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alexan13's review against another edition
5.0
Stunned. Heartbroken. Sobbing. All in the best possible way.
joshish's review against another edition
4.0
Brain melting, heart melting, everything melting. Please write me notes in the margins of books too <3
brittanica_bold's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars! There were parts I loved and parts that frustrated me. Needed more George, less Rachel and Henry!
belgiancupcake's review
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
Main protagonists are not likeable.
The ending went on and on. The last 20 pages could have been summarized in one sentence.
I finished it because it was a quick read, but would not recommend.
The ending went on and on. The last 20 pages could have been summarized in one sentence.
I finished it because it was a quick read, but would not recommend.
tishag's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
I had high hopes for this book based on the synopsis, but it was much different than I expected, as in less romance novel, more serious contemporary fiction. None of the characters had anything positive going on in their lives, except for the MC's eventual romance which was predictable and came at the very end of the book. It was depressing and confusing at times. I didn't care for the narration, which I feel added to the confusion. The storylines were interesting, but the writing never hooked me.
I will say there are a couple things I did like/appreciate about the book. Books about books/bookstores will always feel special in some way and in this book's case, it was the idea of the Letter Library of the used bookstore that served almost as another character in the book. The LL holds books for people to read in-store, add notes, underline words or passages, and even communicate back & forth with other readers. I love this concept! Another thing I appreciated is that not everything was wrapped up with a neat bow at the end. While that's my preference for most books, it was fitting that a book filled with people who have messy/complicated/unhappy lives ended with things unresolved for most of the characters.
Overall, I didn't hate it and I went back & forth between a 2.5 and 3 star rating, so I'm splitting the difference and rating it 2.75. Not one I'm likely to recommend, but my isn't that cover pretty!
I will say there are a couple things I did like/appreciate about the book. Books about books/bookstores will always feel special in some way and in this book's case, it was the idea of the Letter Library of the used bookstore that served almost as another character in the book. The LL holds books for people to read in-store, add notes, underline words or passages, and even communicate back & forth with other readers. I love this concept! Another thing I appreciated is that not everything was wrapped up with a neat bow at the end. While that's my preference for most books, it was fitting that a book filled with people who have messy/complicated/unhappy lives ended with things unresolved for most of the characters.
Overall, I didn't hate it and I went back & forth between a 2.5 and 3 star rating, so I'm splitting the difference and rating it 2.75. Not one I'm likely to recommend, but my isn't that cover pretty!
undervmountain's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
Words In Deep Blue has two stories, and many stories in between, all bound up and told within the walls of Howling Books, Henry's second hand bookshop.The author managed to recreate the sense of walking into a familiar old bookshop perfectly and I was reluctant to leave when the last page ended.
There are two main stories here, one told in a dual narrative between Henry, who's just broken up with the girl he chose over Rachel, and Rachel herself, who hasn't spoken to Henry in three years since she left him a letter confessing her love before moving town, a letter he never replied to. Now Rachel's brother is dead and she finds herself back in Howling books, working alongside the guy she believes wronged her.
This is a truly magical story of grief, love, friendships and books. It's a story of growing up and learning to move on, even if it seems impossible. It's about finding love in the most unexpected of places and learning when it's time to let go of someone.
There are two main stories here, one told in a dual narrative between Henry, who's just broken up with the girl he chose over Rachel, and Rachel herself, who hasn't spoken to Henry in three years since she left him a letter confessing her love before moving town, a letter he never replied to. Now Rachel's brother is dead and she finds herself back in Howling books, working alongside the guy she believes wronged her.
This is a truly magical story of grief, love, friendships and books. It's a story of growing up and learning to move on, even if it seems impossible. It's about finding love in the most unexpected of places and learning when it's time to let go of someone.
hey_hail's review against another edition
3.0
This one, while not bad, had a really rough first half. It takes its time getting off the ground, which is not great for a book that’s under 300 pages. The second half it’s is bread and butter.
lauren_michelle's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.5
sam_hartwig's review against another edition
4.0
I think I might have loved this more if I had listened to it on audio book. The beautiful words may have come alive more for me if I heard them spoken aloud.
In saying that, I'm in no way disappointed, it was filled with so many beautiful quotes and characters who had so much heart. I did guess half way through about who was writing letters to George, but maybe that was intentional on the author's behalf.
Speaking of letters, I love a book that has letters in them and this was done perfectly. The letters were my favourite part of the book. I'd love to see a Letter Library, and read the messages people leave behind.
I have been meaning to read this for a very long time, and luckily it was chosen for this month's book club book so I had a reason to finally pick it up. I will be interested to hear what the rest of the girls think.
In saying that, I'm in no way disappointed, it was filled with so many beautiful quotes and characters who had so much heart. I did guess half way through about who was writing letters to George, but maybe that was intentional on the author's behalf.
Speaking of letters, I love a book that has letters in them and this was done perfectly. The letters were my favourite part of the book. I'd love to see a Letter Library, and read the messages people leave behind.
I have been meaning to read this for a very long time, and luckily it was chosen for this month's book club book so I had a reason to finally pick it up. I will be interested to hear what the rest of the girls think.
withlovenour's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. The story is scattered with literature references and is heartwarming. The relationship Henry and Rachel have with one another as well as themselves is uniquely inspiring as they grow as people.