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heather_boo's review against another edition
3.0
Greta James is a self-absorbed musician with a large cult following. Her brother convinces her to accompany their father on an Alaskan cruise in place of her recently deceased mother.
Greta manifests the stereotype of the grunge guitar playing edgy “girl” (though she is in her thirties) all the way down to her Vans. She’s not a particularly likable main character, even describing herself as a mess and “in a weird moment.” My rating would’ve been higher if she would have experienced more growth.
The cruise is an interesting backdrop which reveals the fractious relationship between Greta and her father. It also places Greta in the path of a new romantic interest which is a flat relationship quickly becoming possessive and oddly toxic.
Redeeming features are in the final chapters so keep reading. This is a quick read and contains spots of good writing that enhance depth.
Greta manifests the stereotype of the grunge guitar playing edgy “girl” (though she is in her thirties) all the way down to her Vans. She’s not a particularly likable main character, even describing herself as a mess and “in a weird moment.” My rating would’ve been higher if she would have experienced more growth.
The cruise is an interesting backdrop which reveals the fractious relationship between Greta and her father. It also places Greta in the path of a new romantic interest which is a flat relationship quickly becoming possessive and oddly toxic.
Redeeming features are in the final chapters so keep reading. This is a quick read and contains spots of good writing that enhance depth.
alexismeyer's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful story of love, loss, and Alaska. Didn't realize it until the end, but I was obsessed with Smith's YA books as a pre-teen, so it makes sense that her first adult fiction novel did it for me as an adult. 5 stars.
sbalash's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
balderrama10's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
brynnphillips's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
khcdvm09's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
smblades21's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
stepharina's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this one. I got it as a BOTM selection a few months back and it made me envious of their cruise. I was supposed to go on an Alaskan Cruise in 2020, IT was at the TOP of my Bucket List and unfortunately Covid happened so I was living vicariously through Greta on this. I really liked her and was interested in her journey throughout this novel. There is also a guy she meets and I liked him too. Her father on the other hand drove me INSANE but no spoilers!! I think this is a light story despite its serious themes and it may not be one I remember in great detail but I read it quick and enjoyed every moment of it.
mgeorges's review against another edition
2.0
Not terrible, just not for me. I especially the writing in present tense - it feels like somebody narrating on NatGeo. Also, some details were trying too hard to reach every demographic, without adding value.
aubreyharris's review against another edition
2.0
there wasn’t anything wrong with this book, but there also wasn’t anything i liked