watching a movie play in front of your eyes, and I really believe it will be screened one day :).
Characters are interesting and warm, the plot is somewhat predictable, but I didn't mind. The writing is great, it really takes you to the vast territories of Alaska - you can see the beauty of its rawness, and the honesty of it's people. The book is a real page turner, so when you start, you wouldn't be able to put it back until you finish.
Overall, a great book to read on a hot summer days. My reccomendation.
I want to thank Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book.
It was such an amazingly important read I honestly couldn’t get enough.
At some points this book was really heavy reading if I’m being honest.
The story I feel is a really Important one and I’m glad I got the chance to read it.
4 stars.
This book right here had me happy then confused I like the aspect of the family with her and her grandpa and I like books set in Alaska so I was all here for it but the teenage pregnancy to a college drug dealing boyfriend I don’t really get that part but I did like this one a lot more than I thought I would