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A review by cozyescapism
Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between by Jennifer E. Smith
3.0
I have read a good portion of Jennifer E. Smith’s Young Adult novels and although HELLO, GOODBYE, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN won’t be my all time favorite work by her, it is still a memorable story about change and finding our own way I think we all can relate to.
Like most of her books, this one ends with a strong conclusion (more on that later), but getting there was a little bit of a challenge. This story is extremely character-driven, and while I usually don’t have an issue with such novels, the pacing of this one could drag at times.
Since the story does take place over the course of twelve hours, there is a challenge to not only get to know the characters, but to learn to want to root for them and feel for their situation. I think Smith did a pretty good job with this, although, like I mentioned, it does lead to some pacing issues as most of the story is mostly back and forth dialogue.
The characters themselves are relatively ordinary but you could argue that is what makes the story hit closer to home-these characters could be you or me. I ended up liking them, but it took me about half of the book to truly care about them.
Quotes are from an ARC and may be changed.
Like most of her books, this one ends with a strong conclusion (more on that later), but getting there was a little bit of a challenge. This story is extremely character-driven, and while I usually don’t have an issue with such novels, the pacing of this one could drag at times.
Since the story does take place over the course of twelve hours, there is a challenge to not only get to know the characters, but to learn to want to root for them and feel for their situation. I think Smith did a pretty good job with this, although, like I mentioned, it does lead to some pacing issues as most of the story is mostly back and forth dialogue.
The characters themselves are relatively ordinary but you could argue that is what makes the story hit closer to home-these characters could be you or me. I ended up liking them, but it took me about half of the book to truly care about them.
“Over the past twelve hours, they’ve spent all their words-generously, riotously, fully-like a couple of gamblers throwing down every last chip without a single thought for tomorrow.”Only Jennifer E. Smith can write open endings that I am truly content with, they are always full of hope and promise, and most of all-heart. I’m pretty sure each of her last chapters take a little piece of my soul. She wraps her character’s stories up in a way that leaves you feeling fulfilled, but still leaving them open enough to imagine what the future might bring for those characters. HELLO, GOODBYE, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN left me with a smile on my face.
Quotes are from an ARC and may be changed.