I had seen this book a lot and it’s cover intrigued me. Once the book became available I downloaded it and began my journey with Marin. A bit lost in her grief, Marin is preparing herself for her first to visit on holiday break at college. Every other student on campus has returned home, but Marin doesn’t have a home to go back to. Once Mabel arrives Marin must face her grief and begin healing.

Written in both the past and present Nina LaCour leads us through eh last semester of Marin’s senior year and first semester of college. Marin is unsure how to process her sadness, and tries to ignore the pain and betrayal she feels after her grandfather’s death.

As the book progressed Gramps’ secret took me by surprise. As it did with Marin, the secret broke my heart, not only for Marin, but for Gramps’ who lost himself in his grief.

This book explores the darkness of grief and loss, and while it ends on a great note, the book could be seen as dark. With so much focus on the dead and how losing those we care about can be absolutely devastating. I listened to the author’s note after the book ended and was moved by how the story came about, even if it became something unexpected for the author.

A well deserved four stars for characters that feel real and not sugar coating how painful losing a loved one can be.

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