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sunsetcity's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
This book came as a bit of a surprise for me! I haven't heard many people talking about it and yet, I really enjoyed it! This book follows our main character Amelia. After getting into a fight with her best friend Jenna, she finds out that Jenna has died in a car accident while vacationing in Ireland. Lost and unsure what to do with her and Jenna's 10 year plan for after high school, she soon receives a special edition version of her and Jenna's favourite book from a random bookstore out of state. Convinced that Jenna had somehow sent it to her, she visits the bookstore to unravel the mystery of where the book came from and ends up finding out more about herself, what she wants to do in the future, and about the mysterious author of her favourite book.
This book was written in a very beautiful way. The main character is an avid reader and a lot of the descriptions in the book were almost magical, especially with the flying whales. It really helped to illustrate the grief that Amelia was going through and her journey in grieving the death of her best friend. I also really enjoyed the small town vibes and just how the setting was described throughout the story. It really helped set the atmosphere and tone of the story. I really enjoyed the plot overall and felt very immersed in the story the whole time. The only problem I had with the plot was the instalovey romance in it.
I also really enjoyed the characters. They were all dealing with pretty heavy things in their lives and the way they navigated and grew from their pasts was interesting to read. Amelia really grew throughout the story and seeing her figure out whether she should do what she thought Jenna wanted or what she truly wanted was interesting to read. I also really liked Nolan's character and how we slowly learned about him as he slowly opened up to others in the book. There were some points where the character development did seem a little fast, but overall I loved learning more about each of these characters.
Overall this was a really deep book about grief, friendship, and finding yourself that I would highly recommend people read!
This book was written in a very beautiful way. The main character is an avid reader and a lot of the descriptions in the book were almost magical, especially with the flying whales. It really helped to illustrate the grief that Amelia was going through and her journey in grieving the death of her best friend. I also really enjoyed the small town vibes and just how the setting was described throughout the story. It really helped set the atmosphere and tone of the story. I really enjoyed the plot overall and felt very immersed in the story the whole time. The only problem I had with the plot was the instalovey romance in it.
I also really enjoyed the characters. They were all dealing with pretty heavy things in their lives and the way they navigated and grew from their pasts was interesting to read. Amelia really grew throughout the story and seeing her figure out whether she should do what she thought Jenna wanted or what she truly wanted was interesting to read. I also really liked Nolan's character and how we slowly learned about him as he slowly opened up to others in the book. There were some points where the character development did seem a little fast, but overall I loved learning more about each of these characters.
Overall this was a really deep book about grief, friendship, and finding yourself that I would highly recommend people read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Car accident, Child death, Death, Grief, and Panic attacks/disorders
sarahasyouwish's review against another edition
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
4.25
A book within a book set in an utterly charming bookstore? Yes, I’m in. Add to that the story of two friends as close as sisters who loved this magical book and how tragedy upended their lives, sending one of them on a fateful path to deal with loss and discover who she wants to be. I found this book to be whimsical, engaging and quite emotional. Despite it having some insta-love and overly dramatic very YA moments, it all still came together into a lovely story that I’m very glad to have read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death, Car accident, and Child death
andkellyreads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Normally I take a little time after I finish a story before writing my review. I let myself marinate in what I’ve read, think about things that stuck out, or ruminate on what may or may not have worked well for me.
I’m not doing that with Amelia Unabridged. I feel like, if I don’t get my feelings out and down into this review now, I might not ever be able to.
Amelia Unabridged was pure YA magic. From the first page to the last, this book wrapped you up in a giant hug full of whimsical words and emotions, and keeps you safe from the outside world. I won’t go into too much detail, because this book needs to be approached without much influence, but just know that it hit me and it hit me hard. It was emotional, full of both highs and lows, and I sobbed my way through at least 6 chapters. Honestly, I don’t know how I retained what was on the page a few times because I was crying so hard I could barely see the words. But it was good. This book was so good. What an absolute joy it was to spend time inside Amelia’s head and experience everything with her; the grief, the joy, and the daydreams. She’ll make you smile, she’ll bring you to tears, and she’ll even make you angry a few times, but being with her as she learns how to live her own life after such a tragic event feels like a privilege and I don’t take a single moment for granted.
I’m still getting over the fact that this book is a debut, honestly. Ashley Schumacher has such a way with words that I highlighted over half of the book so I could go back and revisit my favorite moments whenever I need some comfort. The thoughts and actions of the characters were written in such a way that they match their artistic endeavors, lyrically almost, and the scenes were so beautifully described you could visualize everything so vividly, from the scenery and surroundings down to the facial quirks and mannerisms. It was a beautiful story to read and it was easy (and a pleasure) to get swept away in its current.
This book is a coming-of-age story, one that feels tangible and real, even with the somewhat cheesy, yet purely YA in style, romance that runs along Amelia’s adventure almost like a living thing. Amelia’s journey was full of whimsy and sadness, discovery and devastation, and I inhaled it all like a breath of fresh air. This book is perfect for lost souls and old souls alike, and I know it’s a book I won’t soon forget; its cast of characters memorable, and its journey nestled close to my heart. This book is any YA book’s dream, honestly, being a perfect blend of writing that hits the mark for both YA and adult readers, and I cannot wait to see what Schumacher brings us next. Amelia is a force to be reckoned with, and I know for Schumacher, this is only the beginning.
***Many thanks to Negalley and Wednesday Books for the review copy***
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Car accident
Minor: Animal death
rachelreadthese's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is a story about books and authors and readers. A large portion of the story takes place in a bookstore, and there are many literary references throughout. I loved it. I flew through it, finishing it before I even realized I was close to the end.
It's also a powerful story about grief. I probably sound like a broken record at this point, but I'll say it again: YA books don't get enough credit. The author did an amazing job exploring the depths of guilt, grief, and human connection. This would be perfect for fans of I'll Give You the Sun. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for an advance digital copy. This is my honest review.
It's also a powerful story about grief. I probably sound like a broken record at this point, but I'll say it again: YA books don't get enough credit. The author did an amazing job exploring the depths of guilt, grief, and human connection. This would be perfect for fans of I'll Give You the Sun. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for an advance digital copy. This is my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Car accident and Death
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