A realistic, raw and relatable romance
I've heard that this book is a lot deeper and more shocking than Helen Hoang's previous works but, once you're informed of any potential triggers, I highly recommend reading it for the sheer bravery of the author (she claims this book is 'half memoir'), the variety of sensitive topics it covers, and the beautiful romance that proves love and acceptance can see us through incredible pain.
The book is written from two perspectives – that of Anna, an autistic musician who masks her own feelings and opinions in order to win the approval of others, and that of Quan, a recovering cancer patient with a fledgling clothes business and a compassionate heart. I loved both perspectives, but I found Anna's particularly interesting because the realities of burnout and instinctive people-pleasing are rarely talked about and often overlooked.
A lot of this book, admittedly, is sad. A lot of it is dark and maddening and unsettling. But there's a great deal of hope in these pages as well, from the patience Quan has with Anna's quirks and mistakes, to the sweet friendships both of them turn to in times of need, to the way both of them learn to fight for each other and – importantly – themselves.
This is the first book I've read by Helen Hoang, and now I want to read all of her others! I really recommend her work if you're looking for a realistic, raw and relatable romance with characters who are lovable, not perfect.
Trigger warnings: illness and death of a relative, caregiver burnout, cancer recovery, depression, gaslighting, suicidal ideation.
The book is written from two perspectives – that of Anna, an autistic musician who masks her own feelings and opinions in order to win the approval of others, and that of Quan, a recovering cancer patient with a fledgling clothes business and a compassionate heart. I loved both perspectives, but I found Anna's particularly interesting because the realities of burnout and instinctive people-pleasing are rarely talked about and often overlooked.
A lot of this book, admittedly, is sad. A lot of it is dark and maddening and unsettling. But there's a great deal of hope in these pages as well, from the patience Quan has with Anna's quirks and mistakes, to the sweet friendships both of them turn to in times of need, to the way both of them learn to fight for each other and – importantly – themselves.
This is the first book I've read by Helen Hoang, and now I want to read all of her others! I really recommend her work if you're looking for a realistic, raw and relatable romance with characters who are lovable, not perfect.
Trigger warnings: illness and death of a relative, caregiver burnout, cancer recovery, depression, gaslighting, suicidal ideation.