Status Updates From Ariana: The Trilogy

I finished the first book in the trilogy: Conclusion - Not that good. It honestly feels like well intentioned, hollow propoganda. Life is hard but the gospel (which is accessed through the church) fixes everything. I appreciated a lot of the moments of internal strength, the power of forgiveness, and the hope that faith can give you. I just wish there was more nuance

It's frustrating because there is a lot in here that could be very compelling, but so much is summary. So much time passes in each chapter and we never really get to slow down and FEEL what the characters are feeling. We don't get to go through Ari's journey of forgiveness, or see what Paulette struggles with, and WHY she ultimately decides to join the church. The struggles are mentioned but only superficially.

In a lot of ways, this book doesn't really EARN the emotional and spiritual moments. But, it is kinda fun to read about a character crushing on a missionary and feeling awe about meeting a general authority, and crying because The Spirit is really strong. Stuff I've experienced but never seen in fiction. I wish it was written better so I could honestly recommend it to people.

The number of coincidences is almost too much to accept: Monique is Ariana's childhood friend. She joined the LDS church, and was dating Antione and meeting with the missionaries with him. She happens to be the nurse who tends to Nette when she dies. The red-haired missionary from 2 years ago is still on his mission and in this area. But -- it does sound just like a miracle story. Idk

it's just ... not good. :/ I just really don't believe this author knows what she is talking about

The writing style feels like I'm in 1890 rather than 1990 and the dialogue is cliche. It also feels like the author has never spent significant time with people who do drugs and drink frequently, because I don't believe any of these characters when they say "I smoked pot." I don't have high hopes for the rest of this book, but we'll see.

This book is the best!