Zahra Maghami

This was actually my third attempt to finish the book. My first try was over a year ago, but I gave up — just couldn’t keep going. I borrowed it again in June 2024 to take on my 3-week trip to the UK. Didn’t even make it halfway. Returned it. Then I waited 16 weeks on the library hold list before I could borrow it again. Finally, on the very last day of my two-week loan, I pushed through and finished it. And honestly? Just mediocre. I’ve read many similar books in this genre, and this one didn’t stand out. If I could, I’d rate it 3.5 stars — but since that doesn’t exist, I’ll settle for 3.

I had mixed feelings about this book. The first part completely gripped me — the emotional depth, the mystery, and the writing style pulled me in right away. I thought I had found a new favourite. Then came the middle… and honestly, I struggled. The pacing slowed down significantly, and it lost the emotional intensity that made the beginning so strong. I found myself forcing through chapters, hoping it would pick up again. The last sixth of the book was better — not as powerful as the beginning, but it did tie things together in a way that felt satisfying enough. I’m torn between rating it a 3 or a 4. If I go with my head, it’s a 3 because the middle nearly lost me. But my heart remembers how much I loved the opening chapters — so maybe it deserves a 4

I didn’t have any high hopes for this book—I just listened to the audiobook because it was the only thing I had handy during a trip to the UK. Even then, it managed to disappoint. The writing was poor, the dialogue felt forced, and the entire plot was painfully predictable. Every twist could be seen from a mile away, and the characters felt more like cardboard cutouts than real people. I kept waiting for something surprising or original to happen, but it never did. A forgettable read best left behind.

I struggled through the first 300 pages—I found it slow and repetitive, and it really tested my patience. But the last 100 pages? Absolutely worth it. The emotional depth and resolution made me appreciate the journey in the end. If you’re a patient reader, you might love it. If not, be warned—it’s a long walk!

I really enjoyed the first half of The One Plus One. The characters were engaging, and the story had a fresh, heartfelt charm that pulled me in. However, the second half felt overly cliché, with predictable turns that took away from the depth and uniqueness of the story. It became less compelling, and I found myself losing interest.

I some how liked it and may recommend it to others

This Is How It Always Is was a captivating read that profoundly changed my perspective on gay and transgender individuals. The story offered a compassionate and insightful exploration of these identities, and I believe it will deeply influence how I engage with and support this community in the future. While I thoroughly enjoyed most of the book, I found the final eighth a bit tedious. It lacked the same energy and emotional pull that made the earlier parts so compelling. Overall, this is a powerful and eye-opening novel that I would recommend to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of love, identity, and acceptance.

A long book with too many details—you really need the nerve to finish it.

It Starts with Us – Because who doesn’t want to ruin a perfectly fine story with a sequel? Zero stars should be a thing. If you liked the first one, maybe skip this one.

Better than spending time on social media