Love and Other Words

The review

Love and other words was a story that I was supposed to love. Unfortunately, love is not the word I would use to describe how this story made me feel. Frustrated. Angry. Disappointed. Those are some of the words that stick out.

From the first moment I read the blurb of this book I was very very excited to dive in. I consider myself one of the biggest fans of the friends-to-lovers and second chance trope, so this book seemed right up my alley. There was no doubt that love and other words was a story that I was going to love. Supposed to love. The reason I found this book underwhelming is solely because of the end, which I will mention further on. But prior to the ending, I did love this book. Especially the flashback chapters that focused on the younger version of Macy and Elliot. I would even say that if this book was written only within the past time frame, rather than going back and forth, it would have easily been a five star read. There was something special about young Macy and Elliot right from the beginning. They were charismatic, interesting, awkward, and had the same juvenile sense of humor and love for books. Reading about the progression of their friendship, and seeing how their worlds changed whenever they were with one another, filled me with great delight. They were just very cute and silly, yet serious when they needed to be.

As I said earlier, I still loved parts of this story.

Who should read this book:

Regardless of the mishaps, this book still had many praise worthy moments. So If you’re interested in frequent flashbacks, angst, childhood friendships, and books that talk about books, this one is right for you.

Who shouldn’t read this book:

This book deals with heavy themes, in particular: death. If you’re looking for a light or easy feel-good book all the way through, you should avoid this one until you’re ready.