hahaly's reviews
68 reviews

Maybe I’m just bitter because if I’m reading a book set in the Bay Area and partly at Benioff Children’s Hospital - MB (aka my workplace), I need it to really draw me in and give me a sweet escape than just major eye rolls. Or maybe I currently on a deep need for accuracy in describing a physician’s life.

Like is Macy a fellow or a resident — because she talks about recently graduating medical school but she works just in critical care? Who finds a random artist donor boyfriend at a residency orientation event?

The beginning of this novel started so strong + the audiobook reader Erin Mallon was solid, such that I felt myself swoon initially as the preteen Elliot and Macy found comfort with each other, books, and their favorite words. But as the novel went on, I found myself exhausted by the whiplash of jumping from the past to the present. The format is great in theory, but in execution, I as a reader was just unable to really understand the characters, see their growth, and be convinced about their developing love both from their adolescence and now as adults. Like I needed more proof of their eternal, deep, unyielding true love to be rooting for them.  Without my ability to connect with the characters, when we reached the most emotional moments and climax of the novel, I found it difficult to fully feel for them in the heart wrenching way that I wanted to. 

All to say, this novel had so much potential and I was so excited for it, but instead I’m a puddle of disappointment. I can understand why it’s gotten such love, but unfortunately not the novel for me. 

There is something to be said about the importance of representation in literature, surrounding topics of transgender identity and stigmatized mental health disorders — especially for youth. And I recognize the intent, along with her sincerity, of author Gephart in writing this book. That said, the story oft felt superficial, likely because there are too many subplots. As such genuine/authentic development of Lily’s struggles with acceptance for her gender identity + Dunkin’s struggles with bipolar disorder felt stilted. In addition, while their friendship is meant to be a central core of the novel, their budding relationship got pushed aside for these subplots. I also found many parts of the novel potentially triggering, and while I appreciate the mention of bullying + suicide, the very serious / emotional topics are presented more as afterthoughts than given the proper weight and development that they are afforded (plus perhaps a content warning would be helpful to not trigger readers who may have experienced these events). I understand the novel is meant to be for grade/middle-school aged youth but if you’re choosing to grapple with difficult topics, there needs to be some thoughtfulness + care placed into it, which I often felt this book lacked in trying to “simplify” things for the target audience.

I always enjoy exploring new takes on vampires and werewolves, and while the premise of “Bride” might not seem too imaginative at first glance, Hazelwood imbues a light, witty twist to “Bride”. The magic lies in her narrator and heroine Misery, who brings humor and attitude to the story even with her more fantastical (or should I say, monstrous) setting. Her motivations and goals are presented well — aligned with the expository twists revealed as Hazelwood builds her characters’ world.  While I did not feel drawn into the chemistry between her and her arranged werewolf husband as much as I expected, I found the developing romance enjoyable to follow. Unfortunately the romantic conflict felt very sudden and the remainder 1/3 of the novel has a very harried pacing that made me feel rather off kilter + the final events / conclusion less impactful than they could have been… plus I would have loved a different Big Bad antagonist. As such the magic of the rest of the novel got dimmed enough that it affected my rating.