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Truly, Wildly, Deeply
Annie is starting college. She can’t wait. No more school, no more uniform, and no one telling her what to do. It’s the start of a new adventure and Annie’s not going to let anyone or anything get in the way of that. Freedom matters to Annie. She has cerebral palsy and she’s had to fight hard to get the world to see her for who she truly is.
Then she meets Fab. He’s six foot two, Polish and a passionate believer in…well, just about everything, but most of all Annie and good old fashioned romance. The moment Fab sees Annie, he’s wildly drawn to her and declares she must be his girl. Annie’s horrified. She doesn’t want to be anyone’s anything, especially if it means losing her independence.
But then Annie finds herself falling for Fab. As things go deeply wrong, Annie realises that love can make you do wild, crazy things, and so she sets out to win his heart with a romantic gesture of truly epic proportions!
Then she meets Fab. He’s six foot two, Polish and a passionate believer in…well, just about everything, but most of all Annie and good old fashioned romance. The moment Fab sees Annie, he’s wildly drawn to her and declares she must be his girl. Annie’s horrified. She doesn’t want to be anyone’s anything, especially if it means losing her independence.
But then Annie finds herself falling for Fab. As things go deeply wrong, Annie realises that love can make you do wild, crazy things, and so she sets out to win his heart with a romantic gesture of truly epic proportions!
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2018
About the author
Jenny McLachlan
55 books254 followersI have always loved reading and I studied English at university just so that I could read a bit more. Next I found my way into secondary teaching and discovered that I loved it too: I got to read more books, show off and hang out with very funny teenagers. What a great job!
Teaching English also encouraged me to write. Soon I had planned and started lots of different stories, but they were all abandoned and shoved to the back of a drawer. Then, one day, the plot for Flirty Dancing came together; Bea’s story was so alive it was like a film running in my head and I knew it was a story I would finish.
Over the next few years, various exciting events distracted me from Flirty Dancing: I got married, travelled the world, was chased by an angry elephant (and a pack of dogs) and I had two babies. While I was sitting on trains, swimming in the Outback and raising two crazy girls, I kept thinking about Bea, and her friends, Betty, Kat and Pearl, until I realised I had planned three more books.
In 2013, after attending the Winchester Writers’ Festival, I plucked up the courage to send Flirty Dancing to Julia Churchill, a brilliant children’s fiction agent at A.M. Heath. With dazzling speed I was then signed by Bloomsbury to write the four books in the series.
Teaching English also encouraged me to write. Soon I had planned and started lots of different stories, but they were all abandoned and shoved to the back of a drawer. Then, one day, the plot for Flirty Dancing came together; Bea’s story was so alive it was like a film running in my head and I knew it was a story I would finish.
Over the next few years, various exciting events distracted me from Flirty Dancing: I got married, travelled the world, was chased by an angry elephant (and a pack of dogs) and I had two babies. While I was sitting on trains, swimming in the Outback and raising two crazy girls, I kept thinking about Bea, and her friends, Betty, Kat and Pearl, until I realised I had planned three more books.
In 2013, after attending the Winchester Writers’ Festival, I plucked up the courage to send Flirty Dancing to Julia Churchill, a brilliant children’s fiction agent at A.M. Heath. With dazzling speed I was then signed by Bloomsbury to write the four books in the series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
May 19, 2021
This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year
December 21, 2017
Let me tell you about my love for this book. Deep, honking laughter, heart eyed love.
Annie is a sassy, independent young woman with cerebral palsy. Fab is a giant Polish immigrant boy who loves life. They bond over Wuthering Heights. Fab wants Annie to be his girl and sweet, independent Annie is not having a bar of it even though the canteen lady is shipping fannie. Throw in a group of weird and endearing friends and a mum that flips you off, and you've got simply the most excellent comedic young adult author I've ever seen.
Jenny McLachlan is in a league all of her own.
Annie is a sassy, independent young woman with cerebral palsy. Fab is a giant Polish immigrant boy who loves life. They bond over Wuthering Heights. Fab wants Annie to be his girl and sweet, independent Annie is not having a bar of it even though the canteen lady is shipping fannie. Throw in a group of weird and endearing friends and a mum that flips you off, and you've got simply the most excellent comedic young adult author I've ever seen.
Jenny McLachlan is in a league all of her own.
August 26, 2018
This was such a fun YA Contemporary read, that really kept me interested and smiling all until the last page. My first time reading a book by Jenny, it certainly won't be the last!
