Lovin' los libros

 

Where do I even begin? I am still reeling over the fact that I cried through the end of this one. I can count on both hands how many times a book has made me cry. When We Collided was THAT powerful and while I felt the ending was perfect for the book and that things had to happen the way they did, it was definitely bittersweet at the same time. I absolutely fell head over heels in love with Jonah Daniels and his family just like Vivi did.

 

Vivi was one heck of a main character. She was definitely a lot to take in, but I enjoyed her overall. Her vibrant, enthusiastic personality was contagious and I love how she made an impression on everyone she met. The Daniels family is desperately trying to hold themselves together after the loss of their father and my heart ached for every one of them. Vivi bursts into their lives, bringing color to their world of gray. However, like the blurb says, Vivi definitely has her highs and lows and she could act extremely immature and self centered at times. I understood it, but it still hurt my heart because it affects her relationship with Jonah. And that boy needs all the good in his life he can get. I do love that Vivi let Jonah be himself. She doesn't push or force him to talk everything out. There's a simplicity there that just works for them.

 

It's hard to discuss Jonah and Vivi's relationship without giving spoilers and I definitely don't want to do that because this is a book you have to experience for yourself. I will say that it was a crazy, beautiful love that brought healing, adventure and introspection. Jonah and Vivi learn a lot in this book and they grow because of these particular experiences. What I loved most of all was how realistic this book was. Lord does a brilliant job of capturing that youthful, whimsical feel and the emotion that bleeds from these pages is so potent that it literally took my breath away at times.

 

When We Collided is an emotional, beautiful book, but it is also messy and raw and REAL. These characters have to deal with issues such as mental illness and depression, as well as navigate the feelings of their own hearts and the reality in which they find themselves. Life isn't a fairy tale with a fairy tale ending. Life is uncertain. We have no way of predicting where it will take us or where we'll find ourselves years from now. But you only get one. So make it count.

 

"We are the reckless, we are the wild youth, chasing visions of our futures...." - from Youth's Daughter (one of Emery's playlist songs)

 

 

I am such a huge music lover and I know Emery is as well, so naturally I asked her to do a guest post featuring some tunes! Take it away Emery!

 

 

 

Thank you Emery! I obviously have some new music to check out myself!