June 15th - Chapter 11 - End

[Garan]

We did it!! We finished our first All Grown Up Book Club read!! What did y’all think? What is your star rating?! Go ahead and post your final thoughts below!

Thank y’all for joining us this month! Our next read will start a couple of weeks into July. It’s going to be very British and VERY cute!

[Brenna]

I'm not sure if I mentioned this starting out, but I had already read this book and rated it 5 stars. This time, I listened to it on Audible and it was a completely different experience. Hearing it made it even more visceral, and these last few chapters are nothing but emotion. The fake-dating scenario between Henry and June and also Alex and Nora rips my heart out of my chest, and the fact that they had to go through that pain for the truth to be thrust out into the world before they were ready is another twist of the knife.

I had forgotten that Alex couldn't contact Henry because they didn't know who the leak was, and his subsequent panic attack was almost unbearable to listen to. I couldn't even imagine being put in that situation and not at least being able to text the person I love to check on them. The moment that they get to see each other again was something I was looking forward to, because Alex's first 'Sweetheart.' to Henry melted my heart in the book itself, and hearing it out loud mended my aching soul.

That moment paired with Zahra coming through in his time of need and the absolute hilarity of 'Zahra-- you're my FRIEND!' are just welcome reprieves from the heavy sadness we are burdened with up until Henry throws back the curtains of the palace and sees the out-pour of support for the couple. From there we are transported into hope.

The reason I love this book so much, aside from the amazing love story and wit, is because love and goodness win. It is such a stark contrast from our reality where we let hate and deceit take over for us three years ago. It gives me hope for the future, and I want to make the world a place where Alex and Henry could live in harmony. I enjoyed re-reading this with you guys and discussing it, and I can't wait to get into the next one!

[Garan]

I loved listening to this, y'all. Reading it again has made my heart so full. It is still a five star read for me. It just means that much to me. I'm glad that I got to read this with a group and see y'all's thoughts and perspectives as well.