Easily one of my favorite books to date. The writing is so witty and well paced, I fell in love with every single character and was so deeply moved by the everyday kindnesses. Kline captures the spirit of kids so perfectly (I say as a pervious teacher) the world is so stunning and you really do feel wrapped up in a big gay blanket. This will be a comfort read for many years to come. On top of it being a comfort read, it also tackles MASSIVE social issues and the themes of how we choose to live our lives with such intention and care. Let this book pop your bubble ❤️🫧

After several attempted reads, I gave it another go after learning Herbert was inspired by experiences in Washington and the Oregon sand dunes and the awe of the worms the parallel to the whales. I listened to it this time with much success. I appreciate the time taken to explore the sense of awe around the world’s landscapes and the story inspired around it…I LOVED the world building and cultures explored. The beginning felt strong with conflict, tension and stakes but I struggled later in the book with character development feeling rather one note (The last scene being the exception). It’s hard to create a character who is in many ways all powerful and destined to succeed while still giving the story high stakes. If Paul holds all the cards and can see the other decks it looses a sense of urgency and importance. I enjoyed the book overall and fell in love with the world Herbert built, but the story and characters could have been SO MUCH MORE. I’ll probably read more eventually but I’m in no rush.

Honestly, a really fun, easy, cozy read. Is it predictable? Of course but it’s also sweet and has excellent humor and lots of spice. It’s also well paced and doesn’t drag, there’s great hanter between characters. I got this as a blind date book and consumed it quickly. I have already passed it on to a friend! I appreciated that the book’s main conflict didn’t surround the couple and we got to explore them navigating the conflict as a team. It was fun!