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The Two Lives of Lydia Bird
The Two Lives of Lydia Bird | Josie Silver
248 posts | 112 read | 3 reading | 63 to read
THE NEXT CAPTIVATING NOVEL FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ONE DAY IN DECEMBER Two Lives. Two Loves. One Impossible Choice. Lydia and Freddie. Freddie and Lydia. They've been together for almost a decade, and Lydia thinks their love is indestructible. But she's wrong. Because on her 27th birthday, Freddie dies in a car accident. So now it's just Lydia, and all she wants to do is hide indoors and sob 'til her eyes fall out. But Lydia knows that Freddie would want her to live her life well. So, enlisting the help of his best friend and her sister Elle, she takes her first tentative steps into the world and starts to live - perhaps even to love - again. But then something inexplicable happens, which gives her another chance at her old life with Freddie. A life where none of the tragic events of the past few months have happened. But what if there's someone in in her new life who wants her to stay? A heart-breaking, uplifting story for fans of PS I Love You and Jojo Moyes, this gorgeously romantic novel will make you laugh, cry and remind you of what a wonderful gift it is to love and to be loved.
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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

God, this was good. Didn't take all the character paths I expected, and it was a moving, realistic portrayal of grief and an engaging, hopeful story all at once. Josie Silver knows her craft. #contemporaryfiction #womensfiction

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JenReadsAlot
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Pickpick

I devoured this, but not sure how much I actually enjoyed the storyline. My #doublespin for May @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! I've had this one on my TBR for a while. 10mo
32 likes1 comment
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JenReadsAlot
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks This one depressed me 😞 11mo
Eggs ❤️💗💙 11mo
36 likes2 comments
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monalyisha
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Pickpick

It‘s admirable that this book is completely different from the last of Silver‘s I read. One Night on the Island endeared itself to me with its distinct sense of place; in The Two Lives of Lydia Bird, it‘s the characters that do it — the sense of family (both biological & found). This ability to write multi-dimensionally speaks to her talent. A word of warning: don‘t read this book without a full box of tissues. Be prepared to launder your hanky!

monalyisha Note: I‘ve read several reviews which make the complaint that the plot doesn‘t move. While I can see being frustrated, given that the story‘s about grief, I think “feeling stuck” is a bit of the point. I think it would feel wrong if things *did* move quickly! I‘m always interested when authors do stagnation well — because it IS counter to the natural forward momentum of a narrative. I think Silver manages it handily. 11mo
Deblovestoread This still sits on my shelf. Your review is moving it up. Thank you. 11mo
monalyisha @Deblovestoread You‘re welcome — maybe! I don‘t think I can accept the thanks until I know you‘ve read & enjoyed it. 😅 I think Josie Silver is a distinct flavor; she might not be for everyone (but she‘s definitely for me)! It‘s funny…when I read her last one, I was reminded of an episode of Sex & the City. In this one (which came first), she mentions the show by name. I think it‘s easy to spot the influence! Fans of one might like the other. 11mo
69 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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AileenRR
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Mehso-so

Such a good premise: Lydia‘s fiancé dies but she‘s able to continue life with him in her dreams.
It was just ok. A pleasant listen, but not gripping.

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Injeanious
Mehso-so

I can‘t totally put my finger on why I couldn‘t finish this book. I enjoyed the story but the book just felt like it wasn‘t moving and I sort of could guess the outcome. I read half of it but found I wasn‘t rushing to pick it up.

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TheSpineView
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Pickpick

The library had this one listed as a romance. However, it is really about dealing with death and grief. I almost didn't make it past the first 1/4 because it was so sad and I wasn't in the mood. It did get a little lighter as it went along. It is a thoughtful book and the prose was elegant. This one of those that will touch you and you must be ready for it. 3.5 ⭐️

ShananigansReads Definitely should not have been categorized as romance 2y
TheSpineView Forgot to mention this is my #BookSpin for September! @TheAromaofBooks 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2y
73 likes2 stack adds5 comments
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Catsandbooks
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Pickpick

4/5 ⭐️ I actually enjoyed this one! Lydia's journey was messy but I think she ended up right where she needed to be. #LMPBC

