Rating: 5/5
Genre: YA Contemporary
“Life is so short…You shouldn’t have to spend it being unhappy. None of us should.”
Review
Let me start by saying that I went into this story thinking I was only going to smile the whole time an be swooned by the cute relationship between Karina and Ace. Hence, I was surprised as I did not expect for this story to hit too close to my heart in so many moments. I know I am not part of the targeted audience for the book, and while I can not speak for the accuracy on the representation, I will say it was beautiful to read some aspects here and there of Karina’s culture and the way she embraced and appreciated every single one of them, especially since this is the first book I’ve read with a Bangladeshi main character.
Now, the reason why this book reached to me so much was because of the way Karina deals with her anxiety. Several instances throughout the story I found myself reading some of Karina’s feelings or thoughts that even I myself have, word for word, thought before. Having said this, I do believe the story had an adequate approach to this topic, not only did her friends helped her but Ace was also supportive through it all.
In terms of the relationship between the main characters, I just have to say I absolutely love them, I really enjoyed reading their moments from the cute study sessions at Pietra’s bakery to the emotional, encouraging conversations they had. They grew together both individually and as a couple, they were there for each other when the conflicts surged, and understood when the other needed space and time for themselves.
Overall, if you love a quick, wholesome read that will also show you what it is to allow yourself to have as much love for you and your passions as you do for friends and family, I truly recommend you give this story a chance!
“If a whisper is all I have left of you, then I will never make a noise.”
