Actual rating: 3.2
Review: I have never finished a book and felt so angry and emotionally violated. This book is constantly compared to The Perks of Being a Wallflower and I see why. They are both about high school freshman and are written in letter format. For me that is where the similarities end. My main problem wasn't with the writing or the plot. The dynamic between Laurel and her sister (before her sister died) left me so utterly frustrated. I have read books that have left me to ponder and really think about life, this book however left me enraged and hurt. I overall have mixed feelings about this book. I did enjoy the side characters and watching them grow. If I could say anything it would be a warning, this book does pose some questions in regards to what it means to love someone but ultimately made me quite sad for the duration of the book. I am usually a fan of works with darker undertones but something about this story lacked any sense of hope for healing until the end of the novel.
Would I recommend it?: Yes. I still would recommend this book because it did contain some beautiful quotes and moments that interlocked to create a gripping story.