Annie is a sixteen year old with cerebral palsy and after leaving school, decides to start at a college where she immediately makes new friends including Fab, a boy from Poland who develops a strong bond with Annie. I've never read a character with cerebral palsy in a YA book before but Annie as a character was so sassy, fun and very likeable. She uses both her crutches and wheelchair and never takes nasty talk from anyone. I loved that she wanted to be independent and shut down anyone who made fun of her. The story does mention Bronte's Wuthering Heights (one of my least favourite classics) but Annie and Fab's approach to the novel was so much fun to read. Sadly, I wasn't enjoying Fab's character since at various points, he acted a bit too clingy for me and getting into Annie's personal space. But by 80% through, he really did care about Annie and that was lovely to see.
I would read this novel again!
Annie is a sixteen year old with cerebral palsy and after leaving school, decides to start at a college where she immediately makes new friends including Fab, a boy from Poland who develops a strong bond with Annie. I've never read a character with cerebral palsy in a YA book before but Annie as a character was so sassy, fun and very likeable. She uses both her crutches and wheelchair and never takes nasty talk from anyone. I loved that she wanted to be independent and shut down anyone who made fun of her. The story does mention Bronte's Wuthering Heights (one of my least favourite classics) but Annie and Fab's approach to the novel was so much fun to read. Sadly, I wasn't enjoying Fab's character since at various points, he acted a bit too clingy for me and getting into Annie's personal space. But by 80% through, he really did care about Annie and that was lovely to see.
I would read this novel again!
October 21, 2018
I went on a contemporary spree right here and this just happened to be the first book that came into my hands. I'm sort of glad I read this, but also kind of not. It wasn't the most rewarding thing ever. Sure, there was lots to love, but there were a few things not to love as well. But I do appreciate a lot of things about this book! And it was a quick, easy, relatively fun read, so if you want something light to break up them heavy books you be reading (omg help me) then I suggest you try this! I liked it. In a sort of okaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy way.
Things to love:
~ So you know when sometimes contemporaries set in schools are sort of based around a book? Well I love those kinds of stories, and this was one of them! yay! And what made it even better was that it focused on Wuthering Heights, which is my all time favourite classic, which made me so happy to see.
~ It featured a main character with cerebral palsy, which I have never actually read before in a book! So points for that representation. I cannot speak for its accuracy, but I felt that it seemed like a pretty good depiction of it. This book also said a lot of really positive things about disabilities, and Annie would often challenge people's attitudes towards people in wheelchairs, for example.
~ It was a really quick, fun, readable book, and I'm pretty sure I read in a day, or just over. It was boring by any account, and it isn't very long. The writing is very easy to get through, and I think that was what I wanted in my contemporary? Maybe.
Things I didn't love:
~ The writing. So, I know I said that it was easy to read, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. I prefer more sophisticated writing styles, and for me, the writing is a big part of the book, so I didn't really love it. It was just really simplistic and didn't really feel very mature, which was odd because Annie is actually in college or university (I'm not 100% sure which).
~ Annie herself. I don't know whether this was just me, but Annie was just so outgoing and so confident and extroverted and I just found it really difficult to relate, you know? I don't talk to people, and if she were real, I don't think she would be one of the people I would be friends with -not because she's horrible or anything, just really really different from me.
~ Fab, the love interest. He started out kind of sweet and cute, and I definitely see that the author wrote him like that one purpose. But he starts to get really possessive of Annie, not in a like a controlling way, but he is really horrible to her after and she ends up having to make it up to him for the rest of the book even though she shouldn't have to. And I mean, just no. I don't need that, even if the boy is like a cute puppy. He made the main character really upset, after pursuing her for weeks and not letting her say no to him.
So this was a mixed bag, but I think if you can handle the annoying love interest, this might be the book for you. It is light and fluffy and easy to read and all in all kind of fun. I loved the fact that the main setting was an English class and the book was Wuthering Heights and there was positivity about disabilities and representation that I hadn't read before. I just didn't love the way it was told, and the fact that it felt kind of juvenile. So. My contemporary spree was off to a solid "okay" start.
Things to love:
~ So you know when sometimes contemporaries set in schools are sort of based around a book? Well I love those kinds of stories, and this was one of them! yay! And what made it even better was that it focused on Wuthering Heights, which is my all time favourite classic, which made me so happy to see.
~ It featured a main character with cerebral palsy, which I have never actually read before in a book! So points for that representation. I cannot speak for its accuracy, but I felt that it seemed like a pretty good depiction of it. This book also said a lot of really positive things about disabilities, and Annie would often challenge people's attitudes towards people in wheelchairs, for example.
~ It was a really quick, fun, readable book, and I'm pretty sure I read in a day, or just over. It was boring by any account, and it isn't very long. The writing is very easy to get through, and I think that was what I wanted in my contemporary? Maybe.
