Rating: Literally Marvelous.
Summary:
Nora November survived a near-death experience from a surfing accident, where she was underwater for several minutes. While she doesn't remember the accident, she vividly recalls seeing her late grandfather, a beautiful garden, and tasting the best tomato ever during her coma.
After waking up, Nora feels like her life is split into two parts: Before and After. In the Before, she was weighed down by her parents' expectations, just going through the motions. In the After, she's on a mission to complete a reverse bucket list of things she neglected before her accident.
Lindsay's Thoughts:
There is a lot to love about this book- a captivating plot arc, super fun and kooky side characters, even a truly surprising Star Wars reference; but, for me, what won me over was the characterization of Nora. London creates a character that is both charming and complicated, often trying and failing to be the best version of herself, a personality with which this reader can truly relate.
Magda's Thoughts:
I really loved this book for its beautiful and meaningful message. Despite tackling heavy themes like depression, death, and abuse, Julia London explains the characters' experiences clearly, helping us understand the complex situations. The central message is about persistence and living for oneself rather than for others, and this message will stay with me for a long time.
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