Annemie Lyons

Basic, Predictable, Slow

Reviewed: 11-09-24

I tried really hard but I could not enjoy this book. I had to finish it as part of a reading challenge. If I had read a physical copy, I might have DNF’ed it. The audiobook at least allowed me to finish it faster while doing other things.

In terms of the audiobook, I really did not enjoy the narrator’s female voices and Spanish accents. His Spanish accent for Baxter and Mia made me cringe. As a non-American it hurts my ears when hearing the ‘Americanisation’ of Spanish.

Baxter’s singing was especially painful.

Now, in terms of the actual plot and characters.

I did appreciate that the main character is a wonderful single father and that his deceased wife was a lovable character. Most other books I’ve read with similar plots have single mothers with trash ex-husbands.

I did not, however, enjoy Baxter’s toxic masculinity. I felt like the writer tried to make the book raw and real when including the mass shooting at a Target, mentions of WhatsApp, 23 And Me, etc., but when it came to Baxter he was just another cliché; ‘men don’t cry’, having to hide all pain and grief from his daughter, thinking that suppressing his feelings = healing.

Baxter is also a typical, proudly naive American. I don’t know if this was on purpose, or if the writer is just as naive.

Every time there was mention of Baxter and Mia’s knees or thighs touching I cringed and felt uncomfortable. I don’t know why this small detail was necessary, especially between a father and his daughter.

Even though he seemed to actually heal and move forward at the end of the book, I feel like his journey to get to that point was lacking. It almost sends the message that ‘healing is easy’ which it most certainly is not.

I found the plot very predictable. Alma’s illness, her relationship with Sophia’s dad, Mia’s grandfather, Baxter and Alma’s romance, etc.

I don’t recommend this book. Especially not to anyone with a high EQ, self awareness, or who’s worked on themselves through therapy - you’ll most likely find it basic, boring and frustrating.

If you’re looking for something similar in terms of plot and character development, but way better, please check out The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!