Things I didn't love:
~ The writing. So, I know I said that it was easy to read, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. I prefer more sophisticated writing styles, and for me, the writing is a big part of the book, so I didn't really love it. It was just really simplistic and didn't really feel very mature, which was odd because Annie is actually in college or university (I'm not 100% sure which).
~ Annie herself. I don't know whether this was just me, but Annie was just so outgoing and so confident and extroverted and I just found it really difficult to relate, you know? I don't talk to people, and if she were real, I don't think she would be one of the people I would be friends with -not because she's horrible or anything, just really really different from me.
~ Fab, the love interest. He started out kind of sweet and cute, and I definitely see that the author wrote him like that one purpose. But he starts to get really possessive of Annie, not in a like a controlling way, but he is really horrible to her after and she ends up having to make it up to him for the rest of the book even though she shouldn't have to. And I mean, just no. I don't need that, even if the boy is like a cute puppy. He made the main character really upset, after pursuing her for weeks and not letting her say no to him.
So this was a mixed bag, but I think if you can handle the annoying love interest, this might be the book for you. It is light and fluffy and easy to read and all in all kind of fun. I loved the fact that the main setting was an English class and the book was Wuthering Heights and there was positivity about disabilities and representation that I hadn't read before. I just didn't love the way it was told, and the fact that it felt kind of juvenile. So. My contemporary spree was off to a solid "okay" start.
December 11, 2017
I was really excited to read this after loving Stargazing For Beginners, earlier this year. I literally jumped when I saw this come up on NetGalley, because no way was I getting to read two new Jenny McLachlan books in a year. This definitely followed in the same style, and there's so much to love about it.
First of all, Annie, the main character, has cerebral palsy and uses both a wheelchair and crutches in the book. I haven't read about that many visibly disabled characters, and this is something I hope to change in the coming year. The discussion of Annie's disability and her mentality surrounded it was really well handled, and although I can't speak on behalf of those with CP, I felt it was respectful and insightful without trying to tell someone else's story.
Second, it's set at a sixth form and the representation of that environment is absolutely spot on. For the classes and cafeteria dynamic, to the desperate need to reinvent yourself and find new friends, I absolutely loved the setting. It took me right back to my sixth form years which were a delight.
Of course, it can't be set in a school and not have English classes as a prominent feature. Throughout the novel, Annie and the boy she sits next to, Fab, are constantly arguing about Wuthering Heights. It felt like a copy and paste of my own A level lit lessons, as that was one of the texts we studied and I hated it. Jane Eyre, now that's a book I can get behind. But, it was great to see how the book reflected Annie and Fab's relationship and how it inspired the final 20% of the book in a very Sara Barnard style way. (Also, the style of the moors makes the cover beautiful!)
Annie and Fab are an interesting couple, mostly because they're not a couple for most of the book. It's obvious that Fab likes Annie, but Annie is apprehensive to be in a relationship. There's a back-and-forth between them about this, and some classic miscommunication that could have been resolved quicker, in my opinion, and maybe I would have liked more reasoning for Annie's disinterest in romance. She was showing a lot of demiromantic and asexual tendencies, and I got too excited about those possibilities when they weren't canon.
I loved the scenarios that Annie and Fab were put in, like a costume party, a Polish wedding and a date involving berry-picking. It was all cute and lovely, exactly what I want in a contemporary romance.
Annie's mum was something special too. Close mother-daughter relationships are my favourite thing (see Radio Silence by Alice Oseman). She was someone that Annie actually talked to about her problems and I loved her parental prominence.
Overall, I really liked Truly Wildly Deeply, if you couldn't tell already, and give it 4 stars. There were a few things that I didn't gel with, and there were a few pacing issues but they didn't take away from how just lovely this book was. If you're looking for disability rep, a love-tolerate romance and quirky plot points, I'd totally recommend this book.
First of all, Annie, the main character, has cerebral palsy and uses both a wheelchair and crutches in the book. I haven't read about that many visibly disabled characters, and this is something I hope to change in the coming year. The discussion of Annie's disability and her mentality surrounded it was really well handled, and although I can't speak on behalf of those with CP, I felt it was respectful and insightful without trying to tell someone else's story.
Second, it's set at a sixth form and the representation of that environment is absolutely spot on. For the classes and cafeteria dynamic, to the desperate need to reinvent yourself and find new friends, I absolutely loved the setting. It took me right back to my sixth form years which were a delight.
Of course, it can't be set in a school and not have English classes as a prominent feature. Throughout the novel, Annie and the boy she sits next to, Fab, are constantly arguing about Wuthering Heights. It felt like a copy and paste of my own A level lit lessons, as that was one of the texts we studied and I hated it. Jane Eyre, now that's a book I can get behind. But, it was great to see how the book reflected Annie and Fab's relationship and how it inspired the final 20% of the book in a very Sara Barnard style way. (Also, the style of the moors makes the cover beautiful!)
