I did not realize this was a coming of age story when I initially picked up the book.
I saw an author I've enjoyed before and assumed this was for an older audience.
However, as I delved into the story, I discovered that while the book is definitely written about a graduating high school senior, the style is such that it lends itself to any older teen reader.
This book can easily be read in one sitting. Lowry does a remarkable job of creating the world within the pages. As a reader, I found myself completely invested in Natalie's journey. I truly wanted her to find everything she was searching for so that she could go on to school with nothing holding her back.
Moreover, Lowry also does a great job of building in the various options of what could happen. This addition is crucial as it prevents the situation from seeming too unreal or far-fetched.
Overall, I ranked this book 3/5. It's not that it's a bad book by any means. It just doesn't stand out among the众多 other great works in the genre. Nevertheless, it's still an enjoyable read that offers a glimpse into the life and struggles of a young person on the verge of adulthood.
I truly relished this story and the profound message it conveys to the readers. The protagonist, although a bit hard to believe at times, held a certain charm for me. Despite the fact that the characters may not be overly complex, they are still quite likable.
The simplicity of the characters allows the readers to easily connect with them and understand their motives. It's as if they are ordinary people we might encounter in our daily lives. This makes the story more relatable and engaging.
Moreover, the message within the story is thought-provoking and leaves a lasting impression. It makes us reflect on our own lives and values. Overall, I found this story to be an enjoyable read that combines an interesting plot with a meaningful message.
So, in fact, I really relished this book. I was completely enamored with the adventure that Natalie embarked upon. She not only discovered more about herself but also matured significantly in the process. I found it quite fascinating that she managed to locate her mother, only to be disappointed when she realized that her mom couldn't be content with who she was. However, in that very process, she also found her dying grandfather. It was a relatively light read, and I believe it was one of her earlier works. Nevertheless, I still derived great enjoyment from it. The story had its own charm and appeal, and it kept me engaged from start to finish. I would highly recommend this book to others who are looking for an interesting and easy-to-read story that offers some valuable life lessons.