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A review by kirstysbookishworld
Analee, in Real Life by Janelle Milanes
4.0
“They leave a wake of smaller deaths behind them. Every dream, every memory bomb, every moment of happiness”
I loved this book. Not only did it have one of my favourite tropes (fake dating) but I genuinely fell in love with Analee and I understood her on a level I rarely connect with characters. Her grief was such a palpable thing, so consuming of her brain and her heart that she didn’t realise what she was putting out into the world.
The understanding of grief, specially a parental loss, really got to me. Losing my dad was hard but finding books that makes me feel understood and not so alone make it a little easier.
I loved Analee and the way she saw everything and what I loved about her POV was that you saw her as the caring, yet snippy girl, but from her POV all she saw was her misgivings, her flaws and it really goes to show the way you see yourself may not be the truth of it. Sometimes we need to be reminded that we’re worth the daily struggle. It really teaches you what anxiety and depression can do to you through even the simplest of moments in your life. It was done so effortlessly that I hardly noticed it.
Seb was an adorable sweetheart with real problems. I really hope the author continues his/their story, I’d love to know more about him. I loved the way he was with Analee, arguing with her to get her out of her shell, pushing her to do the things she’s afraid to do without being cruel about it.
My only issue with this book was that ending. I wanted a swoon worthy ending and although I understand why it ended the way it did, I was still slightly disappointed.
Overall my heart feels like it’s been through the ringer.
I loved this book. Not only did it have one of my favourite tropes (fake dating) but I genuinely fell in love with Analee and I understood her on a level I rarely connect with characters. Her grief was such a palpable thing, so consuming of her brain and her heart that she didn’t realise what she was putting out into the world.
The understanding of grief, specially a parental loss, really got to me. Losing my dad was hard but finding books that makes me feel understood and not so alone make it a little easier.
I loved Analee and the way she saw everything and what I loved about her POV was that you saw her as the caring, yet snippy girl, but from her POV all she saw was her misgivings, her flaws and it really goes to show the way you see yourself may not be the truth of it. Sometimes we need to be reminded that we’re worth the daily struggle. It really teaches you what anxiety and depression can do to you through even the simplest of moments in your life. It was done so effortlessly that I hardly noticed it.
Seb was an adorable sweetheart with real problems. I really hope the author continues his/their story, I’d love to know more about him. I loved the way he was with Analee, arguing with her to get her out of her shell, pushing her to do the things she’s afraid to do without being cruel about it.
My only issue with this book was that ending. I wanted a swoon worthy ending and although I understand why it ended the way it did, I was still slightly disappointed.
Overall my heart feels like it’s been through the ringer.