Annie and Fab are an interesting couple, mostly because they're not a couple for most of the book. It's obvious that Fab likes Annie, but Annie is apprehensive to be in a relationship. There's a back-and-forth between them about this, and some classic miscommunication that could have been resolved quicker, in my opinion, and maybe I would have liked more reasoning for Annie's disinterest in romance. She was showing a lot of demiromantic and asexual tendencies, and I got too excited about those possibilities when they weren't canon.
I loved the scenarios that Annie and Fab were put in, like a costume party, a Polish wedding and a date involving berry-picking. It was all cute and lovely, exactly what I want in a contemporary romance.
Annie's mum was something special too. Close mother-daughter relationships are my favourite thing (see Radio Silence by Alice Oseman). She was someone that Annie actually talked to about her problems and I loved her parental prominence.
Overall, I really liked Truly Wildly Deeply, if you couldn't tell already, and give it 4 stars. There were a few things that I didn't gel with, and there were a few pacing issues but they didn't take away from how just lovely this book was. If you're looking for disability rep, a love-tolerate romance and quirky plot points, I'd totally recommend this book.
April 28, 2018
This book was so adorable and funny! I couldn't put it down, I had to read it in one sitting.
This book is simply about Annie, a sixteen-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, which means she has to use a wheelchair when she's too tired of walking. All her life people have looked at her with pity because of the way she walks, because of her wheelchair, because they expect her to be less. Not enough. Which she isn't. She's doesn't mind the way she walks, nor the fact that she has to use a wheelchair, but she's tired of how society is making feel as if she's not normal, as if she's not adapted for this world. At her new college, she meets this giant Polish guy, Fabian, who's a social butterfly and so loud who can hear him coming from miles away. And this guy happens to think they're both meant to be.
I can't say this book took my breath away, but damn it was cute. And I enjoyed how Annie doesn't shy from telling people off when they make a remark about her being disabled or using the wrong words. That was so nice to read. I liked Annie as a character, she's funny, kind, and so strong, that's something I appreciated about her. I also really liked Fab, such a pure ray of sunshine, this boy is a puppy. I quite liked reading about these two arguing over Wuthering Heights, they made me laugh so much!
I needed something quick and cute today, and this book was perfect for that. I had a great time!
This book is simply about Annie, a sixteen-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, which means she has to use a wheelchair when she's too tired of walking. All her life people have looked at her with pity because of the way she walks, because of her wheelchair, because they expect her to be less. Not enough. Which she isn't. She's doesn't mind the way she walks, nor the fact that she has to use a wheelchair, but she's tired of how society is making feel as if she's not normal, as if she's not adapted for this world. At her new college, she meets this giant Polish guy, Fabian, who's a social butterfly and so loud who can hear him coming from miles away. And this guy happens to think they're both meant to be.
I can't say this book took my breath away, but damn it was cute. And I enjoyed how Annie doesn't shy from telling people off when they make a remark about her being disabled or using the wrong words. That was so nice to read. I liked Annie as a character, she's funny, kind, and so strong, that's something I appreciated about her. I also really liked Fab, such a pure ray of sunshine, this boy is a puppy. I quite liked reading about these two arguing over Wuthering Heights, they made me laugh so much!
I needed something quick and cute today, and this book was perfect for that. I had a great time!
April 17, 2018
Blog review:
HAPPY MAKING HILARIOUS CONTEMPORARY YOU ARE MY LOVE
Annie’s started a new school without the aid she’s had all her life. She’s independent, smart, and so hilarious. The heart and soul I want in my life, seriously gimme an Annie I’ll make her all the hot chocolates.
Annie has a barrier around herself created from dealing with ableist people all her life, while she’s as hard as nails and ready to shut people down when they speak nonsense, her guards strong but if anyone’s going to sneak past it it’s Fab. The charismatic Polish boy who could charm Umbridge if given half a chance.
I won’t get to much into the plot, it’s a contemporary read so the synopsis is all you need to know. What I will say is the characters and the side characters are well written, hilarious, and unique, I didn’t even forget who was who and I loved them all.
Superhero parties, pastries, Polish weddings, and an adventure this book is truly amazing and I’m so glad I read it when I did.
4.5/5 Stars
Thank you netgalley for the early review copy!
^The above review were my initial thoughts but I’d just like to point out it has been four months since I read this and I still have the story in my mind perfectly. With a lot of contemporaries I tend to just forget about them completely by the next week. Some while really enjoyable just aren’t memorable for me but Truly, Wildly, Deeply has stuck with me.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh and love everyone to bits this is the one for you.
