A review by tmjbooks
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I can be brave. I can be anything for noodles. 

I have so many things to say abut this book that I genuinely don't know where to start.

All the characters in this book felt so real. At time I felt like I was reading a diary or was a fly on the wall in someones everyday life. The way that Hazelwood writes her characters should be studied. 

I adored Scarlett's penchant for exaggeration. Her inner monologue around perfectionism and people pleasing was felt genuine and understandable. This was especially noticeable when she came down on herself. for perceived failures and also... page 102 (iykyk). Scarlett's hesitance around men was deeply relatable and true to life. How Lukas navigates her fear was beautiful and I wish more men would navigate their partners trauma's this way (this is reason 1000 why Hazelwood book boyfriend reign supreme). I found myself feeling proud of Scarlett when she made progress.
I like that Lukas helped her make a breakthrough. I thought that moment was very true to life. Our therapists are great, and necessary, but oftentimes it is those closest to us -- those who are brave enough to call us out and say something , to stand there with us int he uncomfortable truth, -- that really help us make progress.


I close my eyes. Dissolve into the gratification of knowing that I've done something right. The simple pleasure of pleasing someone. 

He looks at my naked body, at what he's done to me, like I'm some kind of Olympic medal.

Lukas was perfection. My favourite little detail about him was his penchant for taking off his shoes all the time. As a Canadian, I found this deeply relatable. He is possibly, my favourite book boyfriend... ever? I appreciate4d how he navigated all situations. Hazelwood has a talent for letting us get to know the MMC deeply without ever being in his head. 

You want to be ordered around by someone you trust, is that it? You want rules, to be told what's good for you.

I loved this book deeply and can't wait to read it again.