If he had been with me, everything would have been different…
Autumn and Finn used to be inseparable. But then something changed. Or they changed. Now, they do their best to ignore each other.
Autumn has her boyfriend Jamie, and her close-knit group of friends. And Finn has become that boy at school, the one everyone wants to be around.
That still doesn’t stop the way Autumn feels every time she and Finn cross paths, and the growing, nagging thought that maybe things could have been different. Maybe they should be together.
But come August, things will change forever. And as time passes, Autumn will be forced to confront how else life might have been different if they had never parted ways…
***
The book follows a single point of view, which I generally appreciate in stories. It shares a similar sentimental quality to “The Fault in Our Stars,” albeit set in a high school environment. Autumn, like Hazel Grace Lancaster, is a character with whom it’s easy to empathize.
However, the narrative’s occasional jumps in time can be disorienting. The author transitions abruptly from one topic to another without clear indication, which can confuse readers.
Autumn and Finny’s love for each other is evident, but their inability to communicate effectively leads to numerous misunderstandings. This theme of miscommunication permeates the story, adding layers of complexity to their relationship.
The predictability of the tragic ending somewhat dampens the climax for me. From early on, it’s apparent that the story will conclude tragically, leaving readers to ponder not if, but rather who, will meet their demise.
Despite the disjointed writing style, I found myself enjoying the book. Its simplicity belies the intricate emotions and themes it explores. Autumn and Finny serve as poignant reminders that time is fleeting and uncertain, urging us to seize opportunities and embrace courage when faced with life’s challenges.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Published on November 1, 2019 by Sourcebooks Fire
About the Author
Laura Nowlin holds a B.A. in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from Missouri State University. . In addition to being ambitious writer Laura is also an avid reader who believes that books allow her to live many lives in one lifetime. When she isn’t at home agonizing over her own novels Laura works at the public library where the patrons give her plenty of inspiration for her writing. She lives in St. Louis with her musician husband, neurotic dog, and psychotic cat.
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