Highly recommend for fans of Sara Bernard (a quiet kind of thunder) and Jen Wilde (Queens of Geek).
*note* I loved the disability rep and would love a cover that had that showcased, gimme disabled girls gracing my covers I want them all.
HAPPY MAKING HILARIOUS CONTEMPORARY YOU ARE MY LOVE
Annie’s started a new school without the aid she’s had all her life. She’s independent, smart, and so hilarious. The heart and soul I want in my life, seriously gimme an Annie I’ll make her all the hot chocolates.
Annie has a barrier around herself created from dealing with ableist people all her life, while she’s as hard as nails and ready to shut people down when they speak nonsense, her guards strong but if anyone’s going to sneak past it it’s Fab. The charismatic Polish boy who could charm Umbridge if given half a chance.
I won’t get to much into the plot, it’s a contemporary read so the synopsis is all you need to know. What I will say is the characters and the side characters are well written, hilarious, and unique, I didn’t even forget who was who and I loved them all.
Superhero parties, pastries, Polish weddings, and an adventure this book is truly amazing and I’m so glad I read it when I did.
4.5/5 Stars
Thank you netgalley for the early review copy!
^The above review were my initial thoughts but I’d just like to point out it has been four months since I read this and I still have the story in my mind perfectly. With a lot of contemporaries I tend to just forget about them completely by the next week. Some while really enjoyable just aren’t memorable for me but Truly, Wildly, Deeply has stuck with me.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh and love everyone to bits this is the one for you.
Highly recommend for fans of Sara Bernard (a quiet kind of thunder) and Jen Wilde (Queens of Geek).
*note* I loved the disability rep and would love a cover that had that showcased, gimme disabled girls gracing my covers I want them all.
March 9, 2018
I've read nearly all of JM's books so I was really looking forward to this, and I think it is most definitely my new favourite!
Annie is a superb character, it was really refreshing reading about a character who's disability was so visible, and that she is determined that people see her for WHO she is, not what conditions she may have. She's hilariously funny, and the interactions between her and Fab are great - funny and swoon worthy in equal measure.
I really enjoyed the fact this was set in 6th form, it brought back many a memory of my own time during 6th form - hanging around in the canteen, or the pub, or outside (it wasn't called a playground but it clearly was a playground!).
This is the perfect novel for fans of Holly Bourne and Rhian Ivory.
Thank you to netgalley for the chance to read this.
Annie is a superb character, it was really refreshing reading about a character who's disability was so visible, and that she is determined that people see her for WHO she is, not what conditions she may have. She's hilariously funny, and the interactions between her and Fab are great - funny and swoon worthy in equal measure.
I really enjoyed the fact this was set in 6th form, it brought back many a memory of my own time during 6th form - hanging around in the canteen, or the pub, or outside (it wasn't called a playground but it clearly was a playground!).
This is the perfect novel for fans of Holly Bourne and Rhian Ivory.
Thank you to netgalley for the chance to read this.
July 10, 2021
The MC comes across pretty young, and the writing style is pretty simple, but overall this was really fun and an enjoyable read.
May 9, 2019
Fun, love and Fab.
May 8, 2020
2.5/3 STARS:
Nothing particularly bad about this book, it just wasn't my cup of tea. I thought the disability rep was good, but I don't have any personal knowledge of cerebral palsy so I wouldn't hold me to that. It was cute, but the writing felt a bit juvenile. Perfectly pleasant, quick Summer read.
Nothing particularly bad about this book, it just wasn't my cup of tea. I thought the disability rep was good, but I don't have any personal knowledge of cerebral palsy so I wouldn't hold me to that. It was cute, but the writing felt a bit juvenile. Perfectly pleasant, quick Summer read.
January 14, 2018
Truly Wildly Deeply is the story of Annie and Fab and I just loved their story from the first page. Annie is a teenage girl who has just started college. For Annie is this the first taste of freedom for her as she has to commute alone and make new friends at a college where she doesn't know anyone. The anticipation and excitment of this new beginning was evident from the start and it was brilliant going through that with her. Annie has cerebral palsy. While she doesn't see herself as disabled and is keen to just get on with it and do her awesome thing, it was really interesting to see how people treated her differently once they saw her crutches or her wheelchair. I was so pleased that this novel had a young disabled character as the lead showing that people with condition like Annie are far more than their disability.
Fab. Oh Fab. Fab is a Polish, over enthused, over the top and excitable kind giant of a teenager. His enthusiasm for life just leaps off the page and I loved every scene with him in often for the sheer randomness of what he might do next especially once he meets Annie and tries to persuade her to go out with him. I love seeing their friendship grow over the course of the book.