I enjoyed reading with you all this round!!

kellyann28 Great round! ❤️ 2y
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kellyann28
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Pickpick

This is an interesting book. I liked it overall, it hovers between a pick and so-so for me, but I can absolutely understand why this would not be everyone's bag. Whoever was in charge of the cover design should have thought twice about the vibes it gives off for this emotionally heavy book, IMO!
#LMPBC @sprainedbrain @Catsandbooks @JackOBotts

37 likes1 stack add
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kellyann28
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My book for May came today! #LMPBC I am going to read on it this weekend ❤️
@sprainedbrain @JackOBotts @Catsandbooks

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JackOBotts
Mehso-so

⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was an okay read. It moved quickly and kept me curious, but I had some issues with some plot points (or lack there of). Grief is hard…and so different from one person to the next. I think Silver did a good job taking Lydia through her devastating grief with honesty. #lmpbc Group E

sprainedbrain My sentiments, much better expressed. 😉 2y
JackOBotts @kellyann28 - Lydia Bird is making her way to you…should arrive by Monday, 5/2! 2y
kellyann28 Thank you! 2y
33 likes3 comments
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Judybskt
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1. Even though the premise of the story was unrealistic, the characters were realistic.
2. Nothing - the book ended at the perfect spot.

#two4tuesday
@TheSpineView

TheSpineView Thanks for playing! 😊 2y
18 likes1 comment
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Judybskt
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Pickpick

3.5 ✨
Cute read

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Pretty photo 💗 2y
25 likes1 comment
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blondie
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I‘m enjoying this so far.
The writing is beautiful and is making me want to take my time while reading.

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sprainedbrain
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Mehso-so

I didn‘t love this book (not nearly as much as I loved Silver‘s One Day in December), but I didn‘t hate it and I couldn‘t stop reading it. The ending made up for some of the issues I had, but it was abrupt. 😆

Here‘s hoping it works for the rest of my #LMPBC group E. 🤞🏻

kellyann28 I'm excited for this one still! 🎉 2y
Catsandbooks I loved one day in December. Excited to read this one 2y
JackOBotts Arrived today! Looking forward to diving in soon. 💜 2y
80 likes3 comments
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BooksNBowls
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Pickpick

Oh my heart! This story broke it and put it back together again and now I‘m just a mess. Josie Silver writes from the heart in this one! I love Lydia, I think she‘s so relatable and real. She‘s not perfect, but you can‘t hate her for it. She acknowledges her flaws and challenges herself because of them. The strength she finds throughout this book and the transformation she‘s made by the end is just beautiful. This is my favorite read this month.

BooksNBowls I didn‘t understand people‘s negative reviews with this one; many didn‘t like aspects of the book that I felt like were important to the end-game and the overall point of the story. Idk, but I loved it! 💕 Also to note, this was my #doublespin pick! Yay! Already starting on my list for next month. 😁 2y
AileenRR I just put this on hold at the library based on your review. I so excited! 2y
BooksNBowls @AileenRR YAY!! I really hope you like it as much as I did! Please come back to this post when you‘re finished so we can discuss! 2y
jewright I loved this one too! 2y
38 likes1 stack add4 comments
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BooksNBowls

There isn‘t a handy grief blueprint. You don‘t get over losing someone you love in six months or two years, or twenty, but you do have to find a way to carry on living without feeling as if everything that comes afterwards is second best. Some people walk up mountains, others throw themselves out of planes. Everyone has to find their own way back, and if they‘re lucky, they‘ll have people who love them to hold their hand.

Texreader Awww. Nice quote 2y
23 likes1 comment
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sprainedbrain
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Thanks for the tag @RaeLovesToRead ❤️

1. My current book, 2nd of my 3(!!!) LMPBC books… sort of making me wish I could draw the eyerolling emoji better. 😬

2. Important is hard to apply to books when you mainly read fiction, but I will go with The Nickel Boys.

3. I almost never bail and haven‘t this year, but I probably should have bailed on Mirror Mirror. 😒

If you want to play, you‘re tagged!

