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eponineeurydice's review
4.0
Awww this is such an underhyped gem. It exquisitely dels with grief and sexuality and music, it's just a beautiful story that is undeniably real. So glad I found it.
sarahbass's review
2.5
i liked the friendship in this book but rumi was annoying like i know your sister died but stop being mean to everyone. i didn’t hate the book but i didn’t love it. the writing wasn’t my favourite and it felt a bit repetitive
faeriesparks's review
5.0
another masterpiece. there are still remnants of mascara tears on my face from finishing this book. i can't form any coherent thoughts right now.
mgj19's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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
5.0
Summer Bird Blue
Akemi Dawn Bowman
“But to me music is just as important as the blood running through my veins. It gives me life, and it can take it away too.”
This book was honestly LIFE CHANGING. And when I say life changing, I mean it. It took me a while to read as I’ve been so busy and I’ve also read another less-life changing book while reading this one.
When I saw Isaac reading this in heartstopper, I thought that I have to give it a go and so I asked for it for Christmas. I thought it was actually about a lesbian relationship but it turns out to be about someone who discovers that she is possible aromantic and asexual WHICH BLOWS MY MIND!! As neither of these sexualities are represented much (I was aroace for a long time and now I’m ace lesbian who is probably on the aro spectrum).
The aro ace spectrum to so large it’s so confusing but no one is expecting labels of you (well, we say this…) but this book was so much more than that.
It follows rumi who lost her sister in a car accident and her mum mysteriously abandoned her so she is flown off to Hawaii with her aunt to grieve alone. We see her as she has a realisation that Lea is not coming back and that she can’t be alone forever. Rumi and Kai’s friendship is so beautiful and how it doesn’t have to be romantic is just showing that male and females can be close friends without any romantic involvement.
I loved how Rumi just didn’t all of a sudden cheer up, but we see the stages of where she learns to live again after loosing everything and how At the end, she finally forgives her mum for leaving her as we see yet another situation where a daughter needs that crucial mother-daughter relationship.
Overall I think this is a must read LIFE CHANGING book.
I struggled to think of a song for this one.
I’m thinking summertime sadness by Lana del Rey?
5 🌟
tamamorii's review
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
kkoerth613's review
4.0
This novel shows that there are different ways of grieving and what works for one person, may not work for another. I loved this because, like Starfish, the main focus isn’t the romance, its more of a sub plot. The main plot is Rumi grieving her sister’s death, but with making friends along the way to help her accept and move along. Can’t wait for the next book Akemi will write.
If you want my full review, you can check out my blog, www.aftersparkecho.com
If you want my full review, you can check out my blog, www.aftersparkecho.com
thepetitepunk's review
4.0
"Grief is a monster--not everyone gets out alive, and those who do might only survive in pieces. But it's a monster that can be conquered, with time."
This is the kind of beautiful, slow, lonely book I am always searching for but can rarely find. Featuring an ace-spec main character, Akemi Dawn Bowman offers a breathtaking story about grief, loneliness, and anger. This is a heavily character-driven novel with a slow beginning, but if that doesn't bother you, the character development is wonderful. I am always drawn to rather angry, almost unlikeable characters who tend to lash out at others because they don't know how to better cope with their feelings. It's something I can strongly relate to and I feel like it's not represented enough in literature, especially in women. Although not much happens regarding the plot, the complexities of the characters, their interactions with each other, and their perceptions of the world is so intricate and meaningful.
I don't think this book will be for everyone due to the personality of the main character and the slow, quiet atmosphere, but if you're looking for ace-spec representation and/or enjoy reading about anger, grief, and complex, messy characters, this one is for you.
This is the kind of beautiful, slow, lonely book I am always searching for but can rarely find. Featuring an ace-spec main character, Akemi Dawn Bowman offers a breathtaking story about grief, loneliness, and anger. This is a heavily character-driven novel with a slow beginning, but if that doesn't bother you, the character development is wonderful. I am always drawn to rather angry, almost unlikeable characters who tend to lash out at others because they don't know how to better cope with their feelings. It's something I can strongly relate to and I feel like it's not represented enough in literature, especially in women. Although not much happens regarding the plot, the complexities of the characters, their interactions with each other, and their perceptions of the world is so intricate and meaningful.
I don't think this book will be for everyone due to the personality of the main character and the slow, quiet atmosphere, but if you're looking for ace-spec representation and/or enjoy reading about anger, grief, and complex, messy characters, this one is for you.