Another thing I loved about the book is the positive female relationship portrayed between Annie and her new found best friend Hilary. I loved that the book showed how important it was to Annie and how the girls supported each other.
I love this book. If you haven't read it yet you desperately need to find a copy so you can meet Annie and Fab.
Fab. Oh Fab. Fab is a Polish, over enthused, over the top and excitable kind giant of a teenager. His enthusiasm for life just leaps off the page and I loved every scene with him in often for the sheer randomness of what he might do next especially once he meets Annie and tries to persuade her to go out with him. I love seeing their friendship grow over the course of the book.
Another thing I loved about the book is the positive female relationship portrayed between Annie and her new found best friend Hilary. I loved that the book showed how important it was to Annie and how the girls supported each other.
I love this book. If you haven't read it yet you desperately need to find a copy so you can meet Annie and Fab.
January 20, 2019
"This is another reason I love reading. Compared to participating in real life, the experience of opening a book and stepping into someone else's life requires no effort at all."
This book is so fluffy and CUTE! I love Fab. What a gentleman. Also, he knows how to cook and very polite also kind. He's perfect! Annie is so lucky to have him. I really enjoyed the story. Furthermore, all the words and quotes in this book is just perfect.
"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same."
Actual Rating:
4.8 stars!
This book is so fluffy and CUTE! I love Fab. What a gentleman. Also, he knows how to cook and very polite also kind. He's perfect! Annie is so lucky to have him. I really enjoyed the story. Furthermore, all the words and quotes in this book is just perfect.
"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same."
Actual Rating:
4.8 stars!
June 28, 2018
Review to come.
February 24, 2023
Pretty easy and fun story to read.
May 19, 2018
"Sometimes love makes you do wild things..."
September 13, 2018
I have liked Jenny McLachlan other books for the longest time so when I got the opportunity to read her book I was really excited. Truly, Wildly, Deeply is a stunning book that tackles first relationships with humour and wit making it a must read.
From the off, Truly, Madly, Deeply hit me with its witty nature. I fell in love with Annie from the first moment that we meet her. Jenny is so good with her writing! She was blindly relatable and genuinely funny being the stand out of the book. Having a disability myself similar to cerebral palsy it was great to read someone similar to me except my disability is a lot milder to what Annie deals with the book. I loved she did not let this get in the way of her life and it was wonderful to read about a character with a disability, a rarity in YA.
Her relationship with other characters was also really great especially the subtle relationship with her and her Mum. Her Mum was a spark of joy was caring for her daughter which was definitely a diversion from other YA parents. Her love for Annie was also really great. I also really love her best friend in the book who was quirky and loveable in all the right ways. Also, love seeing a well-developed female friendship and this was one of them.
The main part of the plot was the relationship between her and Fab. Fab was a great character and his passion for reading and learning was really great. He was also wonderfully charming and was right for Annie in so many ways. I also enjoyed Fab being Polish and the subtleties of the book regarding language.
With Fab and Annie being great, I loved their relationship together. It was wonderful to see quite a bit of their story be focused on a book, Wuthering Heights although I have not read it myself. I still loved the enthusiasm of books in books. The arguments that they had were also humorous and highlighted the differing interpretations of a book. The also had great banter. The relationship as it progressed was cute and great and I loved every minute of it.
The only thing that I disliked about the book was the trip to Haworth. This just didn't have the same weight as it could have had for anyone who had loved Wuthering Heights. Saying this I did love how their relationship blossomed as a result so it was not all bad. There was also some tension and some really lovely moments took place that made it all worthwhile!
The Verdict:
Truly, Wildly Deeply continues to showcase my love for Jenny McLachlan and is a lovely read that everyone who loves or doesn't love YA contemporary with fall head over heels over. It is a book that is overwhelming British and has a lot of heart.
From the off, Truly, Madly, Deeply hit me with its witty nature. I fell in love with Annie from the first moment that we meet her. Jenny is so good with her writing! She was blindly relatable and genuinely funny being the stand out of the book. Having a disability myself similar to cerebral palsy it was great to read someone similar to me except my disability is a lot milder to what Annie deals with the book. I loved she did not let this get in the way of her life and it was wonderful to read about a character with a disability, a rarity in YA.
Her relationship with other characters was also really great especially the subtle relationship with her and her Mum. Her Mum was a spark of joy was caring for her daughter which was definitely a diversion from other YA parents. Her love for Annie was also really great. I also really love her best friend in the book who was quirky and loveable in all the right ways. Also, love seeing a well-developed female friendship and this was one of them.
The main part of the plot was the relationship between her and Fab. Fab was a great character and his passion for reading and learning was really great. He was also wonderfully charming and was right for Annie in so many ways. I also enjoyed Fab being Polish and the subtleties of the book regarding language.