#wondrouswednesday

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Judybskt
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🫐Go Set a Watchman
🍑Hmmmm - probably because my Daughter started to read it and said she should probably reread to kill a Mockingbird. And I‘ve already read to kill a Mockingbird twice.
🫑Tagged

@Eggs #wondrouswednesday

Eggs ❤️🦜💙 2y
18 likes1 comment
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Judybskt
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New book with lunch

17 likes1 stack add
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BooksNBowls
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Went out and bought my #doublespin pick for this month! I‘m excited for this one! I loved One Day in December, so I‘m sure this one won‘t disappoint! #bookspin

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EatSleepRead
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Pickpick

Such a bittersweet story, but I really adore this novel. All heart ❤

15 likes1 stack add
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Deblovestoread
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#BeginsWith #Two

Sitting on the BOTM TBR

Andrew65 Love this. 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I have so many sitting!! 😂 2y
Eggs A great read👏🏻📚👍🏼 2y
53 likes3 comments
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Kshakal
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Eggs Perfect 👍🏼 🥰🤩 2y
Andrew65 Love this. 2y
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MicheleinPhilly
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Pickpick

I read 2 or 3 of this type of book a year lately as I‘ve found them to be helpful in sort of clearing the cobwebs and refocusing my brain on reading. They‘re schmaltzy and predictable but also funny and utterly charming. This one did the trick.

TrishB Same! 2y
Cathythoughts Nice 👍🏻💕 2y
DivineDiana I tend to love schmaltzy! 💗 2y
66 likes3 comments
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InkintheMargins
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Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book definitely grew on me. I thought the first half was a little bit silly in its treatment of the subject matter, but it developed in such a way that was pleasing and meaningful for the reader. This is a lovely, quiet story about love and grief. I enjoyed it very much.

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Eggs
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Pickpick

I read this today in 1 sitting and it was delicious and satisfying. As a widow I could identify with the MC‘s grief journey, though there is a lot more to love about this story as well. Character development, love/loss, and profound life events give this book its rich texture. 5⭐️

#bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks

Victoriahoperose I just read this one recently as well and loved it. Such a unique and well written book! 3y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! This one has been on my TBR for a while!! 3y
Eggs Agreed❣️ @Victoriahoperose 3y
Eggs @TheAromaofBooks I think you‘d love it 📚👏🏻❤️ 3y
83 likes4 stack adds4 comments
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mavey
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mavey
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Mehso-so

There are a few similar elements in both the books that Josie Silver has written. If I had to pick one I'd go with the former but that doesn't in any way undermine this one in terms of dealing with grief. The story starts picking up pace in the second half. The character growth is quiet and fierce. There are some beautiful moments. The music box was a nice symbolism for facing the music.
⭐⭐⭐

mavey Okay now Josie, why would you create sweet, charming characters like The Thai Lover and The Speed-Dating Rule Breaker and leave us wondering about all the what-ifs! Why Josie, why?? 3y
41 likes1 comment
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Victoriahoperose
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Pickpick

This was such a great love story that incorporates loss and grief perfectly. No one ever wants to think about losing the person they love, but this book really makes you think about whether you would take the chance to see the one you loved and lost and give up the normal life you live for that or if it‘s better to move on and forward. I loved how this ended and it made me sad at points, but also made me smile when I finished!

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alisonrose
Panpan

Contradictory, but I read nearly the entire book in one day, yet found it mostly boring. The short chapters made it very readable, & at times the exploration of grief was moving, but mostly it went about as deep as a kiddie pool. Pretty monotonous and hard to believe (wouldn‘t you worry about your mental state in Lydia‘s position??? But she‘s just like “la la la this is fine”) and the ending was cheap. Didn‘t hate it but not much to like. 2/5 ⭐️

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alisonrose
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TBH I‘m not super eager to read this one and not expecting much from it, based on reviews I‘ve seen and my personal preferences, but I got it in February 2020 and my general rule is that I need to read books within a year of buying them, so it‘s about time I give it a go. #NowReading

Laughterhp That‘s a good rule to have. I feel like I should adopt a similar rule. 3y
alisonrose @Laughterhp I‘ll be honest, I don‘t stick to it perfectly.......but I try to 😆 3y
35 likes2 comments
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FeatherV
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Pickpick

I'm actually surprised I didn't spend this entire book sobbing #josiesilver did an incredible job showing grief, redemption and how life continues to move on while posing the interesting question: What if you could visit an alternate reality?
📖
📖
📖
New Post today!
Click the link below to read my full rambling thoughts on this novel
https://heartandsoulbooks.blogspot.com/2021/01/would-you-visit-another-dimension...

