This is me writing a review of a book I didn’t like. Reading it won’t kill you, but I don’t recommend it. Here goes. To give her credit, Anica Mrose Rissi wrote a novel about something that is very hard to write about. In Almost Forever Maybe, Betts falls hard when she meets Aiden. The reader can see signs that the relationship is abusive and might get worse, but Betts does not. I’ve talked about, read about, and even done workshops about unhealthy relationships. I know common signs that I hope I could catch in my own relationship or of someone close to me. But, this book challenged that already weak confidence. Betts was so sure that Aiden was right for her. She didn’t listen to her best friend or her parents; quite the opposite, she started to isolate herself from them. Betts had a reason, an explanation for everything, even when Aiden, her boyfriend, hit her for the first time. The transition from bliss to abuse didn’t feel abrupt, which is important, but it also happens over two weeks, which is kind of insane. Overall, I feel like I learned something from Betts thought-process in reaction to Aiden. It felt real. It felt relatable and it forced me to face the possibility of finding myself in a similar situation in a way I hadn’t before. The writing itself was often inconsistent. At some points, it was strong and descriptive, but then it would go flat, or the message would become unclear. Overall, I liked the character descriptions. But, the dialogue was awkward and felt forced. Betts is a teenager, and like many YA novels written by adults, she wasn’t always a believable character. It’s one thing when something is exaggerated that adds to the story, but the details given of Bett’s high school were painted with child’s paint on cardboard. The teenager’s voices and speech all felt immature (apparently this author normally writers middle grade books). There were also two female characters Betts when to school with who did not have a purpose. She just hated them for no reason? These how-old-are-they-supposed-to-be-again characters go through some hard stuff. Betts best friend, Jo, was the only good character, in my humble opinion. Not only did she have a strong personality, she did all the right things to help her friend when she saw how Aiden was treating her and I like that she was shown doing that. Content warning for the book: two sort of detailed sex scenes. They were weird and didn’t need to be there, but they were. So, yeah, there it is. Proof that I don’t love every book I read. Note: I listened to this on audiobook and the narrator, Brittaney Pressley, did a nice job, given what she had to work with. Spoiler Alert: analysis of the ending below
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Update: includes details added to the synopsis's and small edits to mechanics. Originally posted 7/29/19. I read the first book in the “Rosie Project” series two years ago, adored it, and wrote a review on this website (click Read More to read it). This summer, I happened to see the two new books in the series on the shelf at the library. It was definitely a wonderful act of fate- I read them within a few days. On every page, the author, Graeme Simsion, surprised me and drew me in closer. I will probably re-read these soon. Overview of the series (slight spoilers) PS. All three of these books are amazing. The Rosie Project (Book 1) - Don Tillman (POV) is a socially awkward, but incredibly intelligent, genetics professor. One day, he decides that he wants to find a woman to be his life partner. It is a struggle, but when he meets Rosie, she changes everything. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with Rosie right alongside Don.
Simsion’s writing is nothing like anything else I’ve ever read. His stories are sweet, but also tackle heavy, emotional issues with grace. I definitely cried a few times. Each of his characters have strong, defining personalities. Don’s voice as a narrative is incredibly well-done and thought-provoking. I love these books so much and hope you read them soon.
Also, I have not read any of it, but Graeme Simsion has other writing published. He has two other novels, as well as short stories and plays. |
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