With Fab and Annie being great, I loved their relationship together. It was wonderful to see quite a bit of their story be focused on a book, Wuthering Heights although I have not read it myself. I still loved the enthusiasm of books in books. The arguments that they had were also humorous and highlighted the differing interpretations of a book. The also had great banter. The relationship as it progressed was cute and great and I loved every minute of it.
The only thing that I disliked about the book was the trip to Haworth. This just didn't have the same weight as it could have had for anyone who had loved Wuthering Heights. Saying this I did love how their relationship blossomed as a result so it was not all bad. There was also some tension and some really lovely moments took place that made it all worthwhile!
The Verdict:
Truly, Wildly Deeply continues to showcase my love for Jenny McLachlan and is a lovely read that everyone who loves or doesn't love YA contemporary with fall head over heels over. It is a book that is overwhelming British and has a lot of heart.
June 28, 2018
This book is great because although the main character has a disability, the story is not purely about her disability, it's just a part of her and her story is more important than the disability. It's also just such a happy book, in a really natural way.
February 24, 2018
Update: my longer review is up at the blog now, Trish Talks Text to coincide with the UK review next week. Here in Australia on April 1st.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
Longer review to come.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
Longer review to come.
June 1, 2019
Whatever our souls are made of, his & mine are the same.
'They say eyes are supposed to be the windows to the soul, but I think bedrooms are far more revealing.'
'I guess our souls are made of different stuff.'
'Life is too short for embarrassment.'
'Everyone is gifted, but some people never open their package.'
'Without love, life is pointless.
Life is pretty pointless, but human beings are good at inventing meaning.
If love is an invention, then why do people feel incredible when they fall in love? If you feel it - then it is real.
Love is a fairytale, a narrative humans have spun around basic animal instinct to keep the human race going.
What's the point of life then?
I've already told you: to have fun, to have an adventure!
And I've already told you there's no greater adventure in life than love.'
Nausea is the sensation that accompanies all the best, coolest things in life.
The book is basically a teenage love story. The story talks about a disabled girl falling in love with an energetic guy. Initially, she rejects his love proposal because she's not into the clichéd love stories especially which involves holding hands or romantic gestures. Only later (via an incident involving jealousy & prank) did she realise that even she likes him. A character-driven story of the relationship between Annie who has cerebral palsy and wild Fab from Poland. A really hilarious contemporary story. There're certain places in the book which makes the readers laugh their wits out.
I liked how the transition of story takes place from one point to another! I liked the bond of friendship, family, of a mother & a daughter, of a teacher & her students. Though honestly, I felt it needs a lot of improvisation to leave an everlasting impact on the readers. I didn't like the pace of the book. It's so monotonous & slow read. The desperate attempt to have friends, relationships or love life portrayed here - made me feel off or cringy. Nonetheless, a good read...
Annie is starting college and she can't wait for the adventure to begin. No more being told what to do. No more rules. No more labels. As a teenager with cerebral palsy, independence matters more than anything to Annie. The last thing she's looking for is romance.
Fab is starting college too. He's wild and energetic and he believes that the greatest adventure in life is falling in love. He's left his home in Poland and he feels adrift in the world. The one thing he's looking for is romance.
What will happen when Fab and Annie meet? Will either of them find what they are truly looking for?
'They say eyes are supposed to be the windows to the soul, but I think bedrooms are far more revealing.'
'I guess our souls are made of different stuff.'
'Life is too short for embarrassment.'
'Everyone is gifted, but some people never open their package.'
'Without love, life is pointless.
Life is pretty pointless, but human beings are good at inventing meaning.
If love is an invention, then why do people feel incredible when they fall in love? If you feel it - then it is real.
Love is a fairytale, a narrative humans have spun around basic animal instinct to keep the human race going.
What's the point of life then?
I've already told you: to have fun, to have an adventure!
And I've already told you there's no greater adventure in life than love.'
Nausea is the sensation that accompanies all the best, coolest things in life.
The book is basically a teenage love story. The story talks about a disabled girl falling in love with an energetic guy. Initially, she rejects his love proposal because she's not into the clichéd love stories especially which involves holding hands or romantic gestures. Only later (via an incident involving jealousy & prank) did she realise that even she likes him. A character-driven story of the relationship between Annie who has cerebral palsy and wild Fab from Poland. A really hilarious contemporary story. There're certain places in the book which makes the readers laugh their wits out.
I liked how the transition of story takes place from one point to another! I liked the bond of friendship, family, of a mother & a daughter, of a teacher & her students. Though honestly, I felt it needs a lot of improvisation to leave an everlasting impact on the readers. I didn't like the pace of the book. It's so monotonous & slow read. The desperate attempt to have friends, relationships or love life portrayed here - made me feel off or cringy. Nonetheless, a good read...