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robinb
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This was my second 5⭐️ read of 2020. Heartbreaking and poignant.

#12BooksOf2020 #day2

Andrew65 Loved this one. 3y
robinb @Andrew65 👍👍👍 3y
54 likes2 comments
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One_With_Books
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Pickpick

This book definitely takes you full on by the heartstrings

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erinachu
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Pickpick

UGHHHH. I NEED JOSIE SILVER TO WRITE MORE BOOKS RIGHT NOW. When I read this one, and One Day in December, I was so mystified by the characters. Like these are real people, and these books are biographies. I feel whole when I read this, and I feel a little empty now that it's done. ❤😭

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wanderinglynn
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Pickpick

I picked up the book yesterday afternoon & have already devoured it.

Wow, once again I thought I went into her book knowing what to expect & it wasn‘t exactly what I expected. But not in a bad way. I still like One Day in December a bit better. I did enjoy this one; but I‘m just not sure what I think. I gave it 4 ⭐️ on GR (& have a longer review there).

This quote 👆🏻 did resonate quite a bit with me. “Your secrets are your own here.”

Tanisha_A Gosh! That view 🤩 3y
wanderinglynn @Tanisha_A yes, I love my balcony. 3y
Wordsling What a marvelous view ! 3y
See All 6 Comments
wanderinglynn @Wordsling thanks. This view is the sole reason I rented this apartment 3y
Wordsling You've chosen well indeed !!!? 3y
Wordsling !* 3y
106 likes2 stack adds6 comments
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JeffyRoo
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Pickpick

I'm not crying, you're crying.
So gorgeous. Real and engaging characters, truthful responses to grief and death and life.
And ending with hope.

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Josee.lit.a.lu.et.lira
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#TarotTakeOver #2ofwands
Tag book is totally about choosing between actions in order to move forward. Lydia juggles with her real life where her deceased fiancé is no more and her dream life where she gets to spend time with him. Beautiful chick lit journey of mourning and making decisions towards progress. This card is totally in harmony with the mood, story and colour scheme of the cover; Lydia will find solace via travelling (Globe) ????

Meaw_catlady Beautiful card!!! 💕💕💕 4y
Josee.lit.a.lu.et.lira @Meaw_catlady 🙏🏻 That deck is fabulous 🤩 The intuitive meaning of the cards flow to me like no other ❣️✨ Mystical Magic ✨ 4y
Chelsey_5 I love this book! 🥰 4y
See All 6 Comments
Josee.lit.a.lu.et.lira @Chelsey_5 Me too, I really enjoyed it. I saw you tagged it for #TheHermit 😉 In the beginning, I did not want Lydia to end up with Jonah, but by the end I liked how the author brought it around. 4y
Chelsey_5 @Josee.a.lu.lit.et.lira I completely agree. I‘m loving how the same book can be used for multiple cards 4y
Josee.lit.a.lu.et.lira @Chelsey_5 Yes, books and cards can be received and interpreted in so many ways; depending on our own stories and filters. 4y
29 likes6 comments
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Mariah2
Pickpick

Love love loved this novel! It made me laugh and cry and feel so many different emotions. The ending was perfect but kept you waiting for it til the last second. Highly recommend as it was also beautifully written and look forward to reading more of Josie silver.

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Chelsey_5
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For today‘s #tarottakeover, there are so many that come to mind. But, I‘ve chosen The Two Loves of Lydia Bird! After being a part of Lydia and Freddie for over a decade, Lydia has to learn to live her life fully without him.

Josee.lit.a.lu.et.lira Yes, a great #TheHermit story, especially with Lydua leaving for Croatia 🇭🇷 and finding who she is. (edited) 4y
BayouGirl85 I didn‘t think of this one. Good pick. 4y
Meaw_catlady Sounds like a perfect choice ! 4y
Erinsuereads Oh I love that cover! 4y
14 likes4 comments
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LaMacKi
Pickpick

From someone that has lost a loved one this book is very much appreciated. I felt the longing of one more day, hour, minute with my loved one on every page. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that has experienced loss. "Miss you everyday Ed".

