This is the second time I have paused this book, because I’ve run out of time on my library loan. I was so enthralled with the first book, but this one is such a struggle and I don’t know why. I want to know what happens, I do. So why can’t I get through it?!

Like am I just illiterate??? Have I failed basic English reading comprehension??

“she placed a hand on her shoulder like a protective raft” what???

“He’d approached her like she was a disposable body he recognized across the street” i thought the requirement for being described as “disposable” was not being easily recognizable???

”They followed them through alpine meadows, mirroring the rows of caterpillars that crawled down the moss” what the fuck does this mean?

”The ceramic fox [cake topper] curled between buttercream and strawberries. His eyes were closed, his bushy tail a veil that hid him from the rest of the world” a veil is BY DEFINITION not “bushy”….

I’m really struggling with this. This book would be better if it didn’t try so hard to sound impressive and poetic.

***Note that these are from the ARC, and final wording is subject to change in the official version

Why does she have to explain to him to hook a trash bag around the entire rim of a trash can? How did he have it before?! How has he made it this far 😭

Tova already has a mug of coffee in front of her that she made, she’s about to take a sip when Janice comes over, who then makes her a cup of coffee? Am I missing something.