Annie is starting college and she can't wait for the adventure to begin. No more being told what to do. No more rules. No more labels. As a teenager with cerebral palsy, independence matters more than anything to Annie. The last thing she's looking for is romance.
Fab is starting college too. He's wild and energetic and he believes that the greatest adventure in life is falling in love. He's left his home in Poland and he feels adrift in the world. The one thing he's looking for is romance.
What will happen when Fab and Annie meet? Will either of them find what they are truly looking for?
June 26, 2018
"Some people think that when you read you're shutting yourself off from the world. But they're wrong. When I read, my world just get bigger and better."
"For the record, Annie," he says, "going out with someone isn't all about losing your freedom."
"Life is too short for embarrassment!"
Soundtrack: On My Mind by Kalai
"For the record, Annie," he says, "going out with someone isn't all about losing your freedom."
"Life is too short for embarrassment!"
Soundtrack: On My Mind by Kalai
May 12, 2019
I usually don't like YA contemporary (romance) but this book turned me into an emoji with heart eyes 😍
Stargazing for beginners was an adorable read but I loved this one so much more. Also, the cover is truly stunning! I can stare at it for hours.
Stargazing for beginners was an adorable read but I loved this one so much more. Also, the cover is truly stunning! I can stare at it for hours.
February 7, 2018
Brilliant. Full review on release
January 11, 2019
I really like the depictions of disability in this book, but the rest is very much not my cup of tea.
February 28, 2022
Okay, y’all know I am a Jenny McLachlan stan but I mean c’mon guys, she kills it every. single. time. What a legend.
“Truly, Wildly, Deeply” follows a high school girl by the name of Annie who has cerebral palsy who is one of the most badass gals in YA fiction for sure. She meets Fab, a tall Polish dude (this is so emphasised in synopses and stuff, it is truly ridiculous but there ya go!) who quickly finds an interest in Annie.
Honestly it was the personalities of both Annie and Fab that sold this for me. It was so heartwarming and charming, I was completely obsessed with the characters.
Ngl, it’s been a while since I read this, so I am quite late on the reviewing, but even now I look back on the book and I just get this super happy buzz about it. It was such an emotional rollercoaster in a sense because even though nothing really horrible happens in it, the characters just felt so real, I felt what they felt so intensely.
Goddamnit, I just realised there’s a whole new series of McLachlan’s I have never read and this is seriously not okay. We must amend this immediately!
“Truly, Wildly, Deeply” follows a high school girl by the name of Annie who has cerebral palsy who is one of the most badass gals in YA fiction for sure. She meets Fab, a tall Polish dude (this is so emphasised in synopses and stuff, it is truly ridiculous but there ya go!) who quickly finds an interest in Annie.
Honestly it was the personalities of both Annie and Fab that sold this for me. It was so heartwarming and charming, I was completely obsessed with the characters.
Ngl, it’s been a while since I read this, so I am quite late on the reviewing, but even now I look back on the book and I just get this super happy buzz about it. It was such an emotional rollercoaster in a sense because even though nothing really horrible happens in it, the characters just felt so real, I felt what they felt so intensely.
Goddamnit, I just realised there’s a whole new series of McLachlan’s I have never read and this is seriously not okay. We must amend this immediately!
February 17, 2023
Heartwarming, funny and just very lovely. The perfect book to binge read.
February 4, 2022
This has to be my favourite book!! I bought this because my English teacher found it as I hated reading back then and I didn’t realise I had bought the book I would read 14 times in less than two months. If you told me to write a sequel to this book I would have to refuse because nothing can top how amazing this book is!!!
Jenny McLachlan you have my heart with this book.
Jenny McLachlan you have my heart with this book.
February 12, 2023
rereading this book for the first time in forever (first read it like years ago after finishing the ladybird series when i was 12) and love it just as much now at 17
'truly, wildly, deeply' and the ladybird series, what's a girl gotta do (by holly bourne and the rest of the spinster club series), and ACC (dickens obvs), and pride and prejudice will forever be my comfort reads lol 100% recommend
'truly, wildly, deeply' and the ladybird series, what's a girl gotta do (by holly bourne and the rest of the spinster club series), and ACC (dickens obvs), and pride and prejudice will forever be my comfort reads lol 100% recommend
May 9, 2018
Thanks to Bloomsbury Australia for sending me a copy of the book for review.
Review will be up on my blog soon;
alwaysandforeverreading.wordpress.com
Review will be up on my blog soon;
alwaysandforeverreading.wordpress.com
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