The book was full of cliches and too-simple language. The ending resolved literally nothing. I did feel for the characters but I think I was supposed to feel more. ( )

This book was such a disappointment. I read it cover to cover, hoping it would be what others described it as. That didn't happen. I will re-check out others books that have similar themes--I genuinely thought this book would pull the best parts of all those books together, to be the sort of next generation. I felt like references to each were indeed made in chapter titles. Breathing Underwater. When Dad Killed Mom. Dreamland. (On another note, I just tried to place these books on hold at my library and they're all e-books. I'm so annoyed by -this- book that I hissed, "Why are you all e-books? I don't do e-books," and seethed. Eventually, I'll start with e-books, but tech takes me awhile.) I've read those books, which approach these themes from different angles and...my ratings of those books are different than this one. ( )

"It feels good to work hard again, to be good at something again." ( )

Back in October 2018 I was going through a reading slump and decided to buy this book. Going in to it I thought it would be an average read, but boy was I wrong. I was about to be entered into a book with amazing writing, relationships, and relatable characters. The Last to Let Go is unlike anything I have ever read. (This review contains one spoiler).

Characters- The character are so amazing. They all have their struggles and battles and I really enjoy watching them fight through them. My favorite characters is Brooke. Brooke is a teen girl struggling to keep her and her family’s life from falling apart. Watching Brooke try to keep everything from falling apart was honestly one of my favorite things about this book, it just felt so real.

Relationships- I LOVED Brooke and Dani’s relationship, it felt so real and raw. I adored everything about it. The events of their relationship made so much sense. I really wish Amber Smith made a separate book just about their relationship, I would totally read it.

Plot- As much as I enjoy the plot of this book I found myself liking the characters even more. However, there were parts of the book that made my heart start racing a million miles an hour some scenes were from cuteness and others were from suspense.

There were so many times that I wanted to give a big hug to all the characters.
Writing- The writing is simple but honestly it works perfectly.

Pacing- I do feel like there was times that I wanted the pacing to go a little bit faster but overall the pacing was pretty good.

Characters 10/10
Plot 10/10
Writing 10/10
Pacing 10/10
Overall 10/10

P.S If you are an author don’t be afraid to message me about your book or vlog, I will happily check it out and support you. However, please make sure that your book is either Middle Grade or YA, I will not check it out if it’s new adult or adult.

It pains me to say that I didn’t love this one. The storyline was unique and powerful, but the execution just fell flat. Where there should have been rich emotion, there was dry disconnection. Where there could’ve been an epic love story, there was lack luster feels.

Brooke was a good character. Her flaws were easily displayed and the family drama that engulfed her really pulled me in. I wanted so badly to see more of her relationship with Dani and was quite sad that it all ended so abruptly— I needed, craved, wanted more.

I think alternating POVs would’ve taken this book to a new, improved level. To get glimpses of the little sister or mom’s thoughts would’ve rounded the story. I needed more information on how the whole murder situation took place. I needed emotion from the mom that didn’t include being somber and okay with her situation. I just needed more. There was a lot of pokes at key moments, but none of them went deep enough to make an impact. ( )