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DebinHawaii
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Pickpick

Catch up July review. I tried to go back & join in the #sundaybuddyread final discussion I missed due to Hurricane issues in Sunday but it didn‘t happen.🙁Between pick & so-so for me but I‘m rounding up as I‘m in the minority of the group & I liked it-even if I didn‘t love it. It‘s chick-lit but Lydia‘s grief & eventual growth had me a bit choked up at the end. Silver‘s first book is better but this one has its charms & made for good discussions.

TheBookHippie 💜💜💜💜 4y
Josee.lit.a.lu.et.lira I also like it, solid pick for me 🧡 4y
54 likes2 comments
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Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick
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Mehso-so

Predictable & not very compelling. We all grieve differently, sure, but as the book goes on it's apparent that Lydia was very much in Freddie's shadow since they began dating at 14. It also felt like Lydia had no consequences in life for taking so much time for herself. We also only know Freddie "after", which makes it difficult to enjoy the time asleep when she can be with him. A few characters seemed to do a complete 180 mid-book for plot. ⬇️

Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick ⬆️ I liked the characters Jonah & Kris and would've liked if they were better utilized. This was the July #SundayBuddyRead so if you're considering it for a book club, it did allow for great conversation. This is also another #bookspinbingo box checked off for July. @TheAromaofBooks 4y
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! I haven't read this one yet, but I've heard some complaints with the idea that Lydia never really seems to be able to be herself by herself - that she sort of moves from one guy to another guy. 4y
33 likes3 comments
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Sargar114
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Mehso-so

I was a bit let down by this one. It seemed interesting when I read the blurb but didn‘t deliver. It felt uncomfortable to read and I struggled. The last section really elevated the story though and brought the score up for me. Read for #sundaybuddyread and managed to check another box for my disappointing performance in #bookspinbingo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
14 likes1 comment
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coffees
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Mehso-so

Finally finished a book this month!! As for how I feel, it was ok, a 3/5 🌟 read. I just couldn't connect with Lydia & Co. The humor felt coded since I'm not familiar with the shows and people they reference and for so long (understandably) Lydia isn't likeable. The only character I was drawn to was Jonah but, well, this wasn't his story. There were a few moments where I did get teary eyed but for the most part felt meh #fiction #copingwithdeath

6 likes2 comments
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Josee.lit.a.lu.et.lira
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Pickpick

I spent great moments with all the characters, despite a difficult subject. I found the author courageous to address mourning in a Chicklit. I accepted the unreal premise & followed the transition stories with interest; both main characters made interesting revolutions, each in their own way. The end is cliché, but Silver brought it in with skill; I accepted it with a Awww. To read with the Beatles in the background! #SundayBuddyRead #UK #romcom

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Great review 💗 4y
36 likes1 comment
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DamYank
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Pickpick

8 pages in and i was bawling! I can't believe it took me this long to crack this one open. It starts out gut wrenching, and then is a journey of grieving and healing. You feel every emotion along with the main character. This is a book that i will selfishly keep on my shelf and never give away!!

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Librarybelle
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Mehso-so

I definitely enjoyed Silver‘s One Day in December more than this book. That said, this book was okay and really helped showcase how everyone responds to grief differently. There were parts of this one that kept me engaged, but just an overall so-so for me. #SundayBuddyRead

Trashcanman Whatever you do, don't tell anyone. 4y
102 likes1 comment
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DebinHawaii
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OK, I‘m going in to finish this up in time for the #SundayBuddyRead tomorrow. With my Starbucks Impossible Breakfast Sandwich & Iced Guava Passionfruit Drink because that‘s what the heart wanted this morning. Had to run a couple errands & grab a few things as we are under Hurricane Warning. Always a little nerve wracking.🤞🏼it keeps weakening but they still expect storm impacts throughout the state from tonight through Monday.

KVanRead Stay safe 💚 4y
65 likes1 stack add2 comments